Page 2 of Emergency Exit
“I don’t believe you were invited,” she said tartly.
“That came out way worse than I meant it to,” he said, feeling awkward. “I really just meant… You know what? I’m going to say sorry and stop talking.”
She giggled. “That’s all right. I’m Harper Smoak,” she said, holding out her hand.
“Asher Valkyrie,” he said, shaking her hand. He found himself smiling down into her dark-fringed blue eyes. His face felt funny, and he realized it was the first time he’d really smiled at anyone in weeks. “My friends call me Ash.”
“Heh,” she said, her head tilting back in amusement. “We need to fight crime together.”
“What?”
“We could be Smoak and Ash!”
“Why not Ash and Smoak?” he demanded.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she said as the elevator slowed and then stopped with a bounce. “Smoke always comes before ash.”
There was a long silence, and Asher tried not to laugh as Harper flushed bright red.
“That didn’t come out right,” she said.
“I’m familiar with the feeling,” he said, grinning. Harper laughed and shook her head as the elevator doors opened.
Ash walked them through the service area and to the Chinese Room, where the party was in full swing. The coffered ceiling with gilt paint and ornate art deco, Asian inspired moldings gave everything an exotic vibe.
“Oh. Wow. This is bigger than I thought it would be,” said Harper as they stood on the sidelines of the party.
It was precisely what Ash had been expecting. Mason andStephanie were extroverted socialites who never did anything by half-measures. Harper cast a nervous look up at Ash, and he smiled sympathetically. He was about to suggest she stick with him when an older woman rocking the Coastal Grandma aesthetic pinballed out of the crowd and spun toward them.
“Look at you!” the woman exclaimed, hugging Harper with one arm while nearly sloshing her martini onto Asher. Harper looked surprised at the sudden onslaught of affection.
“And look at you!” Harper replied cheerfully, trying to disentangle herself.
“And who is this guy?” demanded the woman scrutinizing Asher.
“Asher Valkyrie,” said Asher, trying not to laugh at Harper’s attempts to slide free.
“Well, you be nice to our little sweetie!” chirped the older woman, literally pinching Harper’s cheek.
“I have every intention of it,” said Asher.
“Ooh! There’s Benson! Find me later, sweetie! We’ll catch up.”
The woman bustled off, and Harper grabbed Ash’s arm and pushed him in the opposite direction. “I have no memory of meeting that woman!” she hissed, grimacing and pulling him further into the crowd.
“Butsweetie,” he said, chuckling, “she remembers you.”
At the sound of Ash’s voice, Colin Kwayana turned from his conversation in a knot of Amazon bros, and Ash groaned inwardly. Colin handled a lot of the financing for Ash’s business, and Ash could see he was giving Harper the once over and trying not to look surprised.
“Ash! I wasn’t sure you were coming.”
“It’s the big four-oh,” said Ash, feeling a knot of tension re-form in his neck. He hadn’t been aware it was gone until it came back. “Couldn’t miss that.”
“Of course not. Hi, I’m Colin. I work with Ash occasionally.”He held out his hand, and Harper shook it.
“Nice to meet you,” said Harper, smiling. “Harper Smoak.”
“Harper works in Emergency Management,” said Ash, hoping to forestall any awkward questions.
