They both laughed, equally high-pitched and awkward. Ashley wasn’t entirely joking. They had been best friends for a long time, jeopardising that was unthinkable, but recently, amidst the break-up from Georgina, her thoughts and feelings had taken a different turn. What she had to figure out was whether the feelings were purely based on loneliness or a genuine want for something more. They say a successful relationship is built on friendship and communication—they had both—but a failed attempt would result in the loss of her best friend. For now, she vowed to pursue nothing, but that was always easier said than done.
***
The golf club’s Italian architecture and stunning Californian views combined to create a setting perfect for a baby shower. It was extravagant and wedding-like, as expected—only the best for Samantha. The event reminded Ashley of Samantha’s thirteenth birthday; she had been insistent on having a pink floral theme with ponies and puppies. Her entire class had been in attendance, and Benjamin, in the nick of time, managed to scout out a litterof puppies.
The golf club consisted of a clubhouse, a swimming pool, an outdoor dining area with a large wooden floral pagoda overlooking the valley and three miles of beautiful grounds that made up the majority of thegolf course.
The night before had been relatively painless. Ashley bonded with Julia’s children over their mutual love of chess—a game Ashley hadn’t played for a number of years, but after the first practice round, it all came flooding back. They made pizzas and watched TV together. She hadn’t expected to feel so welcome. The sense of betrayal towards her mother never left her mind, but she made the utmost effort to fit into the family unit her father had created. However, there had been no contact with her sister—she feared an awkward encounter.
The day’s events had been thoroughly planned out on the digital invitation attendees had received. Welcome drinks would be available on arrival, followed by speeches, then food and finishing off with some games—with prizes. The day was predicted to last anywhere between 3–4 hours, but the clubhouse was booked until late into the evening for those who wanted to stay and continue mingling.
The dress code had been described as floral or pastels. Ashley had opted for a crisp white shirt tucked into a pair of beige cropped trousers. The Californian heat was at its worst in August, so a jacket was absolutely not necessary. Madison had opted for a long, flowing pastel pink dress with a low-cut neck—it left little to the imagination. Ashley was impressed, rarely did she see her sodressed up.
The double doors at the clubhouse opened up to a large entertainment hall. One solitary banquet table ran from one end to the other, decorated tastefully with a cream table runner, candles and a large centrepiece filled with white and pink roses. A wooden handmade bar held the pink arrival cocktail consisting of gin, lime and orange—an approved choice.
Further inside, three cream Chesterfield sofas sat in a U-shape. A large draping curtain fell behind with ten white and pink balloons, but they weren’t just normal balloons—Ashley noticed the sheer size immediately. A camera was set up in that space, ready for photos. Ashley observed the room, looking for the enormous table of gifts where she could deposit her own.
The un-organisation on her part had resulted in a last-minute trip to the mall that morning. A candle and a sleepsuit that read,‘I love my auntie’,seemed appropriate. Although the amount of time she would spend in the baby’s life was yet to bedetermined.
“She’s over there.” Madison pointed towards the gifting table.
Ashley rolled her eyes. “Of course, she’s guardingthe gifts.”
The person she was talking to had her back turned. Her sister looked stunning in a white no-sleeved gown that accentuated her bump and still showed just how in shape she was, despite being seven months pregnant. Her long brown hair had been curled and pinned up on the left side so that the bulk of her hair flowed onto her chest over her right shoulder. She held her bump with one hand and accepted gifts with her other—she was glowing. Ashley teared up, blinking ferociously to try and stop the floodgates from opening.
Samantha grinned as wide as the Cheshire Cat when she spotted Ashley—an unexpected reaction. Three years was a long time, people change. There was so much Ashley didn’t know, so much she wanted to know.
The space between them closed rapidly as Samantha threw her armsaround her.
“I am so glad you came.”
“Me too.” Ashley pushed her waist back, conscious not to apply too much pressure to the bump, whilst her sister squeezed tighter.
“Samantha,” Ashley croaked, “a little lesssqueezing.”
“I missed you. I’m so sorry. Like, really sorry. I should have called. I should have explained. If I could go back I would.”
Ashley raised her finger to Samantha’s lips.
“I see nothing’s changed in three years,” Samantha creased her forehead, confused, “you still don’t know when to shut up.” Ashley smiled.
“I mean it though, I really am sorry.”
“I know, so am I.” Ashley reached for the bump proudly. “I can’t believe my baby sister is having her own baby.”
“Crazy, isn’t it?”
“I haven’t evenmet Lucas.”
“You will. He’s outside at the minute, but he’s reallygreat, Ash.”
“Wasit planned?”
“Oh, God, no. One minute, I had dreams of being a physio for the highest-paid athletes in the world, next I find out I’m eight weeks pregnant. Life changed pretty quickly.”
“And how does Lucas feel about it?”
“He was shocked at first. Now, I think he’s more excitedthan I am.”
