Page 136 of Mountain Daddy
When I left them by the door.
When I got trapped in Luther’s bedroom because Ashley came home early.
I swallow and look away, not wanting to meet her eyes.
She saw them.
She had to.
My pulse revs. And the stress sweat comes back with a vengeance.
Why didn’t I think of that?
Will she ask me about them?
Do I try to think of a lie?
“Alright, what smells so good?” Dad rubs his stomach.
“Diego’s cooking.” Luther steps to the side, making a path for my dad. “I’m sure we have too much, so please help yourself to multiple servings.”
Dad nods as he heads toward the food tables. “Can do.”
Who could eat at a time like this?
Before my body can decide between puking and passing out, Ashley hooks her arm in mine, startling me.
I glance up, waiting for her to drag me out back, but she just follows my dad. “I’m so excited you’re here. Joe’s always talking about you.”
Ahead of us, Dad grins over his shoulder. “I didn’t even pay her to say that.” Then he pretends to sneakily hand Ashley the card he brought.
Ashley laughs as she takes it.
Taking the opening, I hold out the card I brought as well.
“Aww, thanks, you guys.” Ashley holds the cards against her chest with her free hand, our arms still hooked together.
“Ashley, let the woman get some food. You can smother her with your affection later.” Luther holds a plate out for me.
Ashley huffs but drops my arm. “Okay, food first.”
I take the plate, and Dad and I take our time loading up on savory items, while Luther and Ashley go to the dessert table.
As I grab a fork and napkin, I tell myself that I imagined her staring at my sandals. That it was night when she got home and the lights were on low. She probably didn’t even see them.
She was probably just looking at my nail polish. I did put on a fresh coat last night. And maybe she loves periwinkle just as much as her dad does.
While I try to convince myself of this, I look around for a place to sit.
I step toward the closest table, and I smile at the woman sitting there.
Then I pause. Because I recognize the woman.
And it takes me a beat. But then I remember. And I can feel the color drain from my face.
It’s the woman from the Inn.
The bartender.
