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The last few hours before I died, I had at least gotten to do something I wanted to do.
After sliding out from the bed, I moved toward his drawers and pulled out a pair of sweatpants and a shirt. I was thankful they swamped me. River was bigger than me, taller and more muscular. My stomach growled and rather than linger in the bedroom, I went in search of the kitchen.
Staff were wandering around, cleaning, picking things up, putting the house back to rights. No one paid any attention to me. I had to wonder if this wasn’t the first time a strange woman had moved around.
It clearly wasn’t a strange occurrence for them.
I found the kitchen and that was where Ashley stood, cooking at the stove. After I cleared my throat, she spun around with a huge smile on her face.
“Can you believe this place? I thought my mom’s new place was the bomb but this place is a palace.”
I chuckled. “It is big.”
“Is this the kind of house you live in?”
“Not even close. No, my house is a lot smaller than this.” I thought of my dad, of what he’d done, and I couldn’t help but be angry at him. Not only had he fucked up, but he’d brought Ashley and her mother here as well. They could be in the firing line as well, which really pissed me off. They were innocent.
Two innocent people would pay the price for his greed. Rather than show Ashley this, I kept my smile in place.
I’d learned long ago to play by the rules. It was what I knew how to do. To play the perfect part, even as I had a death sentence hanging over my head. I could do this. I could do all of this.
“You know how to cook?”
“Yeah. When your mom used to work eighteen-hour shifts between two different jobs, you get used to it. You?”
“I wasn’t allowed to cook.” Even though according to my dad a woman’s place was in the kitchen and pregnant. She didn’t have brains, and clearly my dad didn’t either.
Staring at Ashley’s back, I wondered if I should tell her who her stepdad was. I clasped my hands together, feeling a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.
“Did you have a nice time at the party?” I asked instead. The warning I should be giving her died on my lips.
She chuckled. “Yes. I felt like a princess. I think I stuck out like a sore thumb. I noticed the other women didn’t take any of the food that passed them by. Not me, I was so starving and I don’t know how they can call those little nibbles food. It’s why I came down. River did say to make myself at home, I hope that’s okay.”
“You do know it’s a figure of speech?” I asked.
Her cheeks went a bright red.
“I know, but the cook only gave me fruit and there is all this food in the fridge.”
“I’m only joking around. I don’t have the best kind of humor.” I ran fingers through my hair. I hadn’t even bothered to brush it.
“Are you hungry? Or are you hungover?”
“I didn’t drink enough.” I probably should have. It would have made my life seem so much easier.
“Me neither. Are you hungry? Don’t make me eat all by myself.”
“I wouldn’t even think of doing such a thing.” I winked at her, but what I did need was coffee. “Do you know how to make coffee as well?”
“I’m completely self-sufficient. Always have been. I spent a lot of time on my own, and I’m not looking for sympathy.”
“Good, you won’t get it.” I poured us both a coffee. “Do you take cream or sugar?” I asked, feeling rather domesticated. It was quite fun playing a role. This would be one that wouldn’t last.
“Nah, just neat coffee.”
“I’m surprised. It’s not like you need it.” I handed her a cup, which she took while also working the pan of bacon and eggs. I thought I also saw some bagels, toasted, and I even diced-up potatoes. She really was hungry. They were golden brown in the pan on the back. Grabbing a fork, I speared one and took a bite.
They were good.
“You like?” she asked.
I nodded, waving my hand in front of my mouth. “They’re also hot.”
“Yeah, well, I like to have my food hot and cooked.” She winked at me and let out an infectious laugh.
I didn’t know if it was because I was going to die soon, or just Ashley and her innocence that had me laughing along with her. Either way, I joined her, loving every second. I sipped at my coffee and rested my head on her shoulder while she cooked. It was comforting just to be in her company.
My stomach growled.
“Take a seat. We’re all done.”
