“Hmm.” Ashlin ponders my question. “Honestly, the best thing you can do is show him you’re serious with your actions. Stay strong together and prove that you’re in it for the long haul. If he sees you as a solid unit, his perception of the risk will decrease. At the moment, you’re a big unknown for him.” She reaches over and pats my hand sympathetically. “You’re going to have to be patient, honey.”
I deflate. That wasn’t the answer I’d wanted. I’d hoped she could give me a quick fix I could implement tonight and have everything mostly back to normal tomorrow. “Do you think it’s worth talking to him?”
“Unless you lose your temper, it probably won’t make things worse.” She gives me a look. “Are you likely to get angry with him?”
“Uh, maybe.”
She nods, as though she expected this. “I know it’s not what you want to hear, but just go along with him for now. Show him you’re two adults in a mature relationship and that you can handle whatever comes your way. He’ll change his mind eventually.”
“You think?”
Her lips curve up. “I do. But I’ll tell you what might soften him up.”
“What?” I lean forward, eager to hear more.
“Buy him a growler of red ale from the Bulldog Brewery.” She winks. “It’s his favorite.”
My heart lifts. “Thanks, Ash.”
Despite her advice not being what I’d hoped, I feel more optimistic than I did earlier.
“No problem. Happy to help. And hey, now that you’re in the city, we can see each other regularly. Actually,” she wets her lips with her tongue, “I thought I might come to those fights you have in a few weeks. I’ve watched you on YouTube, but I want to see how far you’ve come in person.” Her eyes are bright with moisture. “I’m so proud of you.”
My throat constricts. “I’d love for you to come.”
She tucks a strand of dark hair behind her ear. “I might not be able to talk to you at the time, but I’ll text you after, and I’ll be there for you.”
I scoot around the table and give her a hug, blinking back tears of my own. “Thanks. You’re the best.”
I back off before I get overly emotional. The rest of our visit passes too quickly. When she drops me off at Devon’s, I wish I could invite her in to visit for longer, but I have other things that need attending to, so with a heart heavier than I’d like, I say goodbye with a promise to meet again soon.
Devon
Harley and I decide to follow Ashlin’s suggestion. Much as I can tell the inaction bothers her, and she’d rather go kick down Seth’s door and demand he rethink his decision, instead we pick up a growler of red ale from the Bulldog Brewery, and drop by his place.
We knock on the condo door rather than letting ourselves in with Harley’s key.
When Seth opens the door, a scowl on his face, I thrust the growler into his arms. He steps back, stunned, and glances down at it.
“What’s this?”
“A gift.”
His scowl slips for a moment. “Uh, thanks. How’d you know it’s my favorite?”
I tap the side of my nose. “I pay attention.”
“Right.” His expression is dubious. “Have you guys thought about what you want to do?”
“Yes.” Harley nods and links her arm with mine. “I’ll keep training at Crown MMA, and Devon will explore other options.” She gives me a look that says she’s not completely happy with the plan.
“Well.” I can tell he’s taken aback. “Okay. If you’re sure that’s what you want.”
“It is,” I say firmly.
He nods, and it’s almost respectful. “Did you want to come in?”
“Not tonight.” Harley and I discussed this previously and decided it was best not to push our luck by flaunting our relationship so soon after coming clean.
