Page 74 of Love Her

Her ramble goes on until I pull into the parking lot at work. Cutting the engine, I sit back and hold the phone closer to my mouth. Opening and closing it like a fish as she continues on trying to sell me on a girls’ night at her house.

“Ash . . . Ash . . . Ashton!”

“Huh?”

“I am really happy we’ve moved on from all our issues, but don’t you think this is pushing it?”

“Nope. You don’t think I’m setting you up, do you? I wouldn’t do that. Okay, I would but I’m not. I promise. Maybe it’s the pregnancy hormones or Piper’s finally rubbing off on me, but I really want you to come.”

Even when I lived in Dallas with Michael, I didn’t have many friends. Sure, we had couple friends and there were a few of the ladies I went shopping with but for the most part, I didn’t have anyone I would truly call a friend. Until Gigi, my mom was the closest to a girlfriend in my life. Wow. That’s more pathetic than I thought was possible.

“How about I say maybe. Will that appease you?”

“Have we met? Do you think a maybe is going to work? That’d be a no. Six at my house. I’ll text you the address. Bye!”

The line goes dead and I sit staring at my phone. I think I’m a little in over my head with this friendship.

“If you don’t get out of your car and come inside the neighbors are going to call the cops.”

“You know, I think I liked you better when you didn’t like me.”

Ashton rolls her eyes and pulls the driver’s door open. Huffing, she cocks a hip and taps her foot impatiently. Slowly I slip out of my seat and stand next to the car. I’m ready to distract her and jump back in but I have a feeling she would simply chase me down.

“Relax, it’s going to be fun. Come on, don’t dilly-dally.”

I follow slowly behind as she practically skips toward the house. Stepping up to the traditional Craftsman, I take in the beauty of the potted flowers and table and chairs on the porch.

A wooden pallet with a writing is propped against the side of the house and I bark out a laugh at what is written.

“Unless you have tacos we aren’t buying? Really?”

“It’s true. If I need something, chances are I’ve already ordered it online. Except tacos. I may consider opening the door for that.”

A pang of sadness hits me. How different would my life have been if only we had put our differences aside years ago? Would I have been so desperate to leave Lexington? I suppose had I stayed, I wouldn’t have my kids, nor would I have such an appreciation for what I do have now.

“Who’s here?” I ask from the entry way.

“The girls.” She says it like I should know what that means. “Come and see for yourself.”

Motioning for me to follow, she makes her way through the kitchen to the back door. Stepping outside, I scan the deck. Piper stands from her seat and makes her way to me. Her long auburn hair is braided and slung over her shoulder. She looks young and fresh, so unlike how I feel most days.

“Hi, Felicity.”

“Hi. Umm . . .“ What do I say? Sorry for being a bitch all these years. You really aren’t pathetic, and I never should have called you that?

“I’m happy to see you here. Thank you for being there for Ash at the hospital. I know she can be difficult, but the idea of her being alone and scared makes me sad.”

“Of course. I suppose it worked out. Look, Piper, I wanted to apologize. I’ve been awful to you over the years. There is no justification for my behavior and I’m so sorry for everything.”

Smiling sweetly, she squeezes my arm affectionately. “Thank you for that. We were kids and just kind of fell into our roles. I’m just glad we’re here now. Come meet everyone.”

Over the next few hours, I sit and listen to the women banter back and forth. Addison is struggling with a teenage son who isn’t sure what he wants to do with his life but he’s almost positive it’s a life in the military. Minnie and Dakota, sisters and best friends, tease each other over their newlywed status but when the little baby in Minnie’s stomach begins to kick, all conversation ceases as we all ooh and aah.

Scarlett is the newest to this group, but you would never know it by the way they pull her into the conversation and stories. I realize quickly that they’re attempting to do the same with me. It is a strange feeling, something new for me, but the feelings aren’t unwelcomed.

“Ladies, I need to go,” Dakota declares as she stands from her chair. Stretching her arms over head, she yawns. It’s a ripple effect among the rest of us.

As we all begin gathering our things, I hold back and clear the table of the few glasses left. When Ashton joins me in the kitchen, she isn’t alone. Scarlett is with her.

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