Page 49 of You and Me, For Real
Her statement weighs on me in such a way that it makes it difficult for me to stand. I’m not ready for our connection to be severed so soon.
I look at Roxy. “Yeah. She did. What can I say? She’s a rockstar.”
She laughs. “I like that.” Ashton picks up her toy basket from the barstool, Teddy following in her wake. She faces me and smiles. “Today was fun.”
A zing of pleasure courses through me. “I agree.” I jump up to follow her as she walks to the door. “When can you do another lesson?”
“Maybe next weekend?”
“Great! I’d love to see you again.” I pause, giving emphasis to my words, hoping she catches my underlying meaning. I walk a couple more steps, unable to resist the need to be closer. “You should bring your fosters with you next time.”
She laughs. “I don’t think you’re ready to unleashthatamount of chaos.”
“I think I’m up to the challenge.”
“We’ll see.” She smiles.
I’m so relieved to see her leaving happy this time. I’ve made loads of fans laugh and smile over the years, but her smile alone feels like an even greater victory. More than ever, I hope to earn it every time she’s with me.
She swings the front door open. “I’ll be in touch soon.” She steps outside, walks off the porch, and waves over her shoulderbut pauses in the middle of the drive and swivels around. “Oh, and thank you…for, you know…hiring me.”
“Of course. Happy to have you here. You know, helping Roxy and me.”
She nods and stumbles a couple of steps, walking backward, before turning around and hustling into her ancient Toyota. The screech of the door makes me cringe. The thing could use a healthy dose of WD-40.
Teddy jumps into the front seat, settling in as if he’s done it a thousand times. He probably has. He sits like an obedient soldier next to his charge. And he is—her protector.
And dang it all if I don’t envy that dog.
14
ASHTON
Yesterday, Griffin inspired something in me.
Once I let go of my anxieties over being filmed, I found myself absorbed in the work and enjoying myself. I’d forgotten how nice it is to be around people outside the shelter. To connect. To have friendships. Griffin was a patient and willing student who valued every suggestion I gave. He lit a fuse in me.
I can really do this. I can run a nonprofit business. I can persuade donors to contribute to my rescue. I can open myself up to people. While my parting conversation with Griffin poked at old wounds, it made me that much more aware I haven’t completely healed from them.
Including my broken relationship with my sister.
After five years of silence between us, I followed through on my promise to my sister and texted her. I owe her that much. She may have been Mom’s favorite—her protégée—but there was a time before all the fame got in the way that she was simply my charismatic, creative childhood friend who dragged me along on all her epic, imaginary adventures.
Though, as I sit outside this small cafe with the sun beaming on my skin like a spotlight with no place to hide, I start to question my decision. My sister promised there’d be no cameras, no filming. She’d texted that she would explain everything. The budding trust between us is the only thing keeping my butt stuck in this chair, but it’s weak and I start to wriggle and itch to get up and move. Walk.Do something.
I opt for rapping my fingers against the table.
Teddy whines at my feet and sits upright, resting his head on my thigh. I pet his fur, my fingers savoring the familiar texture.
“I’m fine, Teddy,” I whisper. Though I’m anything but.
He continues to whine, telling me I’m not fooling anyone.
It’s my fault, really. I came early, thinking it’d give me a chance to get more comfortable before her arrival, but instead, my insides are eating me up.
My sister appears in the doorway to the outdoor seating, talking to a waiter. “I see her now. Thanks.”
Her smile is tentative but genuine. “Hey, sis.”
