Page 116 of Chasing Sparks

Come to think of it, I don’t recommend love much anymore, either.

“Talk soon, Braden.” I watch him stroll next door before turning my attention to Mina.

“I love you, but I don’t want to discuss it. Not yet, anyway. Just let me work through it, okay?”

I don’t give Mina a chance to answer as I head for my office, sure of only one thing.

Love stinks, and I have zero desire to ever participate in this game again.

I’m knee-deep in organizing my new shipment of books when Lucille walks in, making a beeline for me.

Fuck my life. No doubt she’s here to remind me to stay far away from her man, lest I want a beating.

Okay, that might not be her plan, but I wouldn’t put it past her to issue a claim of ownership.

It’s Asher Hammond, for God’s sake. Women line up for his attention, but she’s the lucky bitch carrying his spawn.

Not that I would ever attempt to interfere in their … situation. I’m many things, but pathetic isn’t one of them. At least not outwardly. I’m a hot mess on the inside, but neither she nor Ash will ever know.

Might as well get this over with so I can return to the unnecessary rearranging of my store.

Hey, a woman needs something to keep her mind off life, and Mina has forbidden me from having any more coffee today. Apparently, my jitteriness was off-putting.

Better that than taking a sledgehammer to the breakable objects in the store—or to Ash’s handsome head.

“Hi, Ori.”

“Something I can help you with?” I brace for the inevitable warning, but Lucille turns her attention to the shelf, running her long fingers along the spines of the books.

“Baby books? I have zero knowledge on the subject, and Ash said you’re brilliant with pretty much everything.”

How quaint. I’m now the Girl Friday for Ash’s baby mama.

Dusting off my pants, I crook a finger at Lucille. “We have several on the subject, and I can always order more for you.”

I lead her to the baby section, an area I laid out with all the touches expectant and new mamas might want: stuffed animals, soft hues on the furniture, rocking chairs.

Sadly, I based it on my ideals of motherhood, an area I’d hoped to explore one day. That concept is now further off than ever.

Pulling a book from the shelf, I hand it to Lucille and motion to the rocker. “Have a seat. Would you like some tea?”

But she doesn’t sit. Instead, she grasps my wrist, holding me fast, her blue eyes boring into mine.

Here it comes.

“I know this must be hard for you, Ori. I hope you understand that neither of us wants to hurt you.”

Oh, but you did. In fact, you decimated me.

Plastering on a smile, I pull my hand free. “It was definitely a surprise, but Ash and I were never serious.”

Is it a lie? At least on my end, but I have to maintain face. I refuse to acknowledge that Lucille’s reentry into Ash’s life has destroyed all the plans I had for the two of us.

“That’s not true. He’s crazy about you. You’re all he talks about. He says you’re his best friend.”

Best friend?The words land like a punch, wrenching something deep inside me.

Not a girlfriend. Not a partner. Just … a best friend.

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