Page 107 of Third Time Lucky

‘Mads,’ I say lowering my voice. ‘I was sort of on a date and he had my full attention, so no, I didn’t read through the entire book you sent me yet.’

She sighs heavily. ‘You were on a date?’

‘Yep.’

‘Shoot. I’m sorry, I’m just in crisis here. I’m feeling things, Luce. Deep things. And I thought he was, too, but then we were at a club, and I caught him getting cozy with another woman on the dance floor. He played it off like I was making a big deal out of nothing, but I haven’t heard from him since. I’ve left six messages, texted, emailed, nothing.’

I listen intently to Madi’s words, feeling a mix of concern and frustration on her behalf. Aaron has always been a questionable character, but I feel for her, knowing what I think I overheard.

I glance over at Asher, who catches my eye and raises an eyebrow in silent question. Ignoring his unspoken inquiry, I focus back on the phone call with Madi.

‘I’m sorry. I mean, you did sort of expect this from him, right?’

‘Don’t remind me.’

‘I just mean, usually, you don’t care if someone exits your life because if they’re meant to stay, they’ll do the work. Maybe Aaron’s not who you thought he was.’

‘I know exactly who he is, and damn it, I like 85 per cent of it, and that’s the highest percentage I’ve liked in a man since… you know… so since things are working out for you, I’d thought I’d at least try.’

‘You want to try for love again?’

‘If you can, I can.’

‘Well, in my defense, previously I haven’t set the bar very high.’

‘I’ve heard you go on about Ash like he’s our Lord and savior. I want that. And apples don’t usually fall that far from the tree. If Asher is the catch you claim he is, Aaron is too, he’s just stupid.’

Ash laughs, overhearing her words.

‘Do you need me to come over? We can make Aaron voodoo dolls or have another boy burning seance,’ I offer.

‘If that jerk is ghosting me without an explanation, we’ll be burning his dollat the stake. Warn Mitzi now, just in case there’s a permit required for that.’

‘I always knew a scorned woman would murder him one day,’ Ash says under his breath so Madi doesn’t hear.

‘Is that Asher?’ she demands. When she’s in private eye mode, her senses are super-powers.

‘Um, yes, it is. We were on a date, remember?’ I confirm.

‘Doesheknow where Aaron is?’

‘Nope,’ he interjects loudly, covering for his brother. I understand why he’s doing it; I’d do the same if I had siblings. But in this case, Aaron is definitely in the wrong.

‘He says no,’ I chime in, ensuring she heard him.

‘Liar!’ she exclaims, her voice filled with anger. ‘Those two share everything, just like us. He knows – he’s just choosing not to tell you.’

Feeling uncertain, I glance over at Asher. Sure, he’s protecting his brother. That I expect. But is it a red flag? In the future would he keep something from me, even if it hurts someone I love? God, I hope not.

‘When will you get here? I need to talk this out and come up with a plan because I know he’s just freaking out. I told him how I feel with strong words. I should’ve started softer. Or waited until he was properly sauced up. Ugh. That was so stupid of me! Hurry up. If I freak out alone, you know my bottle of tequila will get lonely, and I’ll end up at the man’s door in a bad way.’

I’ll never forget that night. We don’t need a repeat of her choosing not to drunk text but drunk arrive at an ex’s house. With a baseball bat.

‘I like this one, Luce. I need a plan. Help me.’

I exchange a knowing look with Asher, listening quietly to my conversation with Madi. It’s clear that there are deeper issues at play here beyond just Aaron’s questionable behavior.

‘Of course, I’ll help. We’ll come up with a plan and won’t even need tequila. I promise. I’ll be there in twenty, and we’ll figure it out, alright?’

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