Page 97 of When Love Takes The Ice

When he hangs up, he calls his mom again, and they go back and forth with the details they both know. We figure the hospital contacted his mom from the details provided by Genevieve when they couldn’t get hold of Ashton.

We’re near the Airbnb when he hangs up.

He takes a few deep breaths, holding his head in his hands for a moment.

I shut down the engine when we get there and place my hand on his back.

“Ash, it’s going to be alright.”

He shakes his head. “You don’t know that.”

That’s true. I close my mouth again. Nothing I can say will bring any comfort to him right now, anyway.

He exits the car, and I follow suit.

It’s a quiet affair inside as he packs his stuff hastily while I perch at the kitchen counter and quickly look up flights to Seattle.

“There’s a flight at six pm,” I call out to him over my shoulder.

He walks through a moment later, holding his duffel bag, his face looking grave.

“Thanks,” he says quietly. “I’ll book it on the way to the airport.”

He walks over to me and kisses me on the forehead. “I’m so sorry to cut this weekend short. I had big plans for us.”

When I pull back slightly to look at him, I see him briefly squeeze his eyes shut.

“Ash, don’t be sorry. You couldn’t have known what was going to happen. It was an accident!”

“Still. I feel bad.” He sighs.

“Well, don’t feel bad. We can work it out.”

He holds me for a second and then suggests we go to my place so I can pack my things. I quickly send a text to Tess, telling her the brief details and letting her know I’ll call her from the airport. I hate to run and leave her high and dry, but I want to be there for Ashton for at least a couple of days. She’s still on a high about the auction, and the viewings for the Overton property are going well. I know she will cover me over the next couple of days for viewings. Another great thing about working for Tess is that we are all a team and look out for each other.

I know I need to talk to Em before the flight takes off since she’s due to fly back to Florida.

My hands are shaky as I clutch the steering wheel, driving over to my place. I feel so bad for him being so far away at a time like this.

Ashton is really quiet, and I don’t know what to say to him. Everything I think of sounds like I’m telling him things are going to be fine, and I don’t know if they are.

I’m scared for him, so, so scared.

Especially since there’s been no update, and he doesn’t know many details about the crash. It’s all very sketchy.

“You already know my Dad and I’ve never got along.” He sighs. It’s not even a question, but I glance at him anyway.

“Yes,” I answer quietly.

“He’s been a complete asshole for most of my life if I’m being honest. The mere sight of him still makes me feel anxious, yethere I am, rushing to be by his side. I’m not even sure if he would fucking care.”

My eyes grow wide. This is serious. “I’m sorry, Ash. I really am.”

“People don’t know how lucky they are to have two loving parents.”

That’s true. Despite my parents splitting up how they did, they have always had my best interests at heart, and I had a wonderful upbringing. My mind absently wanders to my dad and how hard I’ve been on him.

“That’s true,” I reply. “We often take it for granted, thinking it’s normal.”

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