Page 108 of Third Time Lucky

Even though I’d much rather go back to Asher’s place even if I don’t actually have an invite, I need to help my friend. She’s done it for me countless times over the years. Plus, she’s got anxiety turning in my head like a tornado that maybe all men are shady, including the one I’m actively falling in love with.

* * *

As we pull up to Madi’s place, she’s in her open doorway, arms crossed over her chest. The worry etched on her face is apparent even from a distance. I haven’t seen her like this in a long time.

‘I’m so sorry,’ I say to Ash.

‘No need. Obviously, those two are having some issues and I totally get it – she’s your friend – you should help her. My phone is always on for you, alright?’

I nod. ‘You are the sweetest man. I hope you know that.’

‘And you are amazing,’ he says, giving me a quick but mind-melting kiss. ‘I’ll plan date number three?’

‘Yes!’ I say, opening the car door. ‘Make it on the weekend?’ I suggest, glancing back to see his face at that statement.

Slowly, an adorable smile grows, and he nods.

‘Alright then. See ya tomorrow?’

‘Absolutely,’ I say with a smile, closing the door but wishing our night wouldn’t end here.

I trudge up the stairs to Madi’s second-floor apartment. She’s outside waiting on me, nervously pacing.

‘How ya doing?’ I ask, stopping near her.

‘What’s the plan?’ she asks, but my head is still buzzing from Asher’s lips. Or maybe just Asher himself.

I need to focus.

‘Let’s go inside first,’ I suggest, leading the way into her apartment. Once inside, I make us some tea, trying to calm our nerves and hopefully distract her from the freezer full of booze she has on standby.

‘So, what exactly happened?’ I ask, settling into her comfortably cozy, thrifted apartment.

She takes a deep breath before launching into the whole story; telling me about their fight, how she tried to talk to him about their budding relationship, and how he seemed to shut down completely.

‘I just don’t get it. One minute, we’re having a good time, and the next, he’s telling me he’s incapable of love.’

‘So, the man-taming isn’t going well then?’

‘Not even a little bit,’ she moans. ‘He’s probably got multiple women all over the city just like Brandon.’

Her statement lingers in the air, heavy with potential. Would Asher condone this behavior in his brother? He doesn’t seem like that kind of guy, maybe she’s right and the apple doesn’t fall that far from the tree and Ash is just great at playing it smooth. What does he think of his brother betraying my best friend like this? I should probably ask.

‘I think Aaron’s probably self-sabotaging for some reason only a therapist could help him through,’ I say. ‘But that doesn’t excuse his behavior. You deserve someone who values you and is willing to communicate openly and not cut you off the way he has.’

‘Absolutely!’ she exclaims excitedly. ‘I am a precious diamond, and he needs to recognize that.’

I nod in agreement, taking a sip of my tea. ‘A flawless diamond, without a doubt.’

‘Can you talk to Asher tomorrow? Please?’ she asks, practically begging. ‘Find out what he knows and ask for his help. He knows him best.’

Even though this feels a little like a high-school conversation about a boy annoying us outside our lockers, I promise to talk to Asher the next day, assuring Madi that I’ll do everything I can to investigate Aaron’s behavior for her because she’d do that for me.

We spend the rest of the evening devising a game plan, trying to figure out how best to approach the situation without causing more drama than necessary. Please, God, let this work the way she hopes because I have my doubts.

35

LUCY

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