Page 62 of At First Flight
“Ashvi! This is not why I called,” I scold, my fisted hand resting on my hip as if she can see.
“I know, but I just need to remind you that a man like that won’t be single long. And despite whateverthingI have going on with my Navy man, your boss is at the top of my list.”
Her comment shouldn’t irritate me the way it does. I have no claim on Dean, and he should be able to date whomever he pleases. Except just the thought of Ashvi and Dean together causes my eye to twitch.
Staring in the mirror, I’ve never seen a worse version of myself.
“Vi…”
“Hold on. Can you take a picture with your phone? I want to see what shade of green you’ve turned so I can compare it to levels of jealousy.”
“Oh my gosh, I hate you.”
“No, you don’t. I’m just helping my little baby bird spread her wings for the first time and realize that the huge hawk soaring close by isn’t going to peck her eyes out. He wants to peck…something else.”
“I swear, I cannot have a normal conversation with you.” I chuckle, my body deflating as I sit on the bed and shift until my back is against the headboard.
“What fun would that be? We’re best friends for a reason. If you can’t be crazy with your bestie, then your friendship sucks.”
“Agree.”
“Now, why is it you called, my little baby bird?”
“Wow, are you actually going to let me talk now? What a turn of events.”
Ashvi pauses for a moment, and I hear a cork popping free from a bottle of wine. What I wouldn’t give for my own glass right now.
“Yes, you may proceed, but I will caution you that I’m pouring a glass of wine for myself and you. I know you’re not here, so I shall drink it in your honor.”
“You’re too kind. Really.”
“You know it, babe.”
Filling my chest with air, I release it slowly and ask a question that has been running like a hamster on a wheel in my mind since I left Dean in the car. “Do you ever run an internet search on the guys you date?”
“Are you asking me in general, or specifically about someone?”
“Both?”
“Well, it depends on the guy. If I don’t expect anything but a few dates and a good night in bed, then not really. But if I think something more is there, then absolutely. I mean, I don’t want to find out I’m a side chick too late in the game…oh shit. Lila, that’s not what I meant.”
“It’s okay. I was the side chick for two years and had no idea.”
“In your defense, he was really good at hiding things. One day, I’d see an article about a wife, and the next second, it would be gone. Nothing ever showed up about you or the wedding…which was strange in its own right. They’re a powerful family and all. I just assumed it was because he wanted to keep his private life private,” she rambles.
Reaching out blindly, I grab the closest throw pillow and run my fingers through the strings of the tassels on each corner.
“You searched Prescott?”
“Oh, sweetie. You bet your ass I did, especially when you started pulling away, and I didn’t hear from you for a year and a half. Do you know how long that is in friendship time? That’s like a decade!”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Because you weren’t ready to listen. Are you ready to now?”
“I don’t know. Maybe?” I think back to the car ride and Dean insisting he wants to tell me things about my ex. It felt ominous then, but now it seems like an approaching black hole ready to pull me within its depths.
“That’s good. I’m proud of you.” I can hear her slurp the sweet beverage from her wineglass before it gently tinks back on the granite counters.
