Page 123 of Chasing Your Ghost

“Our son had some rather outlandish things to say about you,” his father told her.

Riley shot Asher a wide-eyed ‘what have you done?’ look. The jerk only smiled wider, doing nothing to ease her concerns.

“Frankly,” his dad continued, and she turned her gaze back to him, sure she looked like a deer caught in headlights. “I would have thought he was on drugs or pulling our leg for some incomprehensible reason, but I know my son, and I know when he’s lying to me.” He removed his wireframe glasses and wiped a hand over his face. “He wasn’t lying.”

Riley felt like she had whiplash. First, her mother, and now this. She blinked at Asher’s parents. “You mean you believe him?”

“He’s my son. Of course, I believe him.”

Riley gaped, shaking her head several times before she could respond. “But…no one ever believes.”

“And no one knows how to read people like my husband,” Asher’s mother told her, a kind smile gracing her lips.

“Like I said. My son wasn’t lying.”

“No, he wasn’t,” Riley agreed. “I’m sorry we didn’t find him sooner.”

Asher’s father laughed. “You brought our son home to us, and you’re apologizing? Asher was right about you. You’re a good soul.”

“We’re glad he found you,” his mom added.

Riley could feel her cheeks warming, and it only grew worse when she met Asher’s gaze. “I’m glad he found me too.”

“Could you give us a minute?” Asher asked his parents.

“We’ll give you five,” his mom responded in a no-nonsense tone.

“Mom,” Asher pleaded.

“We just got you back. I’m not letting you out of my sight for longer than that.”

“Mom, I’ll be okay for fifteen minutes.”

The woman sighed and pointed a warning finger at him. “Ten, and that’s final.”

Asher beamed. “Thanks, ma.”

“Be good, you two. No funny business, please,” his dad said as they started leaving the room, and he chuckled like he knew how embarrassing he was being.

“Thanks, Dad,” Asher said dryly.

“It’s my pleasure, son,” he chirped over his shoulder.

And, finally, Asher and Riley were alone for the first time since that morning. It felt as though days had passed, though it had only been hours.

“Hi,” Riley said, biting back the smile that desperately wanted to break across her face. She strode to the side of his bed in a near-skip.

“Hi,” he replied, not bothering to conceal his grin.

“Where are Chris and Ella?”

The two had left Noah’s room after Francesca, Hugh, Edith, and Olivia had arrived, and they’d told Riley they’d be checking on Asher and his parents.

“They went to the cafeteria to find some food. They should be back soon.”

Riley nodded, taking another step forward so that she was pressed against the bed. “How are you feeling?”

“Sore and tired, but the doctor said I’ll be fine to leave tomorrow afternoon.”

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