We wiggle the fridge back into place. Ashley blankly looks at me and mumbles a reluctant thank you.
“Did you figure out what happened?” I undo the buttons on my jacket.
“I don’t know.” Aggravation lines her tense body. She doesn’t strike me as someone who handles not being able to figure something out herself well. “I pulled the roast out for dinner and noticed it was barely even cold in there.” She opens the door and sticks her hand inside as if to demonstrate.
“I’ll send my son over tomorrow to take a look,” Ester says. “He’s handy. Fixed one of our washers last month and saved me from buying a new one.”
Ashley blinks in surprise. “How did I not know you had a son?”
“He lives a few towns over, which is why you haven’t met him. He’s helped me plenty around our place, and he’ll do the same for you.” Ester beams like a proud mother.
“Are you sure he wouldn’t mind?”
“Of course not. He’ll be thanking me for sending him after one look at you.” Ester laughs while Ashley’s cheeks grow pink.“He’s single, and you two would be an adorable couple.” Ester’s eyelashes flutter.
Ester can leave now.
Shit, where did that thought come from? Ashley and I are nothing, less than nothing, we don’t even like one another.
Ester’s not wrong though. Ashley might look identical to one of my best friends, but I can objectively say she’s not just attractive, but hot. Her long red hair hangs in waves to her mid-back, and her hazel eyes have flecks of gold near the center that catch in the light. Her curves only add to her appeal, and I remember back in college, more than a few guys appreciated her sister’s matching ones.
“I appreciate it, Ester. Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. So, how do you two know each other?” Ester waves her finger between us, looking curious.
Ashley and I glance at each other, both waiting for the other one to answer. Will the other tell the details of six months ago?
Unable to stay silent, I answer, “Ashley’s twin sister is a good friend of mine from college, as is her fiancé.” I keep my voice light.
Ester nods because it’s believable. It’s the truth, after all. I’m just leaving out that I know what it feels like to have Ashley’s lips on mine.
“What are you doing here?” Ashley’s eyes narrow, as though she’s just now realizing that there’s no reason for me to be standing in front of her, certainly not with the owner of the motel, and not with my suitcase in tow.
Ester sucks in a breath and cringes at Ashley’s aggressive tone. “There’s been a bit of a mishap. I misplaced Carter’s reservation, so I don’t have a room for him.”
Ashley’s head whips in my direction with wide eyes.
God, I hate being put at her mercy.
“I don’t have any extra rooms either.”
My stomach sinks. The thought of sleeping on one of those red park benches along Main Street washes through my mind. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll figure it out with Doug. That’s why I’m here early.”
Ashley’s perfectly arched eyebrows furrow. “Doug and Steph aren’t here yet.”
“What do you mean they’re not here? They were supposed to arrive before me.”
She throws her hands up. “I don’t know, Carter. I called Steph, and she didn’t answer her phone. Neither did Doug. Maybe their flight was delayed, and they’re in the air. Your guess is as good as mine.”
“Oh no…” Ester wrings her hands.
The tension and annoyance in Ashley’s face fall at Ester’s worried look. It’s a softer side that I’ve never seen from her before. “Don’t worry about it, Ester. We’ll get it sorted, won’t we, Carter?” She steps over to Ester and squeezes her shoulder.
“Of course. It’s no big deal.” I give Ester a reassuring smile, and her head volleys between us before she ultimately nods.
“Okay, but if there’s anything I can do, you let me know, okay?” Ester hems and haws as if she’s unsure if she should leave.
Does she see it? The awkwardness we’re trying to mask?
