Page 4 of Finding Ash
Now I understood why mom used to threaten me with a bib. I met Luke’s mom and there was no way she’d put up with that nasty crap. But these guys and their juvenile antics weren’t meant to occupy my mind.
Ash was, though I’m not sure where he disappeared to. Kit and Nate had a steady crowd they were taking care of, but Ash was MIA.
“Psst,” Kit whispered beside me. “He’s in the back washing dishes.”
“Oh, err, um.” Shoot, busted. “I don’t want to get him in trouble.”
Kit nearly giggled. “You won’t get him in trouble for talking to a new,” he raised a questioning brow, “friend?”
When had the room gone silent? Was it hot in here? “Um, yeah, friend?” Did I really just answer a question with a question? Why was everyone staring at me?
“Hmm,” Kit winked. “Go on, he’s in the kitchen. You know where that is.”
Is this what it felt like to be under a microscope?
Maybe Ash was nothing more than an exciting new friend outside the world of programming, but the draw was strong, and the urge to know everything about him was undeniable. For the most part, I never really had true friends. I’d always helped mom with my little sister Kara. Between work and babysitting, there wasn’t time to hang with others my age. To be honest, there wasn’t a desire, either. The guys I work with may somewhat be considered friends, but not really anyone I’d ever hung out with outside of work.
Was it wrong of me to feel like that?
I dunno, just never really connected with anyone before. But there was just something about Ash that drew me to know more. Likes and dislikes, teaching him games. Maybe he’d show me around town, though he was pretty new himself here. Maybe we’ll discover exciting new places and things about Foggytogether.
I snuck off when the guys got back to talking about their issues. They knew I was there to help, but until they asked, I had my own adventure brewing. I hoped…
“There you are,” Ash jumped at the sound of my voice and bubbles flew all over. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” I grabbed a towel and helped clean up the mess. “Can I help?”
“You don’t have to. Shouldn’t you be out there with your co-workers?”
I shrugged. “Nah, they’re doing their thing. Besides, I’d rather hang with you.” Ash blushed, and rather than address it and further embarrass him, I grabbed a rag and took up a spot beside him. “So, what is there to do for fun around here?”
“I’m not sure, I haven’t got out much. Sometimes when I get bored I walk around Main Street, but that’s about it. There’s a new ice cream place coming in a couple weeks. That might be fun.”
“That would be fun. I’m a big fan of frozen treats,” he smiled. “Maybe we could go to the grand opening together. Do you know when it is?”
“Like a date?”
Did my shock mirror his face? Clearly, I’d not thought this out.
“Um, I don’t know. I’ve never been on one.”
“Me either.”
Suddenly, a silent game of dare began as we waited for the other to say something first.
“What are you two up to?” At the sound of Kit’s voice, we both jumped and grasped our chests. He doubled over giggling so hard I thought he’d fall. “Why so jumpy you two?”
“Just didn’t hear you is all,” Ash replied. “Did you need me to do something?”
“No, you’re fine. I was just bringing back more dirty dishes. I see we’ve hired new help?”
“Least I can do is help out since I’m monopolizing your employees’ time.”
“Monopolize away,” Kit winked at Ash. “A new friend is never a bad thing.” He turned and left us blinking in confusion.
“Did I miss something?”
“Sorry, you don’t have to hang out with me. Kit’s always trying to push me to make friends. But I’m not like him. I’m sure he told you to come back here. It’s okay, I won’t say anything.”
“Wait. What?”
