“We're not going out on another date. We did exactly what you said. It’s not our fault. Claire switched omegas and if you would’ve actually told us a name and given us a picture, this never would’ve happened,” I blurted as my frustrations leaked through.
“I know. I did that because I thought it would be a good idea, considering Claire’s career. I didn’t want you to go in with any preconceived notions, especially because her public social media isn’t who she is as a person at all. I’m sorry for the mix-up,” Marilyn explained.
“It really hurt us,” Ashton said softly.
I pulled him to me. He’d been taking this hard.
“I had no idea Claire had swapped. There’s been a lot for me to handle. I just figured since I heard no complaints and saw a picture or two that everything was fine. No, you don’t have to date anyone else.” Marilyn looked a little defeated.
“Thank you,” I replied.
“But what about this person you did spend all week with? Those pictures look like a lot of fun. I didn’t know you climbed trees.” Marilyn’s voice went hopeful.
“Kai went back to Hawai’i. Spring break’s over.” I sighed.
“Well, I’m glad you had a good time. That was the main point of this. I know your focus is on the final game, but if at some point you do want to be introduced to some nice omegas, just let me know. I’m sorry for how all this turned out. I thought it would be fun,” Marilyn apologized.
“It’s fine. You tried,” I replied.
It had been fun. Too much fun. I wanted more of Kai.
Marilyn hustled off.
I looked at Ashton. “Do you want to grab a beer or do you just want to go home?”
My mind kept flashing back to last night and Ashton wrapped in those blankets that still smelled of Kai. How sad he was. I was sad too, but I wasn’t used to seeing him like this, not even after Charlotte.
“Let’s just go home and order Thai food,” Ashton said quietly.
We drove back to our place, the car quiet except for some particularly angsty music. As he drove, I placed the order for dinner, getting our usual.
Ashton went straight to the kitchen and got down that bottle of expensive scotch. We hadn’t finished off the whole thing during drunken puzzles, which had actually been more fun than I expected. I’d do puzzles more often that way.
He drank directly from the bottle, then leaned against the counter, eyes closed.
Shit, he had it bad, and I didn’t know what to do about it.
We ate our Thai food and got caught up on a show that we’d missed a few episodes of.
Kai still hadn’t texted, but she was probably in class. I snapped a picture of the two of us on the couch, wrapped in blankets, and sent it to her.
Me
Wish you were here.
I wasn’t even sure what time it was there. Time zones confused me.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I finally said to Ashton, putting my arms around him, and burying my head in his shoulder.
“What is there to talk about?” Ashton sighed.
“Everything will be fine. I miss her, too. We’ll see her soon. Maybe we can go out for her graduation if she’d like that?” I suggested.
He perked. “That would be nice if we wouldn’t be imposing. We could go out a little after or see if there’s any holiday weekends.”
“That sounds great. Why don’t we take a shower and get ready for bed?” It was kind of early, but we did have a big day tomorrow. A little extra rest would probably do us good.
“That's a good idea.” Taking my hand, he led me to the shower.
