“No.Don’t. Don’t do this.I can’t do this.Not now. Not ever.” I turn away from him, needing space, but Jamie grabs my wrist before I can escape. “Seriously... what am I even doing here?”
“You’re here because everybody needs people to lean on, Ashton. It doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.” He forces me to look at him, and I want to scream at what I see staring back at me. “The house is big. Avoid me if you want. But you’re here because this is where you’re supposed to be. And at some point, we’re going to talk about this shit.”
“Jamie... I can’t—” I yank my hand away, and he stares at me like he wants to fight me on this.
Our eyes stay locked in a war. Neither of us willing to look away first.
Until he does, and I offer up a silent prayer of thanks.
“Life dealt you a shit card. I get it. I know you’re dealing with it the best you can. But you don’t have to do it alone. Let us help you, Ashton.”
God, why does he have to go and do that?
It really is easier to deal with this man when he’s an ass.
Heartfelt Jamie is just...Damn it. He’s too much.
And I’m not sure how to handle him.
“You know what?” I admit softly. Exhausted, no fight left in me. So I do what’s become second nature and paste on a smile, one I’ve perfected from years of performing. “I’ve had a really bad day and just took it out on you. I shouldn’t have done that.” I pick up the bags and straighten my spine. “Please tell your friend thank you for me.”
And then I get the hell out of the basement before I can step any closer to this man and beg him to make me forget everything.
ASHTON
Life is like a game of Go Fish.
Do you have any kings?
Yup–here’s two.
Do you have any fucks?
Nope. Not a single one left to give.
Go fucking fish.
—Ashton’s Secret Thoughts
Ashton
Hey, Dad. I need to update you on the latest with Mom. Any chance you can meet for lunch soon?
There. I made an attempt.
Sure. It only took me six weeks to make it, but I still tried.
Dad
I’m in California for team business for the next two weeks, honey. I could try to swing by Chicago on my way home. Want to get something on the calendar for April?
Ashton
Tomorrow is April first, Dad.
Dad
Right. I’m thinking mid-month.
