AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Her reply makes me frown. Once again, I take in her uncharacteristic attire. “Is everything okay?” Ashley and I haven’t spoken since the dress fitting on Sunday, but I thought we left things on a good note. Now, I’m beginning to doubt that’s true.
“I’m fine.” She shifts on the couch and averts her gaze.
Years of friendship means I know Ashley well enough to know she’s lying. I debate letting the subject drop, but concern for her wellbeing prompts me to ask, “Are you sure? Is this about the guy you’re seeing?” Did they break up? Is that why she’s dressed so casually when she typically wouldn’t be caught dead in workout attire?
Despite the fact she’s been involved with this mysterious man for weeks, I know next to nothing about him or their relationship. Which is strange. Ashley’s not the type to keep her romantic interludes private. In fact, she seems to enjoy sharing all the intimate details of her love life with me. Even details I have no interest in hearing.
Her head snaps up, and a flicker of alarm crosses her features. “Why would you ask me that?”
Her reaction only spikes my concern. My frown deepens. “Because you’re acting strange.”
“What do you mean? No, I’m not.”
“Ashley.” I give her a pointed look. “Look at what you’re wearing. I can’t remember the last time you stepped out of your house wearing leggings. You don’t even wear them to the gym. You insist on changing in the locker room before your workout classes.”
“Wow. I didn’t know you cared about what I wear so much.”
“That’s not what I meant—”
“No,” Ashley cuts me off with a scowl. “I get it. You think I look like a slob. You’re judging me. You’ve been judging me ever since you got engaged to Declan MacKenzie.”
I’d be less shocked if she slapped me. “What are you talking about?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about.” She stands from the couch and crosses her arms. “Now that you’re engaged to one of the most eligible bachelors in the city, you think you’re better than me. Well, I have news for you, Cat. You aren’t. And we both know the only reason Declan wastes his time with you is because of what your father can give him.”
My head is spinning. I have no idea how the conversation took this turn, and I’m not sure how to steer it back to neutral waters. “Ashley,” I begin calmly. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I—”
“Please,” she scoffs. “You can’t hurt me.”
“Then why are you so upset?”
“I’m not.”
“Then why are you acting like this?”
“You just told me I look like a slob,” she scowls. “How do you expect me to act?”
“I didn’t—” I cut myself off. Closing my eyes, I take a steadying breath. I wait until I’m calm before I open my eyes and meet her gaze. “I’m sorry. I’m just worried about you. You’ve seemed off lately. I was worried it had something to do with the guy you’re seeing…”
“Well, it doesn’t. We’re doing great. Better than great, actually. He says he wants to marry me.”
It’s impossible to hide my incredulous expression. “Really?”
“Yes.” Ashley lifts her chin. “He’s crazy about me.”
“That’s… great.” It’s actually crazy. And irresponsible. Ashley’s always been impulsive, but this is a new one. “Does your family approve?”
Her haughty expression falters. “They will.”
I only nod. I doubt Ashley’s father will approve of just anyone when it comes to his only daughter. He spoils her rotten, but he’s still strict. If Ashley wants him to continue funding her lifestyle, she’s going to have to get his approval.
A task I suspect will be easier said than done considering Ashley has managed to keep the identity of this guy under wraps.
“I’m sure lunch won’t be long,” I offer when I see Ashley look at the door. “Do you want something to drink in the meantime? Isaiah keeps sparkling water in his personal fridge for guests.” And he always tells me to help myself if I’m ever in the mood for one.
“Sure,” she mutters, once again glancing at the door with an uneasy expression.
I walk around the desk and approach the sleek mini fridge tucked under his desk, out of sight. I bend down and open the door, retrieving two cans of sparkling lemon water. I stand and face Ashley, but my eyes are drawn to movement on the computer screen sitting on the desk.
