“Damn right I do.” A car turns into the parking lot, and we both glance over to see who it is. Fortunately, not someone either of us know well.
“If someone does have to leave, it should be me.” She exhales raggedly. “You’ve been here for years, and I’m new. You’d have stayed here for years more if I hadn’t come along.”
I can tell she’s beating herself up, and I won’t have it. “Harls, no. I’ll go. You’re Seth’s sister, and he has all those grand plans about making a splash on the women’s circuit. Don’t worry about me. Whatever happens, I’ll be fine.”
She looks dubious. “We’ll talk about it later.”
“So, what now?”
She considers this for a moment. “There’s someone I need to talk to. I’ll give her a call and see if she’s free. Then perhaps I could come by your place.”
I don’t want to separate from her. My instincts shout at me that it’s the wrong thing to do, but logically I know her plan is sound. I kiss her lips, lingering for a few seconds to breathe her in as though it’s the last time we might ever do this.
“We can sit in my car while you make that call.”
Harley
There’s only one person who’s ever been able to manage Seth when he’s in a mood, and that’s his ex-wife, Ashlin. I follow Devon to his car and climb into the passenger seat, then scroll my contacts until I find her details. I know Ashlin is unlikely to speak to Seth on my behalf. As far as I’m aware, they haven’t been in touch since they divorced three years ago, but I’m hoping she can give me some pointers.
I swipe the call icon, and reach across to take Devon’s hand, needing the physical contact to anchor me. The call connects, and I cross my fingers she’ll have time to talk.
“Hey, Ash.”
“Hi Harley, how are you?” Her voice is strong but sweet, exactly like I remember.
“Um, mostly good, but I have a problem. How about you? We haven’t talked for ages.”
“It’s been too long. Is there something I can help with? I’d love to see your beautiful face in person.”
“Yes,” I exclaim, overcome with relief. “Maybe we could meet today? I need your help.”
“Absolutely.” Something rustles in the background. “We could get coffee. Maybe around three this afternoon if that works?”
“That would be perfect.” God, I’m so glad she’s my friend.
“Great! I’ll choose a café that Seth isn’t likely to visit so we can talk without an inquisition.”
I cringe, hating the thought that Ashlin chooses to hide from the man who used to adore her. I also hate feeling like I’m betraying Seth a second time by seeing her. It isn’t as though I’ve lied to him about our friendship. He just hasn’t asked and I haven’t volunteered the information.
One of Devon’s brows hitches up questioningly.
“I’ll text you a place,” she says. “Have to get back to work now.”
“See you then.”
“Bye, Harley.”
Ending the call, I offer Devon a smile. “I’m going to see her later today.”
He raises our joint hands to his mouth and kisses mine. “Who is it?”
“A friend.”
“Oh?” His nose crinkles. “Now I’m intrigued. I need the details, Harls.”
I sigh. “Seth’s ex, Ashlin.”
His eyes widen. “His ex-wife?”
