She found the Tylenol and quickly swallowed two tablets.
“We’ll be at the hotel soon,” Matthew said from beside her.
The lights of Manhattan shone brightly through the taxi’s windows. Ashley leaned against the headrest and took a deep breath.
Matthew’s fingers tightened on hers. “It’s been a big night.”
“I almost feel sorry for Jasmine. She must have been shocked when she realized Gareth Welsh had stolen money from her and her foundation.”
“It doesn’t excuse what she did after she discovered the money was missing.”
“I pushed her into a corner. If I hadn’t looked at the grants the Foundation received, she might have been able to repay the money before any of the programs were affected.”
“Someone would have eventually realized what was happening. The outcome would have been the same whether you’d written your articles or not.”
Ashley knew he was right, but it didn’t make her feel any better. She should have been celebrating her first steps into the world of investigative journalism, not feeling as though she’d made a big mistake.
“There have been some great comments on Facebook about the youth center.”
“At least that’s one positive thing to come out of this. I hope it makes a difference to their funding.”
Matthew frowned. “You knew your articles would have an impact on The Reaching High Foundation, so what’s really worrying you?”
“Nothing. I’ll be okay.”
“Are you sure?”
She looked through the window, then at Matthew. “I’m not sure about anything at the moment.”
“This is everything you’ve ever wanted.”
“That’s what’s worrying me. I thought that once today was over, I’d be happier than I am.”
“You told me you haven’t been sleeping very well. You’re probably tired.”
Ashley nodded. It was easier than telling him why she hadn’t been sleeping. “What time are you leaving for the airport tomorrow?”
“Harry said he’d drop me off. He’s picking me up at five o’clock.”
The taxi stopped in front of their hotel. Matthew pulled out his wallet.
“I’ll pay for the ride,” she said. “It’s the least I can do.”
“You don’t owe me anything.”
He was wrong. She owed him more than he’d ever know. “Just say thank you.”
“Thank you.”
She paid the driver and left the taxi.
Matthew held out his arm. “Would Ms. Fisher like to be escorted to her room?”
“Ms. Fisher would like that very much.” She wrapped her hand around his arm, hugging him close. This was the last time she’d see him for a while.
When they walked into the foyer of the hotel, Ashley groaned. It was crammed with people and their bags, everyone jostling to either check in or check out of their rooms. The chaos reminded her of Grand Central Station.
“Where do all these people come from?” Matthew murmured as a group of airline staff hauled their bags toward the elevators.
