Page 22 of The Last Time

I lean back, elbows on my armrests. “That’s fine. You don’t have to answer the question if you don’t want to.”

I pop a chip into my mouth and watch her as she eats her sandwich, trying to ignore my stare.

She doesn’t last long.

“I’ve been fine. All in all, I can’t complain too much. Life has had its ups and downs, but that’s to be expected.”

I bob my head, trying to act indifferent to her words even though I don’t agree. I don’t think we should have to expect life to have such low points. Life shouldn’t crush you until you can barely breathe.

“What about you? How have you been the last decade?” she asks innocently.

I chuckle bitterly. “That’s a loaded question.”

Her head falls to the side as she watches me with interest. “You’re different than I remember.”

“That’s a fair observation.” I take another bite of sandwich as I let her probably compare me to the old version she remembers. No doubt she doesn’t like the version she sees now.

Her eyes fill with curiosity. “Last time I was here, you were in a pretty serious relationship with that woman. I can’t remember her name.”

My body goes stiff and rigid. “Lauren.”

“Lauren, that’s right. I guess you two didn’t work out?”

“We got married, actually.” My stomach churns at the mention of her name.

“Oh, I see.” She seems thrown off and nervous to push any further.

“She died two years ago from cancer.”

Her entire body deflates. “Oh my god! Asher, I’m so sorry. That’s awful.”

I nod my head. “I stay busy with work and my daughter. Not much time to think about it.”

“You have a daughter?”

I realize how little she does know about my life since she’s been gone. I guess I figured my sister had already opened her big mouth and filled her in.

“Yes. Brielle. We call her Brie. She’s three.”

I take the final bite of my sandwich, desperate to get out of this conversation before it gets too uncomfortable and real.

“Well, I should get back to work. Thanks again for lunch.”

Her eyes are sharp and assessing as she watches me collect my garbage. “Okay. It was nice to talk with you. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Will do.”

I walk away and take a deep breath as soon as I’m alone in the kitchen.

I hate when this topic comes up. It reminds me why I like my privacy. New relationships invite questions. Questions bring up scars that are better left hidden from the world.

Chapter Seven

Charlotte

“Wow.Ihaven’tbeenin this place in so long,” Layla says as she walks through my house.

She brought lunch from her restaurant, which I can smell from the bag in her hand. I’m excited to see what she has in there, but it’s distracting me from what she’s saying.

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