On my way back to the house, Ashlyn called out again.“Did Evie enjoy her party?”
I stopped, smiling at the mention of Evie.I moved closer, noticing the holes in the yard where the tent had been.I was thankful they removed it the next day, but the marks it left behind were less than ideal.“She had a great time.Thanks again for letting us invade your yard.It looks like I have some work to do to fix it.Sorry about that.”
Ashlyn dismissed my concern with a wave of her hand.“It’s not a big deal.I was going to pick up a bag of dirt this week.”
“I’ll take care of it.You didn’t ask for the invasion.”
Ashlyn laughed.“Neither did you.”
“Yeah, well, I’m used to Hannah inflicting her personal agenda on me.”
Ashlyn smiled tightly, not commenting.
“You two have a good night.”
“You should join us,” Ashlyn said as I turned.“You and Evie.We’re just enjoying the evening.”
“Evie worked at the hospital today.She came home and crashed.”
Ashlyn snickered.“First real job?Poor girl.”
I snorted.“Yeah.She’s so unfortunate.”
“It’s a tough lesson.But she’ll have an easier time with her next job.”
“I think so.”
“Hi Ashlyn,” Evie said from behind me.“And Reegan, right?”
“Nice to see you again,” Reegan said, smiling at my kid.
I’d forgotten about them meeting at the party and was about to ask how they knew each other.I let my gaze slide to Reegan as Evie took a seat next to Ashlyn.
“Your dad said you had a long day,” Ashlyn said, reaching over to squeeze Evie’s hand.“It gets better.”
“I hope so,” Evie lamented.“I don’t know how people work all day.”
Ashlyn and I laughed, but Reegan offered Evie understanding.“You are used to being in school all day.It’s not much different.”
“I sit down most of the day at school.I was on my feet the entire day today.”
“Do you have a tennis ball?”
Evie nodded, her brows tugging together.
“Put your foot on top of it and roll it back and forth over your arches.There are balls made for that, they’re for runners, but a tennis ball works in a pinch.A hot shower will soothe your muscles, too.And sleep.”
“You sound like my dad,” Evie grumbled, sliding me a look.
“That’s because she’s right,” I said.
“I need to do that tennis ball thing.”Evie swung her gaze to me.“Are you making shish kabobs?”
I nodded.“I was about to put them on the grill.Is that okay?”
“Yeah.Can we eat out here with Ashlyn and Reegan?”Evie pleaded with her eyes, and I had no choice but to agree.
“Ashlyn just asked if we wanted to join them.”
