I know the reason I’ve never asked. It’s because I don’t want to know what he does with other people.
Ashton can see or do, or be with whoever he chooses. I choose not to know about it.
I’ve made it down to the dining room a few times this week, grateful for the chance to eat at a table with other people, and enjoy food that is straight-from-the-kitchen hot, rather than slightly lukewarm from being carried up three floors.
“What are you doing tonight?” he asks.
I give a surprised laugh. “Uh, same as always.” I sweep a hand, still holding the crutch, around the room.
The room that has become mine since I’ve stayed here. My paints on the table, my books in a pile. My laptop and phone charging on the table. The blanket I like to snuggle under when I sit on the couch.
I’m comfortable here, I realize. For the first time, it feels like some place where I belong, not like I’m just slotted in where others are obligated to take care of me.
“Want to order in food and watch a movie?” Ashton asks.
He’s not obligated to ask. He doesn’t have to spend more time with me. He’s put in his time today, keeping me company. Babysitting me.
He’s free to go, but maybe… maybe he doesn’t want to.
30
Ashton
ItextGunnartoseeif he and Stella want to join us.
They have plans, and they ask me to join them, but I tell them I’m going to stay with Sophie.
I’m sure Stella isn’t thrilled about that.
I understand why she wouldn’t want me around Sophie. I get why their father doesn’t trust me either. And maybe if this was all about making sure they don’t decide I need to be punished more for the accident, I would listen to their warnings and abide by their concerns.
But it’s more than that now.
I know Sophie doesn’t blame me. Won’t want me punished.
And I’m still here. With her.
We decide to order burgers from the fish and chip place because Sophie wants me to taste how good they are. I let her pick the movie. I’m kind of hoping she’ll pick Alien because I haven’t seen it in a while.
It takes her forever to decide, scrolling through the streaming channels, looking at new releases and older ones. We debate her choices—too slow, toomuch CGI, too sad—until we stumble across a group of movies from the 1990s. The burgers are already here when she finally picks one starring Drew Barrymore.
“Did you ever meet her?” Sophie asks as we unwrap our burgers. The scent of grilled meat, caramelized onions, and crispy French fries makes my stomach growl.
Lately, Sophie is obsessed with how many celebrities I know. Not that I know them, but I’m met my fair share.
I’ve dated a few as well, but she never asks me about them. And I’m glad.
I don’t want to talk about my exes or girls I’ve casually dated.
Especially the ones I’ve met at parties, and taken a liking to for the night, only to leave their texts unread and unresponded to.
Yes, it’s a jerk move. No, I never really thought about it before now.
Yes, I can understand why Stella and Duncan want me to stay far away from Sophie.
“Years ago,” I confirm, popping a fry into my mouth. “She’s pretty cool.”
“Who was your favourite famous person you’ve met?” she demands as she steals an extra crispy fry from my plate, replacing it with two of her own.
