His sad eyes glance downward briefly, then back up to me. “I had a visit from my Dad.”
My eyes widen, “And he did this to you?”
Ash nods. “It turned pretty nasty. I had to block him getting through the door, but he still caused a scene. He wouldn’t leave and was mouthing off to Mum, saying things he shouldn’t. He finally left when we threatened to call the police.”
“Oh shit, I’m so sorry. Is your mum okay?”
“A little shaken up. We’ve got to get some more of her things from the house today while Dad’s at work. She seemspretty nervous about going back there, so I might just go do it myself.”
“Calla babe,” a voice comes from the open door of the café. “I really need you inside a second.”
“I’ll be right there,” I call back to Rosie, then look to Ash.
“Sorry, Cal,” he says, stroking my arm. “I should have waited to tell you this later.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m glad you’re here.” I look to his bruising again. “Don’t you think you should go to the doctors?”
“It looks worse than it is. Nothing hurts too bad, I’ll be okay.”
“You sure? Why don’t you come in and I’ll get you a coffee or something? Maybe Rosie can look at the swelling, she knows a bit of First Aid.”
“Honestly, I’m good. I won’t hold you up. I can see you’re busy.”
Ash Chambers can hold me up, down, any which way he bloody well likes. I just wish this hadn’t happened to him; he doesn’t deserve it.
“I just wanted to say sorry about last night.”
“Hey, it’s fine. Your mum is more important. It’s all good.” I look down and bite my lip. I’m turning into such a sap over him. This is not me. I take the piss out of girls who act this way, yet I can’t help myself.
He steps forward again, holding my hips either side, “I knew you’d be okay with it, but I wanted you to know I’d never miss out on time with you if it wasn’t an emergency.”
“Ash, I promise it’s okay. You don’t have to explain to me.”
“Yes, I do, Cal. To you more than anyone.”
Those eyes of his draw me in, and I’m about to press my whole body to his, then remember I’m covered in crap. “You’ve caught me at a great time, I don’t want to mess youup,” I huff out a laugh, stepping back from him and holding out my arms to the side. I notice while looking down my apron; my chunky pink trainers are also covered in baked bean sauce. I blow away a strand of hair which has escaped from my messy ponytail.
“Oh, you can mess me up Cal, in fact, I encourage it.” He chews his bottom lip fully while I wish I had time to bite his lip for him. Holy shit, this boy has my girl bits tingling.
“I… I better go in,” I signal with my thumb over my shoulder. “We’re short-staffed right now, although Rosie is advertising for someone new. You don’t fancy an extra job?” I joke.
“I’m tempted, but I don’t think I’d get a lot of work done. There’s a seriously hot waitress working here and I’m pretty sure she’d be hell-bent on distracting me.” He grabs the strap of my apron, pulling me forward to kiss my mouth firmly with his soft lips.
“Sorry, can I just get through the door?”
We’re blocking the entrance, and I’m so embarrassed, I look away, wiping my lips with the pad of my thumb. I turn around to apologise. “I’m so sorry—” but I stop when I come face to face with Scott. “Jesus Christ, what are you doing here?” It falls from my mouth, the sight of him almost knocking me off my feet. Then Ash greets his old friend with, “Hey man,” and a broad smile, making up for my vomit of words. I can’t help it. Seeing Scott again so soon is a shock for me. He’s like a bloody bad penny.
“Well, look who we have here.” I can’t believe my eyes when Angie appears out of the blue. “What are you doing here?” I ask.
“Just thought I’d call in on my way to work.” I’ve never been more pleased to see my oldest friend.
“You remember Angie?” I ask Scott. Now we’ll seesparks fly. Angie didn’t take any of his shit at school, so she won’t hold back now.
“Knob end. Is that really you?”
“Delightful as ever Angie.” I smile half-heartedly at his reaction. This is new for him. He wouldn’t have laughed off her comment so easily a few years back.
“What are you doing hanging around these parts?” Angie asks him bluntly.
