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“One date.”
He lights up like the sun shining over the ocean. His head bobs up and down, and a sigh of happiness rushes from him.
I want to cry. Because of how happy he is and how sad he’ll be.
“Text me the day and I’ll take care of everything else.” He places the softest kiss on my cheek and smiles again. “You won’t regret this, Riv.”
Ash walks out my door without looking back. He doesn’t see me holding the spot where his lips just were. He doesn’t see my frown. He doesn’t hear, “I think I already do.”
THREE
ASH
River thought she was hiding her reservations from me, but they were written in the crease in her brow and the stiffness of her posture. Her smile, though. That was real. I didn’t turn around because I knew it was short-lived.
She’s a worrier and an even bigger protector. Her need to do what’s right is going to force her to try to push me away. Her stubborn nature will make her push harder.
What she’s never understood is I’m a mountain. And mountains don’t move. Not for relationships that never should have been. Not for fear over a cruel ex-husband. Not even for the fight in her amber eyes. Especially not that. I’ll stand tall and face them with all the love I’ve been holding inside, waiting to show her.
I understand why she’s scared. No matter how hard she tried to cover it up, I saw the way Craig treated her. I’d have to have been blind not to. So many times, I wanted to step in and rescue her, but she always had the power to save herself.
I’m hoping tonight will be the beginning of her realizing that.
That’s why I’m taking her to the place she’s most proud of.
Taniyah Reid’s family moved to Birch Creek from Jamaica when we were in seventh grade. She became friends with River and me instantly. Her sense of humor and kind heart made her an easy fit. The fact that she took shit from no one made us like her more.
Everyone learned quickly not to pick on her for her accent, to try the food she brought into school, and to listen when she spoke about her homeland. We learned so much from her. Even those who tried to ignore her.
When she decided to open Taniyah’s six years ago, she went to River for help. Taniyah was determined to bring Jamaica to the people dining in her restaurant. The beauty. The heritage.
I’ve dined there once a week since it opened. To keep in contact with Taniyah. For the ambiance and amazing food. And in hopes I would see River more.
I haven’t seen her there once.
I’m happy we’re going tonight. And nervous. It’s weird to be nervous about taking River on a date. I’ve known her since we were five, and we’ve always been connected in some way.
Even her being married to an asshole couldn’t separate us.
I don’t believe anything can.
Nine days ago, I stood at her door with a plant in hand. Now, I stand with an orchid. It’s both familiar and different as I raise my hand and ring the bell again. Nervousness and anticipation war within me. My palms are sweaty. Each second feels like hours.
When she opens the door, I nearly scream, “Finally!” But all the air rushes from my lungs at her radiance. Her hair is pulled into a simple ponytail. Her shoulders beg me to kiss them in an off-the-shoulder emerald jumpsuit that makes her eyes brighter than ever.
I shove the orchid forward with a complete lack of grace. No hello. No telling her how stunning she is.
“Oh my, orchids, Ash. The ocean breeze is my favorite. And this pot is gorgeous. Thank you.”
My brain is still playing catch-up as my lungs try to remember how to function. “The florist was mad that you’re my sunshine.”
“The florist…what?”
You’re a fucking moron.
“She thought a white or cream pot would showcase the color of the flowers better. I wanted yellow.”
“And she was mad because I’m your sunshine?” River asks, a smirk on her face.
