Page 3 of Twist of Fate
“You and I both know he didn’t give me that number so I could call him for another cab ride.”
“So take him on a different kind of ride.”
“Mother!” Thank God I just shut off the curling iron because I’m pretty sure my brain just short-circuited. “What has gotten into you?” I turn around, crossing my arms as I stare her down. She’s always been a supportive mom, but she’s never been the meddlesome type. Although, I suppose she’s never really had much of an opportunity.
“You need to move on,” she says simply, mirroring my posture as she crosses her arms over her chest. “It’s been long enough, Ash.”
Way to be blunt, Mom.
“I know I do,” I reply, already feeling defensive. I can feel my thumb itching to rub that spot where my engagement ring used to sit. “Why do you think I’m here?”
She gives me a knowing stare. “It’s been six months, Ash. And don’t think I don’t know why you finally caved for this particular trip. I have a calendar just like you do.”
Damn, she got me.
“You practically packed my bags,” I argue.
“I distinctly remember attempting something very similar when I went to Italy two months ago.”
I bite at my bottom lip and let out a breath. She did, and I fought her tooth and nail until she let out a sigh of defeat and went without me. “I’m trying to move on.” I say the words, but I know what I really mean isI’m trying, but I feel paralyzed.“But I don’t think some random hookup in Ireland is how I’m going to achieve it,” I emphasize.
She shrugs, clearly not in agreement. “You never know. Somewhere out there could be an Irishman ready to sweep you off your feet and steal your heart.”
I don’t answer because what can I say?
Steal my heart? He’d have to find it first.
TWO
Finn
PAST
Rian
Gotta cancel tonight. Last-minute work trip, and I have an early flight. Enjoy your tour. Give all the grannies a kiss for me.
I stare down at the text and let out a sigh. The sound is deafening in my empty apartment as I try to think of something witty and upbeat to text back to my best friend.
Finn
Everyone knows grannies give the best tips.
Rian
Swindling old biddies out of their pocket change. How do you sleep at night?
Finn
With a grin on my face and a couple tenners in my pocket.
Rian
Like you need a couple extra tenners.
I roll my eyes.
Finn
