Page 115 of Time Stops With You

“Sure.”

I close the door, grab my phone from my bedroom and call Cullen’s number.

It rings and rings.

He’s not answering.

I try calling again.

Still no answer.

After the third time, my phone beeps.

It’s Cullen.

In a meeting.

I scowl and type:did you send someone to clean my house?

CULLEN:is it twelve already?

ME:Answer the freaking question!

CULLEN:Yes, I sent Ashley.

ME:A heads-up would have been nice!

CULLEN:Ashley’s great. I asked her to make you something to eat as well.

I type out a long response with a few choice words but, before I can press send, Cullen responds first.

CULLEN:Gotta go.

I send more angry texts.

He doesn’t respond to any of them.

That… maniac.

I control my temper the best I can. I know what it’s like to work with rude people and I don’t want Ashley to think I’m being short-tempered because of her. It has nothing to do with her at all.

When I open the door again, Ashley is alone.

“Did you talk to Ronan?” she asks and, before I can say either yes or no, she starts rolling her trolley into me.

I stop her with a hand. “Cullen asked you to come here without my knowledge or permission.”

Her eyes shift with confusion.

“So,” I motion to the hallway, “I’m sorry you wasted your time.”

“Oh. Of course. I’m sorry to bother you.” She dips her chin and wheels her trolley down the hallway. I watch her pause and contemplate how she’ll get the giant trolley down the staircase.

Guilt tugs on my heart and I hurry out of my apartment to catch up to her.

“Need some help?” I offer.

“This is too heavy for either of us.”

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