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I was officially going to hell.
“Uncle Xan?” Ashleigh whispered, and I wondered what she saw to make her sound so concerned.
“I’m not sure this is a conversation you and me should be having.”
“I’m eighteen now. I know all about the birds and bees.” She rolled her eyes.
“I really don’t know what to say to that.”
Ashleigh chuckled. “Maybe Mom could set you up with one of her artist friends from the group?”
“Been there, done that. It ended badly.” The woman had been nice enough, but I wasn’t exactly the kind of guy with much to offer someone. We’d gone on two dates before she realized I had no real plans for the future.
Most women my age were looking for Mr. Right, not Mr. Right Now, and when they realized I had no plans to settle down, they never called again. Tash was the exception.
She was like me—damaged—and for a while, it had been good between us. Unconventional, but good.
Now she was one of the few people I called a friend. She’d already blown up my phone this morning about last night. But I wasn’t ready to deal with her meddlesome ways. She knew me. She knew I didn’t play the hero.
She also had no idea that the girl she’d briefly met last night was the same girl I’d pulled out of the river.
“Uncle Xan, can I ask you a question?” Ashleigh’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.
“Sure, Leigh Leigh.” I smirked at the nickname I’d called her when she was a child.
“How do you tell if someone likes you or not?”
“I… I’m not sure I’m the right person to answer that.”
“Because you’ve never been in a relationship?” She gave me a mocking smile. “Come on, you must have liked someone, you’re almost thirty.”
Yeah, I’d liked someone. One of her best friends.
“You got yourself a crush, Leigh?” I teased, trying to deflect the spotlight burning down on me.
“I… no, it isn’t like that. We’re friends… at least,” she dropped her gaze, “I think we are. He’s confusing.”
My eyes narrowed. “He a good guy?”
She pressed her lips together and met my gaze. “He’s kind of a lone wolf.”
“Anyone I know?” My brow arched.
“Like I’m going to tell you. Forget it.” She leaped up, “forget I said anything.”
“My advice,” I offered before she could escape, “make him work for it. You’re a good kid, Leigh. You deserve to be treated right.”
Her eyes widened as if she was seeing me in a whole new light, and then she disappeared inside.
Leaving me alone.
Just the way I liked it.
