Keeping Mr. Sweet by Misti Murphy

Author:Misti Murphy [Murphy, Misti]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-03-03T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

ASH

“Ashleigh, thank God,” are the first words out of Summer’s mouth as she pushes open the door to pull me in for a smothering hug. “I’ve been so worried about you.”

“No need to worry. You know no one gets the best of me.” I hook my hand around her arm and try to pry her loose. “I’m fully capable of taking care of myself.”

“I know.” Her grip on me doesn’t lessen as she steps back to study me with the concern of a mother hen, never mind that we’re the same age. “But I saw that video, and you disappeared off the face of the earth. I was worried.”

“Well, I’m here now.” I pat her arm like her concern is unjustified. “We should have a drink.”

Behind us Sam clears his throat.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Summer asks me, her face suddenly hovering mere inches from mine.

“She’s staying with me,” Sam tells his sister as he steps inside and shrugs out of his North Face down jacket. We’re gathered in the tiny foyer amidst shoes and coats, and he takes the opportunity after he hangs his, to press his fingers to the small of my back, reminding me that he’s here with me whenever I need him. “Let me take your coat?”

“Yes.” I undo the buttons on my trench, and he holds it while I slip out of it.

“She’s staying with you?” Summer asks him, turning to me. “For how long?”

“Since last Tuesday.”

“Why didn’t you call me? You could have come here.”

“I know. I—” How does one tell their best friend they just couldn’t handle a million questions when the shit hit the fan?

“Sorry,” Sam jumps in. “Ash needed some space.”

“You could have told me, though.” Summer’s eyes widen as her gaze swings to her brother and she punches him in the arm. “I can’t believe you wouldn’t at least tell me that much, so I didn’t have to worry my heart out.”

“My fault,” I say. “I didn’t know how to tell you. Or what you’d think. Or if you wouldn’t want to be my friend anymore.” Inside, I’m hollow and cold, except for the burn behind my eyes. I’ve worked really hard on my ‘don’t give a damn’ attitude. What if for the first time in our lives she sees right through me and doesn’t like what she finds? “I needed time to work out what to do.”

“Don’t be an idiot,” she says. “I swear, sometimes I don’t understand you at all. I’m your best friend. I always have your back.”

“Thanks.” I sniffle. This time when I’m engulfed by her hug, I hold on tight. I want so very much to believe her when she says that.

“And have you? Worked it out.” She steps back. “Is there anything you can do about the video?”

“I have my lawyers sending out cease and desist letters every time a new copy pops up online,” Sam speaks for me, giving me a chance to collect myself. “I’m not sure there’s much else we can do.

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