Page 5 of My Grumpy Valentine

Once I hand off the order inside, I busy myself with the other two cars outside that had my tickets as well. The Jeep’s food is ready, and it takes two trays to carry everything. Balancing bothwhile keeping my weight steady on any patches of black ice, I all but glide over to them without falling on my ass.

I won’t look at Asher. Even if I have questions filling my mind as I wish to learn why he left with a little of a goodbye, I keep my eye on the prize.

Tips. Tips. Tips.

Tight smiles and sweet words. Fluttering lashes, and giggling at unfunny jokes.

Otherwise, how in the world will I pay my rent on time?

Offering the driver a few extra napkins for the little ones in the back, I try not to let my eyes linger for too long on their bright smiles as their mother passes them milkshakes that are twice the size of their little heads.

There is nothing worse than catching baby fever when kids are pretty much impossible where I am.

“Let me know if you guys need anything else by flashing those headlights. Enjoy your meal and I’ll be back for the trash.” Leaving them with another jaw-aching grin, I head over to the other car, taking their payment before sending them off with an appreciative wave and a plea for their return.

Five bucks is five bucks.

When I pocket the money and slip back inside, Asher’s meal is bagged and ready to go. Taking it out to him, my smile feels more natural. Less of an act.

He pays me in cash and tells me to keep the rest. The corners of his eyes wrinkle, showing off his age. He had a good few years on me. Must be hitting his early forties.

“Give Danny my regards.” The bag crinkles in his grip as he turns his attention away to tuck it next to him.

Just like that, four words are all it takes to kill this flutter and leave a bad taste in my mouth. Every time I hear my ex-husband’s name, it’s always the same reaction. Never pleasant.

“Ah.” My smile grows tight, and I shift from one foot to the other. “I guess you haven’t talked to him in a while, either.”

Two years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to laugh about the whole thing. Now, I can chuckle without feeling a throb in my chest. Though, right now, there’s a dread at breaking the news to a man he considered a close friend as well.

“Danny left town a while ago,” I explain as I nudge a slippery patch of ice below with my boot. “Right after our divorce finalized.”

Asher glances back at me, his brow furrowing in an unsettling way that makes his earlier frown seem almost mild by comparison. The deepening line between his eyebrows and the tightness of his lips creates an expression that is far more intense.

He looks pissed.

I take a step back, and my next laugh feels forced. “Don’t worry, we were both to be blamed. He met someone else, and I…”I let him,multiple times. “…grew unhappy. But, uh, I’ll let you go. I’ve held you for too long, and my legs are kind of numb. It was good seeing you, Asher.”

His lips part, and it feels like he wants to stop me.

A part of me wants him to. All in the name of catching up and feeling the comfort he used to bring when I was at my happiest.

Instead, Asher nods and turns on his truck. It sounds like it’s fighting for its last breath as it rumbles to life.

I don’t linger long enough to wave goodbye. No, I’m too busy rushing back toward the small diner.

Not because I’m afraid of the manager in charge giving me an earful for taking too long, but because the way my heart is beating is kind of scary.

I won’t think too deeply about it. All for the sake of not opening up old wounds.

3

Asher

Danny dropped the fucking ball big time. He let her go.

The one fucking woman he never deserved. He lethergo.

The impact of those words, uttered moments before by her, caused my grip on the wheel to tighten, my knuckles stark white. Sitting at a stubborn red light, I have plenty of time to register news I never thought I’d hear.

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