Page 40 of Stick Play

“I’m going to send you my schedule.”

Something about that is oddly intimate and nice. “Okay, then we can plan around it.”

“Next weekend I’m in Tampa.”

“Nice, I’ve never been.”

“After that, New York and Montreal.”

“Maybe Dani can give you some French lessons.”

“The only French lessons I want are French kissing and I want them from you.”

My heart wobbles and I can’t stop smiling. I really enjoy chatting with Ash like this. “You don’t need any lessons, Ash.”

We both laugh as I ease into my parking spot at home. “I’m here now. I should get going.”

“Okay, I’ll see you tonight.”

“Can’t wait.”

“You guys can stay over again if you want. I never did get a chance to beat you at pinball.”

While I love the idea of staying overnight, I say, “I should probably not let Zoe get used to being there and I’ll be taking Camryn and Tate to the resort tomorrow.”

He clears his throat. “Yeah, good call. I’ll see you later.”

With that we hang up, and I sit there a moment longer, just basking in the happiness curling around me, hugging like a well-loved blanket. A car horn beeps and pulls me back to reality. I quickly open the door, and a cold winter breeze curls around me. I unlock the door to the café and hurry inside to get the coffee and pastry going before customers start flooding in.

I double check my phone to make sure no one called in sick and I see a message from Sherry that she’s feeling better and can make it today. That means, I’ll be free tomorrow after I drop Zoe off at her school, to get Camryn and Tate home early enough that Camryn might not miss her morning classes.

Once I get the coffee going and the fresh pastry in the oven, I pick up my phone and pull up Melanie’s message.

Mel: Did I just see you drive down my street?

Damn, it was so early I didn’t expect anyone to see me but I guess with a baby she’s up at odd hours. How do I answer this without raising suspicion? She is, after all, a trained psychologist, and is very good at her job. It’s hard to hide anything from her.

Me: Yes, it was me. Ash’s dad wasn’t feeling well, and Ash asked me to stay the night to care for him. He’s better this morning and they are both taking care of the three kids.

Mel: Ash is taking care of the kids?

Me: LOL, I know. He’s not quite as scared as he used to be.

Mel: Is he taking care of you too? (eggplant, peach emoji)

Me: OMG

Mel: That is not an answer, my friend. Listen, why don’t you guys all come by tonight for dinner. I am getting cabin fever. Invite Ash’s dad too if he’s feeling up to it.

I hesitate for a moment. If people actually see Ash and me together will they feel the tension, or possibly know what we’ve been up to.

Mel: I’m not taking no for an answer.

Me: At least let me check in with Ash.

Mel: Oh, you two check in with each other now, do you?

Me: Well, he is watching the kids, and he could have plans tonight with someone. Don’t analyze this, Mel!

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