The old Ashley would have laughed, thrown her hands up and admitted she was hopeless. The new Ashley was going to suck it up, be calm and get the job done.
“Are you coming to my party?” Ashley asked, suddenly worried she’d be surrounded by a sea of unfamiliar faces.
“Of course I am. I promised you I’d come. I know you’re nervous, but really, this is your thing, Ash. You shine at social events. Everyone loves you and you’re so sweet.”
“Why don’t you meet me at Tabitha’s place the afternoon before. We’ll get our hair done together. I’m aiming for a more sophisticated look for the party. You know, mature and married as opposed to young and flighty.”
Pippa snorted. “Flighty?”
Ashley laughed it off but she knew well that Devon considered her a complete ditz.
“I need Carly’s makeup skills, too.”
“Honey, you aren’t holding tea for the queen. You’re hosting a cocktail party for friends and business associates. We already love you. And those who don’t will. Stop tormenting yourself over this.”
“I just don’t want to look stupid,” Ashley said.
Pippa shook her head. “I swear I don’t know what’s got into you lately. You’re perfect and anyone who doesn’t think so can kiss my ass.”
“I love you,” Ashley said, emotion knotting her throat.
Pippa hugged her fiercely and then pulled away. “Are you pregnant or something? I swear you’re not usually so emotional.”
“Oh, God, I don’t think so. I mean it’s possible but I haven’t even kept up with my periods. I just remember being thrilled it wasn’t going to happen on my honeymoon. You know, the one I ended up cutting short.”
“Well, take one of those home pregnancy tests. You’re a mess, Ash. Hormones have to be the reason why.”
She closed her eyes. No, she couldn’t be pregnant yet. Well, she certainly could, but she suddenly didn’t want to be. But it was a little too late for that line of thinking. When was the last time she and Devon had made love anyway? Definitely before the wedding. But it was still too soon to tell.
“I’ll give it a little more time,” she said firmly. “I’m just a wreck over this stupid party. I feel like it’s my first big test as Mrs. Devon Carter. I don’t want to humiliate myself or him in front of a hundred people.”
“Stop it,” Pippa chided. “You’re going to be awesome. Now, do you want to try this sauce again?”
Ashley sighed. “I’m thinking I should start out with something even easier. Sauces aren’t my thing apparently. I keep ruining them.”
“Okay, then let’s try something different. Name something else you love to eat.”
Ashley thought a minute. “Lasagna. That sounds really good right now.”
“Perfect! And it couldn’t be easier. I’ll give you the easy recipe. You can always graduate to fancier once you’ve mastered the kid-friendly version.”
“That’s me,” Ashley said in resignation. “The kid-friendly version.”
Pippa swatted her with a towel. “Grab the hamburger meat from the fridge. I think we’re down to the last pack so you better nail this one, girlfriend.”
Half an hour later, Ashley put her fist in the air as she and Pippa stood back and closed the oven door on a perfect, if somewhat beleaguered, lasagna.
“I can totally do that on my own,” Ashley said as Pippa wiped her hands. “I’m so excited! Maybe I’m not a complete lost cause.”
Pippa shook her head. “All it takes is a little time and patience. You’re going to be a culinary genius in no time.”
Ashley threw her arms around her friend and hugged her tight. “Thanks, Pip. I love you, you know. You’re the best.”
Pippa grinned. “I love you, too, you nut. Now go home and make your lasagna before your husband gets there. Call me tomorrow and let me know how it went. And take that damn pregnancy test. I’ll want to know if I’m going to be an aunt!”
Ashley rolled her eyes. She started to walk toward the door when her cell phone beeped, signaling a received text message. She pulled it out and then frowned as she read it.
“What is it, Ash?” Pippa asked.
