“Because it’s the truth,” she says earnestly. I had no idea Fenella could be earnest. So serious. She’s always the life of the party, with her don’t care attitude.
She looks like she cares now. Big purple eyes intent on my face, intense like she’s trying to make me belief her. “I know my brother, and I’ve never seen him like this. Wait here a minute, okay?” And Fenella rushes out of the shop, leaving me confused.
Bewildered.
Feeling things I want to feel but won’t let myself.
Like, what if Ashton did really have feelings for me? But that’s not possible.
Is it?
Silas smiles sympathetically as I make my way to the counter. “Ashton’s staying with us,” he offers. “In case you were wondering.”
“I wasn’t, but thanks.” I might have pulled off the nonchalant attitude, if my voice wasn’t shaking.
“He’s feeling pretty sorry for himself,” Silas adds.
“As he should be,” I tell him curtly.
“Yeah.” He stands for a minute, then asks for my order.
I love that I only have to say it’s for me and Stella for Silas to know exactly what I want. Everyone in Battle Harbour knows what I want, what I’m like.
I’m predictable, dependable,nice. I’m not the type of girl Ashton would want. He’s a billionaire and I… I live here in Battle Harbour. I am not a billionaire, but the manager of a fish and chip place who likes to play at painting.
Ashton doesn’t want me, regardless of what he told Fenella.
Silas meets me at the end of the counter with my drinks. It’s not as busy today, with only a few of the tables filled. “Sophie,” Silas says in a low voice. “That family… they’re different then we are. Fenella… there’s a lot about her that I don’t understand, because I wasn’t brought up like they were. I could never live the way they have lived. I don’t get a lot of what she’s been through. Their father…” He gives a shake. “And their mother.”
“Yeah. I mean, I don’t know but…”
“When she talks about their parents, it’s so unbelievable, like they’re from another planet. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t good people.” He shrugs a shoulder, and I can’t help comparing Silas to Ashton’s graceful shrug.
Ashton in his leather jacket. Cashmeresweater.
Cupping my face as he kisses me.
“I mean, the jury is still out on the parents,” Silas adds with a rueful smile. “But Fenella? And Ashton? I’ve really gotten to know him and he’s, he’s not what you expect. But I think you know that.”
“I thought I did.”
“No.” Silas looks at me steadily. “You do know that. In your heart. And you need to remember that. Ashton made a mistake listening to his father, but he’s not the first son to do that. But that was the only one. I don’t think Ashton feels that anything about the last few weeks has been a mistake. Fen says it’s the happiest he’s ever been, and I believe her. You should too.”
“What are you telling me to do, Silas?” I demand.
“Nothing. Nothing at all. I know enough about women not to ever tell them what to do.” Silas laughs without humour. “But maybe just believe in what’s in your heart. And believe in yourself. I know that was a big thing for me, when we got together. It was so unbelievable, that it didn’t feel real.”
“I know the feeling,” I admit.
“But it’s so right, that it has to be real. And.” He shrugs again. “Stranger things have happened. Billionaires seem to go with Battle Harbour these days.”
“Maybe,” I say, and begin to back away, cups in a tray so I can balance with one hand. “Thanks.”
“Anytime.”
Fenella meets me at the door. “Good, I was afraid you’d leave. Ashton left this for you.” She pushes a dress bag at me.
Arthur’sAttire. “He’s not buying me a dress,” I tell her.
