Page 20 of Losing Ansley

“It’s not that simple.” I pull my bottom lip between my teeth and clench my fists.

“It is that simple,” I tell him, but before he can respond, my door opens, and Dylan walks back inside. Lincoln takes a step back, breaking my heart a little more.

“Sorry about that. One of the guys from work was telling me the new location for filming tomorrow.” He glances back and forth between Lincoln and me, sensing the tension. “Everything okay?” I wait for Lincoln to say something, but he turns to Dylan and nods.

“Yeah. We were planning when she’d take me to get my rental.” He replies. I’m not sure why I expect anything different, but his response causes disappointment to settle in my stomach. We all say goodbyes, and I refuse to meet Lincoln’s eyes again.

After they leave, I pull up the dating app we launched a few weeks ago and fill out my profile information. I refuse to sit around and have a pity party for myself. Even if I don’t find a perfect match, I’ll get a few free meals.

THE FOLLOWING WEEKis crazy and fast-paced. I work crazy hours because filming is not an eight-to-five job. Sometimes it’s filming at three in the morning or noon, but I enjoy it. But the past few days have been weird, so I’m ready to chill with Liv and Caroline on Friday and have a fun girl’s weekend.

They’re driving down to see my apartment and staying for the weekend. They wanted to drive down last weekend but I convinced them to wait and let me settle into my apartment first. I can’t wait to see them. They should show up around the same time I get home if everything goes according to plan.

I told Dylan to stay away this weekend because they still don’t know he lives here too. I didn’t tell him that, though. I’m going to tell them everything. I’m tired of the secrets. I can’t be upset with Lincoln for keeping secrets and then do the same.

As I pull up to the gate at my apartment complex, I’m hoping Liv and Caroline are already here. I gave them the code to get in, so maybe they are. When I pull in, I see Liv’s Acura, and a huge smile spreads over my face. They’re jumping out of the car and running up to my car as I’m parking. When I climb out, I’m engulfed in hugs and giggles. I love these girls so much.

“I have missed you two so much,” I tell them as we separate.

“Us too!” Caroline says. I grin at her and Liv.

“Lincoln is being a total prick without you there,” Liv informs me. A pang settles in my heart, but I shrug and roll my eyes.

“He’ll get over it eventually.” I encourage them as we walk back to Liv’s car. They grab their bags, but I stop Caroline.

“I don’t think so, girly. Bass would kill us if anything happened to you and your unborn child.” I grab her bag, and she rolls her eyes taking it back.

“Not you too! I am quite capable. I swear that man won’t let me tie my freaking shoes.” Liv and I laugh as we make it to my apartment, and I open the door.

“Did you expect anything less from him?” Liv asks her, and Caroline shakes her head smirking.

“I secretly love it but don’t tell him I said that,” Caroline replies.

“Ansley, your apartment is gorgeous!” Liv exclaims. I’m so proud of this little apartment. The place I lived in, Mississippi, was a hole in the wall. I never invited them over because I was so ashamed of it. It’s a nice change, for sure.

I show them around and let them settle in. When we sit on the couch, I look between the two of them.

“I thought tonight we could order pizza and have some wine. Then tomorrow, I’ll take you two out on the town. There’s so much to do here! It’s so different from our small town.” I exclaim, and they both nod in agreement.

I order pizza and bread sticks, grab a bottle of wine for Liv and me, and a Ginger Ale for Caroline. She’s been having morning sickness all day, and Ginger Ale helped her, so I made sure to buy a few bottles for her.

“You look so happy, Ans,” Caroline observes as she takes a drink. I take a deep breath and give her a small smile. Is it possible to be happy and sad at the same time?

“I am. I love this job. I’ve wanted to be in fashion for as long as I can remember, but it didn’t work out, and now here I am.” Liv tilts her head at me.

“How did you even find out about this job? Were you looking?” She asks, and I bite the inside of my lip.

“Ummm…” I take a sip of my wine to give myself a minute to gather my thoughts. “About that. I haven’t been completely honest with you two.” They share a look and then turn their stares on me.

“What do you mean?” Caroline asks. I take a deep breath. Here it goes.

“Dylan helped me get this job. He moved here a few weeks ago to be a camera guy because he dreams of being a film producer, and you have to start somewhere.” I ramble.

“Anyway, he reached out to me to let me know there were a lot of positions open for costume designers.” They look at me in confusion, but Liv speaks up first.

“I thought you were leaving to get away from your brother?” She asks.

“And Lincoln.” Caroline chimes in. I take another sip of my wine and nod.

---