The truth hurt. “She loves Madison, not me.”
23
Ashley
“How you feeling?” Madison leant over the back of the sofa and kissed Ashley on the topof the head.
“Not great,” she grumbled in a hoarse voice.
“Coffee?”
Ashley held out her empty cup. “Yes, please.”
“What are you watching?”
The computer sat on her lap streaming theWBBL final.
“It’s the women’s basketball final. The one Megan’s playing in.” Ashley avoided looking in Madison’s direction.
“Oh, so that’s why you got up so early. How’s it going? Are they winning?”
The time difference forced Ashley to wake at eleven in the morning. After a heavy night of celebrations and a house party that went on until five that morning, it took a significant amount of effort.
“I think Nancy might tell me off if I don’t watch. It’s going good, it’s close though they’re up 3 in the third quarter.”
Ashley kept her tone detached, after all, it wasn’t a big deal—or so she told herself. Nancy was the one who mentioned Megan reaching the play-offs. Nancy was the one who told her the time and date of the final—yes, she did already check online just to be sure, but that was beside the point. Waking early after a night celebrating your engagement to watch someone you dated once in a basketball final was normal. It was completely and utterly natural; it was a show of support,that’s all.
Ashley’s internal debate with herself lasted the whole time that Madison made coffee. The roar of the crowd and the commentary from the game filled the awkward silence as Madison didn’t respondright away.
“Here.” Madison handed herthe coffee.
“Thank you.”
“Have you spoken to her recently?”
Ashley knew exactly who she meant, but raised her eyebrows curiously, hoping her unruffled attitude might ease any tension. “Who?”
“Megan.”
“No. Not for a while.”
“Interesting.”
“What?”
“I’m just surprised, that’s all. You wanted to be friends, yet you don’t speak.”
“It is what it is. Kind of hard to be friends with someone who lives in England.” Ashley shrugged.
“True.” Madison wasn’t satisfied with the outcome; her head tilted slightly and her eyes looked unengaged. She had never been certain of Ashley’s emotional intention towards Megan and this time was no different. “Anyway, I’m going back to bed. Oh, before I forget, something came in the post for you yesterday.” Madison flicked through the wicker basket on the kitchen side that held an accumulationof letters.
“Here it is.” She tossed it in Ashley’s direction.
“Thank you, Mads, love you.”
“I love you too. Don’t be loud.” She scowled as she returned tothe bedroom.
“Huh, maybe the ring has special powers,” Ashley whispered underher breath.
