Page 22 of Finding Ash
“Not at all. The creamery doesn’t open until later, so I get to sleep in. For the most part, the bar closes at eleven, and the kitchen staff takes care of their area. In the morning, I gather the linens and put them in the wash, then head over to open with you. It all works out.” Ash was far too happy about that. Alas, youth was clearly wasted on the young. I’m certain club fifty would come all too soon, and they’d be pushing my wheelchair around.
Our dinner arrived, and the question-and-answer portion of the date continued as we ate. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them and couldn’t wait to see what the future held for us.
Chapter Ten
Ash
“Mom, I already told you everything.” My parents had been here all of ten minutes, and I had one foot out the door, ready to escape. “Their names are McClain and Remy, and we are all dating each other. Equally.” I sincerely hoped Remy was faring better than I was at explaining our new relationship to his family.
“I don’t see how that’s even possible,” Mom shookher head.
“Mom,” Kit stepped in, and I feared what may come from his mouth. “Trust me, poly relationships aren’t a foreign concept outside of the commune. They are actually quite popular and work well for those involved, as long as they keep an open line of communication.”
Okay, not too bad, though by the time Remy and I got to McClain’s for movie night tonight, we may both need a drink, and I’ve never had alcohol before.
“How does the sex part work?”
Just kill me now…
Nate chuckled from the kitchen. “I’m not sure that’s anyone’s business but theirs.”
Score one for Nate.
“I agree with Nate, honey.”
Score one for Dad.
Mom huffed. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. That’s between them. I’m sorry, Ash. I just worry about you, is all. You’re not street smart like Kit.”
Kit and I both rolled our eyes so hard I’m amazed they didn’t get lodged in our brains.
“I know, Mom, but trust me, it’s all good. I’ve got to get to work. Will you be coming by Foggy Creamery later?” This was one of those situations where you wanted them to meet McClain and Remy just to get it over with, but at the same time you’d rather they never met.
“Ice cream sounds great, son. We’ll be by after lunch,” Dad assured me. Reassured me? Either way, my anxiety skyrocketed into the universe.
I kissed mom’s cheek and bounded toward the door. “See you then,” and made a speedy escape. I swear, I ran all the way to work.
“Why are you so out of breath?” McClain worriedly asked, rubbing my back as I bent over to catch my breath. “Was something or someone chasing you?”
I shook my head. “No. Parents. Here.”
“Ah,” he smiled. “Say no more.”
“No,” I waved my arms. “Coming here, after lunch.”
“Oh.” McClain handed me a bottle of water. “Drink up. We’ll definitely need our energy for that.”
I guzzled it down and got to work, but no matter what I did, my eyes kept veering toward the windows.
“You ever hear that old adage,a watched pot never boils?” McClain asked.
“Um, no?”
He grinned. “What it means is...”
“They’re here!” I cut him off. My heart raced like crazy, and I feared for what would come from my mother’s mouth. She was sweet as pie but far too curious for her own good. Or mine…however that went.
“I stand corrected,” McClain mumbled beside me. “Time to meet the first set of parents.”
