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She gives me a look and then shakes her head before returning her attention to the food she’s preparing, obviously deciding she’s not interested in an explanation.
I look back at my phone in shock, sure that there’s a mistake somewhere. Because there’s no way in hell he’s texting me right now. Things quickly get worse when my phone starts ringing. His name flashes on the screen, but I don’t pick up. Maybe if I ignore it, he’ll go away.
The ringing stops and I let out a breath before inhaling sharply when it starts ringing again. I grit my teeth then step out of the kitchen in search of somewhere private. After a moment’s hesitation, I pick up the call.
I speak before whoever is on the other line has a chance to. “You’re supposed to be dead.”
A part of me is still hoping this is some kind of prank. But then his clear, crisp voice fills my ear and my heart starts to pound.
“I’m sorry, Julie. I never quite managed to do that.”
“Asher?” I breathe.
“Hey… how are you?”
The question makes me laugh. “You’re asking me how I am? It’s been five years, Asher. Five fucking years since I saw you last!”
“I deserve your anger, Juliette. Trust me, I know that. But I really need to see you, okay? I’m in the city and you’re on my list.”
“What list?” I ask in confusion as memories rise in my mind unbidden.
I didn’t think today could actually get worse, but it did. After the argument with Xander earlier, I returned to the kitchen to distract myself with work, but it wasn’t really working. And now I’m getting a call from Asher Blake—the last person in the world I ever thought would call me. My emotions are in turmoil.
“The list of people I need to apologize to. I fucked up with you, Julie.”
“You think?” I ask dryly.
“I know I did,” he replies firmly. “But I’m going to make it right. Where are you?”
“Why?”
“I’m going to come get you, probably bring with you some over-the-top gesture to make you forgive me. How do you feel about dancing monkeys?”
I snort, then immediately groan. He still has his annoying ability to make every situation lighter than it should be.
“I hate them.”
“Got it. Air balloons, then,” he states and I shake my head.
“No gestures. I don’t need anything from you, Asher.”
“But I want to do something for you,” he says, almost desperately.
I lean my head against one of the lockers as my heart thuds in my chest. I didn’t think I would ever get to speak to him again. And despite how angry I am, despite how much hurt he left me with, I’m still so relieved that he’s okay.
“When did you get back?” I question softly.
“I got back to the US a week ago but I arrived in Richmond yesterday.”
“Touring the world?”
“Yeah, Julie. It was amazing,” he breathes.
At least he got to fulfil his dreams. Even though he did rip out my heart in the process.
“I want to see you,” he states.
I’m about to tell him no. I don’t want to see him, if I’m being honest. If I do, it’ll come rushing back, and I finally moved on from him. The scars he left behind are finally starting to disappear and I don’t want to have to face it all again.
