“You’re totally fine, Ash. We take bets for the fun of it. Besides, Shaun’s mom is as hit-and-miss as you are now that she’s wedding planning.”
Ashley grinned, knowing it gave her brother-in-law, Shaun, ulcers just thinking about his mom remarrying. Annie even wanted him to walk her down the aisle. “How is Shaun holding up?”
Paige shrugged. “He likes to grumble about it, but I think he’s secretly pleased.” She walked back to her spot in the front, and Ashley reluctantly followed. “You haven’t stayed late at work in a while, Ash. A big project?”
Ashley pictured Chase slowly turning in a circle in his new pants and shirt, waiting for her verdict. She wouldn’t exactly call him a project.
“What’s that goofy smile for?” Paige asked, nudging Ashley with her elbow. “Wait. You said you were helping ‘a guy.’ Does this mean…?”
Ashley could tell Paige wanted her to fill in that blank with exciting news, but that wasn’t happening. “He’s a friend. Nothing more.”
“Who’s a friend?” Lina asked, her eyes twinkling with interest as she came to stand next to them.
“Nobody,” Ashley answered with finality. The music started up, and she’d never been more thankful to start dancing again.
Chase had a girlfriend. There was no use bringing him up. And it was too soon to mention the flower at her desk or the return of her bracelet. She was too afraid to get her hopes up about it. Or theirs.
