Page 64 of Love Her

Spinning on my heel, I take the seat across from Ashton and watch as Michael narrows his gaze my direction. Lifting a brow, I wait for him to do something, but he doesn’t. Instead, he turns and leaves. Hopefully forever.

Exhaling, I close my eyes and breathe. Slowly, my muscles relax, the tension unraveling.

“That was weird.” I’d almost forgotten she was here.

“I’m sorry about that. He can be a bit of an asshole.”

“Are you okay? Did he hurt you?” For the first time in over twenty years, I don’t hear any malice or disdain in her voice.

“I’m fine. Thank you for showing up when you did.”

Ashton opens her mouth to say something but stops before any sound is uttered. That’s not true. She makes a little whimper and her eyes close. I watch as she inhales and exhales slowly. She’s counting and then opens her eyes quickly.

“Ashton? Are you okay?”

A tear slips from her eye. “I don’t think so.”

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