Page 69 of Emergency Exit
“Unca Ash!” yelled Olly.
“Oh,” said Chloe, looking relieved as Ash turned around. “Ash. Thank goodness he didn’t just tackle a stranger.”
“I think I wish he had,” said Ash. “Olly-man! We have got to talk about your timing.”
“Up, up, up!” Olly held up his arms, and Ash picked him up. “Surprise!”
“Yes, that was indeed a big surprise,” agreed Ash as Chloe went to help Harper.
“Are you OK? I’msosorry. Hi. I’m... I’m Chloe.”
“Harper, meet my brother’s girlfriend, Chloe, and his sneak attack, terrorist spawn, also known as my nephew Olly.” He realized as Chloe’s face froze that possibly Chloe and Forest weren’t announcing their relationship status.
“Hi,” said Harper, smiling. She looked flustered, but like she at least found the situation funny. He didn’t think she’d noticed Chloe’s expression. “Well, I don’t think I’ve ever been tackled by anyone cuter. Although, I also would have preferred less of a surprise.”
“Christmas surprise!” announced Olly, looking unphased by the criticism.
“OK, no, that’s not what Christmas surprise means,” said Chloe, facepalming herself.
“Oh, I think it is now,” said Ash, laughing.
“Best day ever,” said Olly, repeating one of his favorite phrases.
“Well, we know that Olly’s having a good time. How about you, Chloe? How’s your day going?” Ash asked, grinning maliciously. Chloe seemed so serene most of the time that he enjoyed seeing her ruffled.
“Well, it was fine until now,” said Chloe with a sigh. “Are you sure you’re OK, Harper? I really am sorry. He can be quite fast when he wants to be.”
“It’s the shock and awe strategy,” said Ash. “He’s a master at it. Gives him time to get a head start.” He couldn’t count the number of times Olly had out-maneuvered him. Not that he would be telling Forest or Chloe about any of those instances.
“Yes, I’m fine,” said Harper, smiling. “But, um, I should probably get back to work.”
“No, don’t leave on our account. Olly and I were just picking up some Christmas presents.”
“Christmas surprise!” repeated Olly, hugging Ash, whosqueezed him back happily.
“And now we’re headed back to the house for lunch. Although,” she glanced up at Ash, “I have been meaning to call you about lunch with your mom.”
“Uh... yeah. I’ll text you. Mom can be hard to pin down to an actual date sometimes.”
He hadn’t expected Chloe to follow through on that proposal and hadn’t mentioned it to Rose because he didn’t want her to be disappointed.
“Well, whenever,” said Chloe. “Olly and I clearly don’t mind being spontaneous.”
Ash snorted. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind. Here’s your ninja assassin back.” He handed Olly over, and Chloe swung him around to her back so he could ride piggyback. Ash was amused by this maneuver, but they both looked happy.
“OK, Olly, say goodbye to Unca Ash.”
“Bye!” he chirped.
“She’s his girlfriend?” asked Harper when Chloe and Olly were out of earshot. “I thought she was the nanny.”
“She was,” said Ash with a shrug. “Not the best plan, in my opinion, but on the other hand, Forest seems way, way more relaxed.” Which was probably just due to getting laid, but Ash couldn’t exactly be mad about that. In fact, jealousy was more the emotion that came to mind.
“You don’t like her.”
“I like her,” protested Ash. “She’s just…”
“A homeless hippy freak,” said Harper, quoting himself back at him.
