Page 163 of Chasing Sparks

“Ash?” Lucille’s voice echoes down the hallway, eliciting another groan from him.

“Yeah,” he snaps.

She peeks in, offering a small smile. “Sorry, but a few of the guys have to leave, and I wanted to do the cake.”

Ash nods curtly. “I’ll be right there.”

Lucille’s gaze flickers to me, and she offers a polite wave before retreating.

“Want some cake?” Ash asks, standing and running his hands over his beard.

“Actually, I have to get going.”

A muscle jumps in his jaw. “Why?”

“Long drive,” I say, keeping my tone light.

“Stay here and you won’t have to drive.”

“Honestly, I’m ready for a nap, so I’d be a buzzkill.”

He motions to the bed, his voice softening. “Go to sleep. Want me to kick everyone out? I will. Just say the word.”

It’s another sweet gesture, one of many from Ash, but this time, it isn’t enough.

His icy demeanor regarding his impending fatherhood has turned me cold on the idea of telling him. It’s obvious he wants nothing to do with being a father, and I refuse to ruin his birthday with such an unwelcome announcement.

“I hope you have a great night. Time for me to track down Mina.”

As I turn to leave, Ash grabs my wrist. “I wish you’d stop running.”

“Only way to stay safe,” I mumble, my voice and heart heavy.

Sadly, this time, I know it’s the truth.

I find Mina perched on a barstool, a glass of water in her hand.

“You ready?” I ask, nodding toward the door.

“Are we leaving?” Mina grasps my elbow, her expression concerned.

“You don’t have to, but I’m tired, and it’s a bit of a drive.”

“What did he say?”

I feign nonchalance, fishing my keys from my bag. “He loves the whiskey.”

“Ori, what did he say?” Mina’s voice sharpens as she steps in front of me, her eyes locking on mine.

“I didn’t tell him, okay?” I cry, the words spilling out before I can stop them. My voice cracks under the weight of my emotions, and I press my lips together, trying to rein them in. “We were talking, and I asked about Lucille and the baby, and he was so blasé about it.”

I blink rapidly, willing the tears to stay back. “He doesn’t know any details about her pregnancy and doesn’t care to know. Told me he couldn’t wait for her to move with her family so he could get his life back.”

My chest tightens, and I choke out the next words. “I figured at that point, telling him my news was a bad idea if I hoped for any type of positive reaction.”

Mina places a hand on my arm, her voice soft and cautious. “Maybe that’s not what he meant.”

I shake my head as the tears roll down my cheeks. “Or maybe it’s exactly what he meant.”

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