“She’s the opposite of them in every way.Walks around like she owns everything and expects everyone to worship her, even though she’s not a local and not liked or respected.She married some rich guy who likes to throw his money around to get his way.She throws even more of it around than he does.Of course, she’s around more than he is, but she’s just demanding of attention.”
“I definitely got that feeling from her the one time I saw her in Daily Ritual.She seemed like she was difficult.”
Ashlyn faced me with a smirk.“You never told me about that.Then again, I wouldn’t have understood the significance.”
I shrugged.“I learned later it was the day she was telling Josh about moving the graduation party to his house.She was in line in front of me before he got there and definitely had her demands on display.”
“Is that code for boobs?”
I snorted.“No, but those were on display, too.”
“She’s something.”Ashlyn scanned the room where everyone was gathering.“I imagine she’ll be here.The last time we spoke, she demanded I find her a rental for family coming in for graduation.Everything was booked, and she was furious that I wouldn’t cancel another reservation so she could have the place she wanted at the last minute.”
“Wow,” I breathed, catching sight of the woman herself walking in like she was the most important one in the room.“She’s here.”
Ashlyn turned to the door, taking in the head to toe auburn pantsuit Hannah wore.She had on a massive hat in a matching color and sunglasses like a movie star trying to hide her appearance and only drawing more attention to herself.
As we stared at Hannah, Josh skidded to a stop in front of us.“Hey.”
“Hi.How are you?”
“Busy.I’m sorry.I didn’t know you were going to be here.”
I shook my head.“We’re here for Christy.”
“You are?”
I nodded.“Of course.We brought food from Daily Ritual for her, but she’s been pretty slammed.”I pointed to the box Ashlyn was holding.
Josh’s face softened, his eyes going molten and having the same effect on my insides.“You’re amazing.”
“I can’t take the credit.Ashlyn said she didn’t eat much the day of her dad’s funeral.She thought it would be good, even if Christy doesn’t eat anything until later.”
“Thank you.”He wrapped an arm around my back and hugged me to him.He kissed my neck and lingered at my ear.“You look amazing, and I feel like a jerk saying that here, but you’re gorgeous.”
I smiled at him, my heart fluttering at the look in his eyes.“You look exhausted.You should eat something, too.And Oscar.I’m sure none of you are sleeping.”
Ashlyn held the box up in front of him.“Kannon sent plenty for everyone.Maybe you can pull them away one at a time to eat something.”
Josh took the box and hugged Ashlyn.“Thanks.This means a lot.”
Ashlyn nodded.
Josh looked at the line to speak to Christy and winced.“I really need to go.I’m sorry.I…”
I shook my head.“Go be with Christy.She needs you right now.Just like Oscar did years ago.I’ll see you later or in a few days or whenever it makes sense.”
“Are you mad?”
I smiled and cupped his jaw.“Not in the least.I promise.Go be with your family.”
His eyes softened again, gratitude and something that looked like love to my vulnerable heart shining at me.He kissed me quickly, then carried the box away.He made a beeline for Oscar, pointing to us after a second.
Oscar waved, and we smiled and waved back.
“Hey,” Sage said from behind us.“I was hoping I’d find you guys.This is crazy.”
“It is.Everyone loves Coach, and Christy,” Ashlyn said.
