His gaze narrows before he rakes a hand through his hair. “Shit. This about the other night at my parents’ place?”
“I think it’s time to clear the air.”
Seb shakes his head. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea, Ben. Maybe give him some time.”
“He’s had time. Ash and I have been together for weeks. She’s hurting, and I need to make this right between them.”
He lets out a slow breath. “You love her.”
It’s not a question, but I answer anyway. “Yeah. I do.”
Seb nods as if accepting something inevitable.
“I have to make Nash understand,” I say. “Cade and Wyatt too, if it comes to that. But Nash… he’s the one who has the biggest problem with me and Ash. He needs to see that I’m serious about your sister.”
Seb stays quiet for a few seconds before nodding toward one of the barstools. “Take a seat. I’ll grab you some lunch. Nash is stopping by in about an hour. You can talk to him then.”
“Thanks, Seb.”
He nods, reaching for a bottle of Corona and sliding it across the bar along with a food menu. “Let me know when you figure out what you want to eat.”
I pick up the beer, tipping my head in appreciation before taking a sip. My eyes skim over the menu, but my appetite is nonexistent, especially with the conversation ahead. Still, I don’t want to seem ungrateful, so I order a club sandwich and nurse my beer while I wait.
The bar gradually starts to fill, and Seb gets busier. I don’t see much of him until he returns with my food.
“You should grab one of the booths,” he suggests, nodding toward the back of Eden. “You’ll have more privacy there.”
I take the plate from him with a grateful nod. “Appreciate it, Seb.”
“I’ll bring you another beer.”
“Just a soda, please. I’m driving.”
He gives a short nod. “Nash should be here soon.”
Twenty minutes later, I spot Nash walking into Eden and heading straight for the bar. He hasn’t noticed me yet, not that he’d have any reason to expect I’d be here. Maybe Seb gave him a heads-up, but I doubt it. If Nash knew I wanted to talk, he probably wouldn’t have shown up at all.
I take a breath, push up from the booth, and walk toward him. Seb glances up from where he’s pouring a drink, giving me a subtle nod. Nash follows his gaze, turning just enough to see me. His expression darkens instantly.
“What the hell are you doing here?” he snaps.
“I was hoping we could talk,” I say evenly.
He whips back to Seb. “You knew about this? You set me up?”
Seb shakes his head. “No, man.”
“Seb had no idea I’d be here,” I say quickly.
Nash ignores me, turning to Seb instead. “You’re okay with Ash dating this guy? Why the sudden change of heart?”
Seb lets out a slow breath and sets the glass he was drying on the counter. “Coming that close to losing Taylor… it changed how I see things, Nash. So yeah, I’m okay with them being together.”
Nash scoffs, brushing off Seb’s words with a dismissive wave.
I take a steadying breath and try again. “I just want to clear the air, for Ashlyn’s sake.”
Nash turns away, grabbing his drink and taking a long swallow. “I’ve got nothing to say to you,” he mutters, setting the bottle back on the bar.
