Page 252 of The Moment We Know

At that, Jacob leaned toward Paige and whispered something in her ear.

“I think that would be nice,” she replied back softly.

“You do?”

“Of course.”

Jacob turned back to Ashley. “If you’d like to join us for dinner, you’re welcome to. That is, if you don’t have any other plans.”

“I don’t have any other plans.” She’d gone perfectly still, stunned at the invitation. “Are you sure about this, though? I really don’t want to intrude.”

“I’m sure.”

Ashley glanced at David to get his opinion. “It’s fine,” he told her, before adding, “But you should know several other people will be there, too … in case that makes a difference to you.”

His warning tone—though extremely subtle—made it clear he thought there might be an issue between her and at least one of the ‘other people’, which prompted her to ask, “Like who?”

“My mom, for one. And … Dick.”

Hearing Valerie’s name wasn’t surprising, given the relationship had been less than warm (for which Ashley took full responsibility), and while it gave her a moment’s pause, it didn’t deter her in any way. However, Dick was a little harder to get past, because while Valerie had tried to like Ashley, Evan had openly disliked her (for which she also took full responsibility, because being a bitch had consequences).

She was on the verge of telling David she could handle his mom and best friend—and was even thinking apologies were in order upon seeing them again—when Paige threw out another name.

“My friend Jules will also be there.”

Ashley could tell by Paige’s expression that Jules was likely aware of Ashley’s past transgressions (like putting Paige in the hospital) and wasn’t a fan, but Ashley decided that wasn’t going to keep her from going to dinner, either. If Jules was one more person that needed an apology, then so be it—

“Don’t forget Uncle Mal,” Julian said.

“And Dolly,” Jacob added with an affectionate smile.

When that appeared to be the end of names, Ashley quickly took stock of the situation. As far as she could tell, three out of those five people likely weren’t going to be thrilled to see her, which wasn’t a great percentage. However, based on Jacob’s apparent fondness for Dolly (whoever she was), Ashley didn’t think she needed to worry on that front. That left Uncle Mal (whoever he was) to be the lone wild card, who could swing either way … but to be on the safe side, she wasn’t going to assume he was friendly.

She slowly became aware everyone was looking at her, clearly waiting to see if she was still going to join them for dinner or not. “It doesn’t make a difference to me. So, if I really won’t be intruding, I would like to join you for dinner,” Ashley said, then asked, “Where are you going? And what time should I be there?”

It was Paige who answered. “Cracker Barrel at 6 p.m. The one by Lakeside Mall.”

A memory surfaced of Jacob always wanting to eat there as a child, making Ashley almost chuckle. “Cracker Barrel, huh? All right.”

“Fucking Cracker Barrel,” David muttered.

“Swear jar,” Julian called out. “That’ll cost you a Lincoln.”

“I’ll pay it later.” David waved a dismissive hand at his youngest son, only to frown at his semi-slouched posture on the couch. “And sit up straight.”

“Come on, Dad. It should be your favorite restaurant,” Jacob said. “It’s the one place we go where everyone is actually older than you are.”

“That was mean,” Paige chided Jacob, only to ruin the reprimand by adding under her breath, “Accurate … but still mean.”

While the two boys laughed at their father’s expense, David pointed to the stairs like a drill sergeant. “Why don’t the three of you go and start getting ready, so we can leave on time?”

The boys got to their feet and headed upstairs. As Paige started to follow, David stopped her with a kiss. Ashley could see it wasn’t for her benefit, that it was something he probably always did, and it caused her to feel a twinge of sadness.

“Don’t do too much,” he told Paige softly. “You know I love to see your pretty face more than anything.”

“I know. But sometimes it takes a little effort to look pretty.”

“Bullshit. You’re always pretty.”

---