Page 120 of The Best Men
“No,” I answer immediately. Even if it is, this day is done. I’m mentally putting my feet up right now.
“How do you know if you don’t check?” my wise daughter wants to know.
Good point. I cross to the console table and peer at the phone.Asher St. James.
My stupid heart kicks just seeing his name. The text says:New episode tonight. Want to watch it together?
“Is it Mommy?” Rosie asks again.
“No, pumpkin. Just a friend.” I set the phone down and give Rosie another goodnight kiss. I turn out all the lights, mute my phone, and climb onto my own bed to contemplate Asher’s text. I wasn’t expecting to hear from him. Didn’t think we’d become text buddies. If that’s what this is.
And I haven’t reached out to Asher at all. In my defense, I’ve been busy dragging my ass all over Disney World.
But I also didn’t want to come off as clingy. The man is moving to another continent, after all.
I stare at Asher’s text, wondering what to say. After way too much thought, I go with:Hey stranger. Wish I could watch it with you. But I’m in a hotel room with my sleeping kid. You’d better watch without me.
And do every other thing without me, too. I don’t add that, even though it’s true.When do you leave for Paris?I ask, because I like to torture myself.
He replies immediately.Tomorrow.
Well that settles that, doesn’t it?I hope you have an amazing time. Be well and take care of yourself.
I almost add something flirty about his hair or his lips. God knows all the things I said to him this past week. It was a lot. It was intense.
But maybe every hot fling feels like that. How would I know? Maybe I imagined that we were something special together.
You too, he eventually replies. But that’s all I get.
I stare at my phone, wondering if there’s anything more I could say that would make a difference. Doubtful. Besides, maybe his watch-party offer is just something he does?staying pals with a hookup. Just like he rents expensive sports cars, flies first class, and knows all the DJs by name.
My phone lights up again, and for a second, joy whips through me. It’s scary how much I like being in touch with him. But Hannah’s messaging. She’s in Hawaii, where it’s mid-afternoon.Can I call you?she asks.
That gets me off the bed in a flash and tiptoeing into the bathroom, where I shut the door and tap her number. “Is everything okay?” I ask as soon as she answers.
“Just fine. Sorry to make you worry. I’m calling to say thank you again for all you did for my wedding. And also to tell you that Hawaii is amazing and I never want to leave.”
“Okay, phew,” I say quietly. “I didn’t think you’d call me on your honeymoon.”
“I wanted to get a mani-pedi, so I sent Flip golfing.”
“Ah.” It all makes sense now.
“Mark, you were totally right about Flip. He told me that he always nods along with his mom, because it’s easier than fighting. And he said that he doesn’t want our child to be raised by boarding schools. And that he’d never assume anything without discussing it with me.”
“Well, I’m a genius, clearly. But mostly, that’s a relief for you.”
“Of course it is. You were right. How’s life at Disney?”
“Exhausting,” I admit. “I’m going to need a vacation after my vacation.”
“You get a few more days off after you get back, right?”
“Right,” I agree.
“Look, I made a decision—you need a rebound guy or gal.”
I snort. Are she and Valencia in cahoots? “That’s your decision, huh?”
