Page 77 of The First Spark

Raven huffs out a breath, pooching her lips in feigned annoyance. “Come on, tell me the truth. Who is she?”

“Why do you care?” Ash grumbles, keeping his hand steady as he lays down some ink.

“Because she’s not your usual type, but you seemmightyinterested in that one.”

Now my ears really perk up, desperate to hear how Ash responds to her claim.

Yes, I’m thirty-nine years old, but deep down, I’m still just a girl with a heady crush.

Ash shakes his head as he wipes her design, another laugh rising from his chest. “Remember that woman I hated?”

“Your neighbor?”

Ash nods. “Turns out, I don’t hate her after all.”

I bite back a sarcastic laugh at his words.

Don’t bowl me over with your romantic lines, Ash.

“Are they talking about you?” Mina asks, her voice a fierce whisper.

Why do people always pick the worst time to inject themselves into a conversation? Can’t Mina see I’m busy eavesdropping?

“Shh.” It’s the only response my friend needs as she falls silent and I return my attention to the drama unfolding not five feet from me.

Raven wags her finger at Ash. “Wait a minute. She’s the one you share a basement with, right?”

“One and the same.”

“Did she sign the paperwork?”

“She did.”

Raven shakes her head, a sly giggle escaping her lips. “Youare devious.”

Ash pauses again, tilting his head toward her. “What do you mean?”

“Now I get it. You, buttering her up and showering her with attention. Of course, you said you’d doanythingto ensure that speakeasy opened. Well played, Ash. Well played.”

He waves his hand, clearly distracted by her incessant questions. “You’re reading too much into it. It’s just … business. Nothing more than that.”

Ash’s words seep into my soul with the finality of a chainsaw cutting through wood.

I guess I’m nothing in his equation.

Raven leans over, one crimson nail dragging along his biceps. “And you are one hell of a talented businessman. Perhaps I can find a dealwecan negotiate.”

Ash’s shoulders shake with silent laughter as he waves her hand away. “Will you please stop so I can concentrate?”

So glad they find this scenario funny.

Seems I’m the only onenotlaughing.

“Want to get out of here?” Mina asks, her glare fixed on Ash and his ‘friend’.

I nod, keeping my eyes downcast. “Yeah. I’ve seen enough.”

Actually, I’ve seen and heardmorethan enough.

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