“Do you want to talk about it?”
I let out a slow breath and shrug. “What’s there to say? I’m an idiot.”
“Hey.” She reaches for my hand. “You are not an idiot. This is on him.”
“I’ve worked with him for months, Ivy. Spent hours talking to him. I had no idea he had a wife. Or a daughter.”
“Because he didn’t tell you–”
She’s cut off by my phone ringing in my purse. I groan. “I bet that’s him again.”
“Are you going to talk to him?” she asks gently.
“No,” I say quickly. “At least not tonight. I’ll have to speak to him at some point, but I can’t face him yet.”
She sighs. “I guess you know now what he meant when he said his life was complicated. What an asshole.”
I let out a long exhale. “You were right, Ivy. I should have listened to you.”
“Ash," she says softly, her voice laced with sadness. “I’ve never hoped I was wrong about something more. I know you were hoping things would work out.”
I take a deep breath and force a smile. “Can we just get drunk and forget about him?”
Ivy hesitates. “It’s okay to not be okay. You don’t have to put on a brave face with me.”
“I know,” I whisper, my voice breaking. “But if we keep talking about it, I’m going to cry, and he’s not worthy of my tears.
She studies me for a beat, before squeezing my hand gently. “I’ll get the wine.”
As she heads into the kitchen, I sink back into the cushions and let my eyes close. I’ve dated before. Nothing serious; I’ve neverwantedmore. Not until Ben. The fact that he’s older, that he’s my boss… none of that mattered to me.
Being married, though... that matters, and it’s a line I would never cross.
CHAPTER SIX
Ashlyn
I’ve gone out of my way to avoid Ben these last few days, caught somewhere between wanting to hear whatever excuse he might have, and not wanting to hear anything at all. Part of me is desperate for him to say something that explains everything, something that makes it okay. But the other part? It’s terrified that the truth is exactly what I’ve been dreading, that he’s married, and I’m just the other woman.
After spending the weekend at Ivy’s, I took a couple of sick days. I knew there was no way I could avoid him at work; he’d be in my classroom within minutes of me arriving. And if we are going to talk, the last place I want that to happen is at school.
Now, it’s Wednesday night, and with Sophie and Paisley’s bachelorette party coming up this weekend, I’m meeting Ivy in Eden to finalize the plans. There’s not much left to organize, but I’m using it as an excuse to get out of my apartment for a while.
As usual, I’m running late. I rush along the sidewalk, my phone chiming in my purse. Without slowing down, I pull it out and check the message. It’s from Ivy. I’m guessing she’s asking where I am.
Ivy:Hey. I’m going to be late. Sorry. Work drama. Will be there as soon as I can.
I let out a relieved breath and slow up a little. At least she’s not waiting on me. Everyone knows timekeeping isn’t my strong suit. It’s a running joke with my friends and family that if we’re meeting up, I’m going to be late. For once, the roles are reversed, and I’ll be the one waiting on her.
When I push open the door to Eden, the buzz of conversation and music fills the air. It’s busier than I expected for a weeknight, and I weave my way through the crowd. Spotting Seb and Ryder behind the bar, I give Seb a quick wave before sliding onto a barstool.
“Hey, Ash,” Seb greets me, leaning over to brush a kiss on my cheek. “Are you here alone?”
“I’m meeting Ivy, but she’s running late.”
He nods. “What are you drinking?”
“Red wine, please.” As he reaches for a glass, I ask, “How’s Taylor?”
