“I don’t even know what to say. What a jackass.”
“Who’s a jackass?” Seb’s voice cuts in as he appears in front of us, his eyes locked on Taylor.
“Just one of the dads from school,” I lie, waving a dismissive hand.
Seb nods, still focused on Taylor. “Hey, baby. What are you doing down here?” He rounds the bar and pulls her into his arms. I look away as he kisses her, taking another sip of wine.
“I just came to say hi,” she says, smiling up at him. “I’ll stay with Ash while she waits for Ivy.”
“Okay. I’ll get you a drink.”
She grabs a free chair and moves it next to mine. Once Seb is busy behind the bar, I lean in. “Please don’t tell him. None of my brothers would have liked the idea of us together, and now we’re not, they don’t need to know.
“Of course I won’t say anything.”
Once Seb hands her a drink and moves away, she reaches for my hand. “How’s work been? Have you two talked?”
I shake my head. “No. I haven’t actually been back to work since I found out. I’ve called in sick. I will talk to him. Just not yet.”
“I get that. It sucks. I know how much you liked him.”
I force a tight smile. “I don’t think I knew him at all.”
Her gaze goes past me, and her eyes widen. “Uh, Ash… Ben’s here.”
My heart slams against my ribs, and nausea churns in my stomach. “What? Has he seen me?”
She nods. “He’s coming over.”
“Shit.”
“Do you want me to get Seb to kick him out?”
I exhale sharply. “No. I’ll deal with him.”
I don’t move. I just wait. Let him come to me.
“Can I talk to you, Ash?” Ben’s voice comes from beside me.
I pick up my drink, forcing my hand to stay steady as I take a sip of wine. My heart slams against my ribs and a swirl of anxiety churns in my stomach. What is he doing here? He must know this isn’t the place for a conversation like this. I glance up at him, taking in the dark circles under his eyes. He looks like he hasn’t slept. I know the feeling.
“How did you know I’d be here?” I ask, trying to keep my voice even.
“I went by your place,” he says. “I wasn’t sure if you were out or just ignoring the intercom. I guessed you might be here.”
His eyes are fixed on me, almost as if he doesn’t realize he’s doing this in the middle of a crowded bar.
“Please, Ash,” he says again, his voice rough with urgency. “Can we talk?”
“There’s nothing left to say, Ben,” I tell him, my voice weary.
He reaches for my free hand, but I pull away before he can touch me. “There’s so much to say,” he insists. “Please, let me explain. It’s not what you think.”
I meet his gaze, my voice flat. “So, you’re not married?”
He exhales heavily. “I am, but–”
“Then we’re done here.” I cut him off before he can spin another excuse.
