The memories of her younger years were clouded by the thought of one person. Since her name had been mentioned, Megan was desperate to ask.
“How is Ashley, anyway?”
She’d seen Ashley less than two weeks ago, but other than a courtesy text to let her know she’d gotten home safe, their conversation had once again become disconnected.
“She seems great. She got the job atThe New York Times. I believe they’re out celebrating tonight because she said it was the only day she couldn’t help behind the bar.”
“That’s amazing. I knew she would. Will you tell her congratulations from me?”
“Of course, but I’m sure you could text her yourself?”
The thought crossed her mind more than she cared to admit, but she refrained. Megan’s gram assumed they were friends, that they spoke regularly and that no long-serving tension existed—she was wrong.
“I could, that’s true.”
“Did she tell you she’s planning to ask Madison to be her girlfriend tonight?”
The gulp of fresh orange juice went down the wrong way. She spluttered and choked trying to catchher breath.
“Sorry.” Her eyes filled with water, overflowing as she tried to compose herself. The tears were a result of the choking fit she’d just endured, but even after she’d steadied her breathing, the tears didn’t stop. She dabbed at the corners of her eyes with her shirt sleeve, conscious of attracting any more attention. “To be honest, Gram, I thought they already were together.”
That was an outright lie, she knew they weren’t, Ashley had told her directly that they were quote,‘seeing each other’, but she figured there was no need to make Nancy feel uncomfortable.
“No, according to Ashley, she didn’t want to rush into anything, but she feels now is theright time.”
“Oh, really? I wonder what changed her mind.”
“She said something about finally understanding the reality of what was holding her back. She must have had an overnight epiphany. Either way, they seem good together so it’s the right decision for her.”
“I agree.” She didn’t want to make a habit of lying to Nancy, but she saw no other way.
“Oh, I didn’t tell you, we got the permit through yesterday for the re-model.”
“Gram, that’s amazing.”
“I’m not so sure. I think I’m a little too old to be doing this sort of thing, but the contractor we hired seems to have everything under control.”
“Just take it easy. I don’t want you tearing through walls and ripping out fittings.” Megan chuckled atthe thought.
“Maybe in my younger years, but I think I’ll leave that to the professionals now.”
Megan eyed the waitress, who was heading towards her table balancing three ordersin her arms.
“Sorry, Gram, my food’s just arrived. I’ll call you in a fewdays, okay?”
“Okay, sweetheart. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
“Thanks, Gram, love you.”
“Love you too.”
The food looked incredible, but the burn in her stomach had subsided and was replaced by a lump in her throat as she slumped back in the chair. She stared at her phone, contemplating the numerous avenues she could take. There was no doubt in her mind she wanted to speak to Ashley—she always did—but the internal struggle told her it wasn’t any of her business. Surely she could congratulate her on the new job? That would be a nice thing to do, something a good friend would do. Deep down she knew that was simply a passageway in to ask the questions that really occupied her mind.Why have you asked her now to be your girlfriend? What changed your mind? What was the revelation? Do you ever think about me? Us?The questions flooded her subconscious. She picked at the food, her appetite diminished, but she didn’t want to come across as rude.
Above all else, she wanted to know why every time they saw each other, the chemistry was so electric and the conversation so easy—it was a familiar warmth she didn’t experience with anyone else. Why, after each encounter, did they lose contact? Was it just the distance that posed too many problems? Or did she not feel the same? Did she not ache at the thought of her with someone else? The kind of ache that starts at the pit of your stomach and slowly works its way up, day by day. At first, it’s unnoticeable, but over time it grows stronger and before you know it you’re spiralling into the unknown, waiting for someone, anyone, to break you free from the maze inside your head.
20
Ashley
