Page 20 of Emergency Exit
“Do they even make that commercial anymore?” asked Colin. “I think you might be dating yourself with that reference, Steph.”
“I’m just trying to give Harper some pointers,” said Stephanie. “It seems like quite the switch for Ash to go from Emma to someone with such… unique taste.”
“Well, maybe you don’t know him as well as you think,” said Tommy drily.
“Harper,” said Colin, “where did you move from again? Montana?”
“Denver,” said Harper. “It’s been lovely having Ash show me around.” She hesitated and then added the line she and Ash had practiced to explain why no one had met her. “Particularly, so soon after moving. I don’t know anyone here.”
“Just moved to town and bumped into Ash in an elevator?” asked Stephanie.
“Yes,” said Harper, choosing to ignore Stephanie’s sarcasm. She had reached the oyster section of the buffet bar and realized that Ash wouldn’t want them as they were, but having worked to reach the oysters, it seemed rude not to take some. She madeeye contact with the server behind the table and smiled at him. He smiled back and took a step closer.
“I don’t suppose I could get some hot sauce?” she asked, and he instantly nodded and produced a bottle from somewhere behind the risers of oysters.
“Thanks,” said Harper. She added the hot sauce to the oyster and handed the bottle back. Then she took a deep breath and turned to face Stephanie Richland.
“Hot sauce fan?” asked Stephanie, her eyebrow arching.
“No, this is for Ash,” said Harper.
“Uh…” said Colin, grimacing. He had been her supporter until now, but his expression seemed to say she was making a misstep.
“So you’re quite confident that Ash will like your selection?” asked Stephanie.
“What is this—a girlfriend pop quiz?” demanded Colin.
Harper looked at the plate. According to his dossier, he should like everything on the plate, and the only way he would eat the oyster was if she added that much hot sauce.
“Yes,” said Harper. “He’ll like everything.”
“Ash, darling,” called Stephanie, turning toward a knot of people that Harper hadn’t noticed. “Harper has made you a plate. Isn’t that the most girlfriend thing ever?”
Ash shook hands with whoever he was talking to and sauntered over.
“Thanks!” he said, taking the plate. “Mmm!” He slurped the entire oyster and set the shell down. “How’d you get them to put the right amount of hot sauce on? They always weak sauce everything.”
“I asked for the bottle,” said Harper. “And put it on myself.”
“Aw, Smoak!” Ash leaned over and kissed her cheek. His lips felt soft against her cheek, barely a butterfly’s wing of impact, but it made her face hot.
Harper caught sight of Stephanie’s face. She looked like she had sucked a lemon. Colin, on the other hand, was grinning. Tommy lifted his glass again and drank in the last drops and an ice cube. He was watching her thoughtfully as he chewed through the ice.
Ash made another happy noise and ate the bacon-wrapped date on a skewer, oblivious to Stephanie’s death glare.
“Oh, sorry,” he said, looking at the group. “Harper, did you meet Tommy?”
“Stephanie introduced us,” said Tommy. “Although, I must admit I was having trouble focusing after she used the wordparamourwith a straight face.”
Ash paused mid-chew and looked at Stephanie in puzzlement.
“It’s a vocabulary word of French extraction meaninglover,”said Stephanie coldly. “Public school education really is failing all of you, isn’t it?”
“I’m aware of what it means,” said Ash. “But it sounds dirty when you say it. Kind of wish you’d just call her my girlfriend.”
“I’m not sure why I would,” said Stephanie. “I’m sure you’ll regain your senses soon.”
“Emma and I broke up,” said Ash, as though he was holding onto his temper. “We’re not getting back together. I’m sorry if you’re upset about it, but you should move on.”
