Page 108 of On One Condition

Not because I have to meet with Hillary or any other person on the face of the earth, but rather, because I can’t.

Asher was always generous with affection. With kissing. With touching.

It’s everything else she guards like a fortress.

And right now, she’s building walls faster than I can knock them down.

She starts her car and gives me a little wave before driving off. I watch till I can’t see her anymore and then jump when I see Tootie standing at the edge of my driveway. Her arms are across her chest and a lone eyebrow is raised in dismay.

“Jesus, kid. You scared the hell out of me.”

“I thought you weren’t the type to have a woman who comes over and then sneaks out about the time that school starts.”

“I never said that.” I run a hand through my hair, not really ready for Tootie. I haven’t had my coffee yet.

“Momma calls that the walk of shame.”

“It’s not a walk of shame when you plan on seeing the woman again.”

She makes a mock puking sound in her hand. “Oh, please.”

“Please what?”

“People only say that when they’re in love. Gag. Gross. I’m gonna puke.” She coughs. “Are you in love with Asher?”

I stare at her for a beat, my heart pounding, my eyes darting, and then begin laughing. “You should be in the theater. You’re a great actress.”

She straightens up and smiles. “I know. I’m a real Bette Davis. At least according to my grandma, but I have no idea who that is so I just smile and pretend I do.”

Whew. Subject changed. Topic over.

Why does that bug you so much, Sharpe?

She shrugs. “So, you plan on seeing her again then? The lavender lady?”

“Yes. Not that I have to give you an answer to that question.”

“Did you not get enough sleep?” she asks, cocking her head to the side. “You seem a little grumpy.”

I scrub a hand over my stubble. “I’m fine. Just need coffee.” And more Asher.

“Momma’s a dragon before her coffee too.”

“Most adults are,” I say to make conversation and lift a hand to wave to her mother who’s watching the two of us from their kitchen window.

“But not Asher, right? Because she didn’t look grumpy.” She holds something out to me. “Here.”

“What’s this?” I ask taking the thumb drive from her.

“This is a thumb drive,” Tootie says very slowly and loudly as if I’m senile and can’t hear her.

Little brat. I give her a sarcastic glare. “What’s on the thumb drive, silly? Remember, no coffee yet. I’m still in the dragon stage.”

She giggles. “It’s the links to all of the library items. I didn’t know your email, so I couldn’t shoot it over to you that way.”

Shoot it over to me?

I smile and nod. “Thank you. You’re awesome. You did a great job.”