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He missed the look his parents exchanged before his mother quietly apologized.
“Reid, we’re just trying to understand all the facts,” she said.
“And,” his father went on, “it seems a little odd that you’d drive over two hours to come here instead of going and talking to her.”
He let out a long, loud breath. “I told you; I was freaking out and I didn’t want to argue with her. This whole situation is crazy and I know she’s hinted more than once how she wished I could either find out what’s going on or simply defend her and convince the fire inspector and everyone else of her innocence.”
“Did you even try?” his father asked.
“I did. I talked to the chief about it late one night and his only response was that maybe I should…distance myself from Ashlynn.” Another sigh. “Actually, Leo suggested it too.”
“Obviously you didn’t listen to them,” his mother commented. “So how do you feel right now?”
“Honestly?” Raking a hand through his hair, he slowly lowered himself back onto his chair. “I’m mad. I’m mad at her, I’m mad at the chief, the inspector, the dispatcher, Becky, and myself.” He paused and looked up at them helplessly. “But more than anything, I’m mad that I’m mad.”
His father stood and clapped a hand on Reid’s shoulder and gave it a brief squeeze before he walked across the room to pour himself a cup of coffee. “That’s completely understandable. So maybe you need a few days to just…let the smoke clear, so to speak. You’re already on paid leave so you’re not going to work. Take this time to figure out what comes next if…well…if…”
“I know what you’re saying, and…I think you’re right. I’m just going to take a little time and distract myself. Although I’m not quite sure how that’s going to be possible.”
“Are you going to let Ashlynn know where you are?” his mother asked. “I understand that you’re upset right now, but she is your girlfriend and you owe it to her to at least send her a text so she won’t worry about you.”
With a slow nod, Reid pulled his phone out and stared grimly at it. If he didn’t do it now, he wasn’t sure he’d be levelheaded enough to do it later.
Reid: Hey. I’m staying with my folks for a few days.
* * *
Ash: Hey! Is everything okay? Are they alright?
He wanted to smile at her concern, but he just wasn’t feeling it.
Reid: They’re fine
* * *
Reid: I got put on paid leave today and just needed to not be in Sweetbriar right now
She didn’t respond right away and an image of her flipping him off came to mind.
Again, it should have made him smile, but…
Ash: What you’re trying not to say is that you need to not be around me right now.
* * *
Ash: No worries.
* * *
Ash: Take care of yourself and I guess I’ll see you around
He didn’t have to hear her say the words to know she was upset and disappointed in him. Hell, he felt the same way right now and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it.
Except…this.
Keeping his distance—just like everyone warned him.
If only he had listened sooner, everything would be…
