Her mother being there was a surprise. Ash being there was a surprise. He had no idea how Audrey was handling it so well. She had just performed a show, and now she was smiling and easygoing with unexpected guests. Ash kept his feelings inside and his hands to himself. He just sat next to her.
Everything was great, cordial, and wonderful with dinner. He was glad the families got to know each other and that they got along. But goodness, he was actually aching to hold Audrey.
That didn't get to happen. Their relationship hadn't been made official, and therefore wasn't acknowledged by these people. They acted nonchalant, and after dinner, they all said goodbye. Ash would have insisted that they hang out that evening, but Audrey's mom and sister were in town, and that complicated things. He would have to be patient.
Audrey had made a regretful face when she said goodbye to him at the restaurant. "I'll text you in a little bit, and we'll figure out a way to connect," she had said.
It was an hour later when he heard from her.
Chapter 19
Audrey
I composed a text to Ash as soon as I got a minute to myself. I was sitting on the toilet with the lid down. I had already finished in there, but I was taking an extra minute to send Ash a text since I hadn't been able to talk to him much after the show or at dinner.
Me:
Hey! Gosh, Ash, I can't believe you came to my show! James's mom didn't come, and she lives in Laurel. I feel so loved. My mom, too! That was a shock. She's in there making cookies with Lu, which is also a shock. Life is funny. I miss you. Can I see you tonight, maybe? Mom and Lu will be in bed by ten, and Josie said she'll listen out for Lu if I want to sneak out and go party, lol. No, really, I would love to see you if you can. Sorry, I know it's a weird time to make plans. LMK what you think.
It was probably too long a text, but I sent it. I thought I had played it sufficiently cool. I felt anxious to see him.
"Mom! Where is my magic quarter trick? I want to show Grandma Ann!" I heard Lu yell through the door.
My text notification dinged when Luna hollered, and I didn't even look down to read it before answering. I had my eyes closed, trying to remember where I had seen that quarter.
"Check in that little drawer in the red thing at the end of the hallway—where the envelopes and stamps are. Otherwise, look in your room."
I almost added that I had told her a million times to put all that stuff in one place, but I didn't say that.
"Okay!" she said, taking off with the pitter-patter of feet down the hall. I looked at my phone and smiled when I read what was on the screen.
Ash:
I will pick you up at ten to go party.
I felt a rush of panic.
Me:
I was joking. I'm good with just chillin.
Ash:
I figured. I was messing with you. Nothing to do at ten on Sunday in Billings anyway.
Me:
I missed you.
I felt a wave of butterflies when I sent it.
Ash:
You have no idea. I can't wait to see you. Be there soon.
Me:
I'll meet you outside.
