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I looked down, clenching my empty coffee cup. Ashley was right - as comforting as her efforts were, I couldn't ignore the tangled web of unanswered questions forever.
"I just feel so powerless and confused not knowing anything," I admitted.
Ashley reached over and put a hand over mine. "Then let's change that. What's our first step?"
I contemplated for a moment. "I guess I need to try contacting Leonardo again. Or Enzo, though he made it clear he can't explain much right now."
Even just saying Leonardo's name made my heart constrict with renewed fear for him. When I glanced up at Ashley, I could tell from her expression what she was hesitating to suggest.
"You think it's time I use that emergency number Leonardo gave me," I said heavily. It wasn't really a question.
Ashley squeezed my hand. "I know the idea worries you. But babe, not knowing if he's okay seems pretty emergency-level tome." Her brown eyes were full of empathy. "You need answers before this eats you alive."
I knew she was right. With a shaky exhale, I pulled out the burner phone Leonardo had given me in case of dire need. This certainly seemed to qualify.
"Tell him how you feel, Nat," Ashley urged gently. "You got this."
My fingers trembled slightly as I selected Leonardo's contact and listened to it ring. Voicemail again. I waited for the beep and took a deep steeling breath.
"Leonardo...it's me, Natalia. I'm so sorry to call you on this number, I know it's only for emergencies." My voice wobbled slightly. "But I had to know if you're alright. Something happened last night with my family. Enzo got me out of there but he won't tell me anything."
I closed my eyes briefly against a swell of emotion. "I'm scared, Leonardo. Scared for you, for us. Please call me back so I know you're safe. I...I need you..." I trailed off on a choked whisper.
Ending the call before I became a sobbing mess, I set the phone down with trembling fingers. I had laid my emotions bare in that message, but Leonardo needed to understand how much I needed him right now.
Ashley immediately wrapped me in a fierce hug. "That was brave of you," she murmured.
I clung to her, drawing comfort from her solid presence. For now, all I could do was wait anxiously for Leonardo's response. At least now the ball was in motion. I had taken the first terrifying step past helplessness.
Ashley watched me anxiously from across the kitchen table. I could tell she was debating whether to say something to break the tense silence.
Finally she ventured cautiously, "Nat...maybe give it some time? I'm sure he'll get back to you soon."
I just shook my head mutely, unable to tear my eyes away from the phone's dark screen. Ashley meant well, but platitudes wouldn't make this agonizing wait any easier.
She cleared her throat after a few more minutes ticked by without a response from Leonardo. "Okay, up and at 'em," Ashley announced briskly, standing up from the table. "We're going out."
I finally glanced over at her in surprise. "Out where?"
Ashley placed her hands on her hips decisively. "Just trust me. You need a distraction right now while you wait for this guy's call."
When I opened my mouth to protest that there was no way I could focus on anything else right now, Ashley pinned me with her no-nonsense gaze.
"Natalia. You are spiraling. Sitting here fretting nonstop won't make him call back any faster." Her expression softened. "Let me take your mind off things for a bit. Please?"
I hesitated, glancing back down at the silent phone. As much as I hated to admit it, Ashley had a point. Sitting here obsessing was only amplifying my anxiety. Maybe a brief distraction was exactly what I needed.
And I knew from experience that once Ashley set her mind on something, there was no deterring her. She would bodily drag me out the door if necessary. Almost against my will, I felt my lips quirk up slightly in bemused resignation.
"Okay fine, you win this round," I conceded with a dramatic sigh. "I can't say no to that determined look on your face."
Ashley beamed, linking her arm through mine. "Atta girl. You won't regret this, I promise."
As we walked to her car, I shot one last futile look back at the house, wishing desperately the phone would ring. But for now, I had to trust that Leonardo was alright and focus on staying calm. Ashley's distraction plan was already working.
During the drive into town, Ashley kept up a steady stream of lively chatter about neutral topics like school and reality TV drama. Though my thoughts kept drifting back to Leonardo, I found myself occasionally smiling involuntarily at her exaggerated stories.
We pulled up outside the shopping plaza downtown. I shot Ashley a questioning look.
