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“We were in the middle of talking about the possibility of Reid helping prove your innocence, remember?”
“Here’s the funny thing about that, no one’s come out and accused me. No one’s talked to me directly. Becky threw out an accusation and…that’s it. There really isn’t anything I can do if I don’t know what the investigators are finding.”
“Hmm…maybe.” After a pause, she asked, “Have you considered going down to the station and talking to them? I mean…it can’t hurt at this point, right?”
“It might,” she countered. “Why would I want to draw more attention to myself? I keep thinking if I don’t let it bother me—or I don’t let anyone see that it’s bothering me—that it will just go away.”
“You know that’s not logical, Ash. That’s just you avoiding things.”
Rather than immediately snap, Ashlynn took a moment to mentally count to ten. “It’s hard to avoid something when there hasn’t been anything concrete put in front of me to avoid. Right now, it’s just the word of a delusional business owner who is grieving over the loss of her livelihood.”
Billie’s eyes narrowed, but she didn’t say anything.
“And…while we’re on the subject, I would appreciate it if you didn’t bring any of this up tonight over dinner. I greatly doubt Dad knows anything about this and I certainly don’t want Patrick and Marissa knowing. Marissa’s heading up all the new business ventures and I don’t need her getting twitchy about the salon, okay?”
“Ash…” her sister whined.
“What? What is wrong with that? Why bring up something that’s really nothing and getting Marissa upset?”
“But what if she brings it up?”
“Why would she bring it up? Do you think she’s going to come in and sit down and be like, ‘Um…hey, have you ever been accused of arson?’ I mean…come on!”
It was almost comical how Billie looked like her head was about to explode.
Rather than continue with this ridiculous conversation, Ashlynn stood and looked around. “So, do you need help getting everything straightened up before everyone gets here?”
And fortunately, it was the perfect way to change the subject.
It was loud and boisterous and more than a little crowded, but Ashlynn found herself smiling so much that her cheeks actually hurt.
“It’s good to see you smiling,” Chloe said as she came and sat down beside her on Billie’s sofa.
“It feels good to be smiling,” she agreed. “Plus, this has really been kind of fun. I thought it would possibly be weird and awkward, but…so far, it’s been great.”
“I know what you mean. I thought for sure that I was going to feel tense and not know what to say, but…Dad’s been really sweet and funny.” She shrugged. “And he looks great. You’d never know he was sick.”
It was true. Their father looked just like he always did. He was also the one with the heartiest laugh and was single-handedly carrying all the conversations tonight.
They had eaten a ton of Chinese food, thanks to Levi, and Billie ran to Books & Beans and pulled a caramel coffee cake and a tray of assorted cookies and brownies together at Jade’s suggestion. So now they were all full and just happily sitting around talking.
“We hate to cut the night short,” Patrick announced, “but we’re heading back to the hotel. It’s been a long day.” He had one arm around Marissa’s waist and one hand on her belly over her tiny baby bump. “We’ll meet up tomorrow around ten at Books & Beans if that works for everyone?”
There was a round of nods before everyone got up to hug and kiss them goodnight. Once they were gone, however, the house got quiet.
And cue the awkwardness…
“I hate to say it,” Jade said with a small smile, “but Silas and I need to get going too. Tomorrow’s a school day, so…”
“I’ll walk you out,” Levi said before walking over to the door and waiting while Jade and her son said their goodbyes to everyone. And when the three of them walked out the door, it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.
“So,” Ronan said with a big smile. “I know we’ve been talking all night, but I haven’t really had time to sit down with my girls and hear how you’re all doing.”
Ashlynn inwardly groaned, but forced herself to keep smiling.
“How’s school going, Chloe? Are you still enjoying teaching kindergarten?” he asked.
Beside her, Chloe smiled brightly as she nodded. “I am! I love that age so much! They are all so sweet and it’s just…it’s amazing teaching these tiny little people things that are going to stay with them forever! That’s not to say that there aren’t a lot of challenges—because there are—but there is something about seeing the wonder and joy on a child’s face when they learn something new. It truly makes my heart happy.”
