I hesitate. I don't want to bring him up. Don't want to drag her back into that world. But she asked. And I won’t fucking lieto her. Not like he did. "Some," I admit. "He and Devon moved to California. Beverly Hills."
"Of course they did," she says bitterly. "Fresh start in the land of fake everything."
"That's what people are saying."
"And the company?"
"He's not going back to Ancre. The press statement was them buying time so the stock didn’t slide into hell. The board made it clear he's not welcome back. Who knows what he’ll do now."
She's quiet for a moment. "And Devon?"
"She posted something on Instagram about wanting to be on Real Housewives when he finally marries her."
Julie's eyes widen. "Are you serious?"
"Dead serious."
"Jesus Christ." She laughs, but it's hollow. "The divorce isn't even final yet."
"I know."
She shakes her head. "I don't know why I'm surprised. She's always been delusional."
"There are also rumors," I say carefully. "About Asher. That he's using."
She tilts her head, confused. "Using what?"
"I don't know. Coke, maybe. Pills. It's just talk right now, but..."
Understanding dawns. “But you believe it.”
I nod. "Yeah. I do."
She looks down at her plate. "I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"That you lost your friend. I know you two were close."
I think about that. About the friend I thought I knew. The guy I trusted. The man I watched marry the woman I’d known at my core could have meant something to me.
"The friend I thought I knew never existed," I say. "Just like the husband you knew. He’s not well. I know that now. Asher was always this person. I just didn't see it. Didn't even know there was anything to look for."
"That's not your fault."
"I know. But it still sucks. I spent years thinking he was good for you. That you two were perfect together. That I'd—" I stop myself. "That everything worked out the way it was supposed to."
She's watching me carefully now. "Ryan."
"I'm okay," I say quickly. "I just... I'm glad you're out. That's all that matters."
She reaches across the table and takes my hand. "I'm sorry you're going through this too."
"I'm okay," I say again. "I have you. And Jamie. And my parents, who won't stop asking when you're coming over for dinner again, by the way."
She laughs. "Really?"
"Really. My mom has been pestering me for weeks. She wants to have you over. Says it's been too long."
