by Elsie Davis
“Sparks fly when the two of you get together. Always did, and apparently, always will.”
“Combustible sparks, maybe. The kind that starts fires and burns everything in their path,” Ashley mumbled.
“Then it’s a good thing David is a firefighter.” Tricia winked.
Ashley wasn’t amused. “I’ve got to find us a place to stay.” It wasn’t as though her savings account was brimming over with excess funds, and she preferred not to drain what she had on a hotel. Luckily, Trent was just a phone call away.
“I wish I could offer you and Cory a room at my place or even the couch, but with Harry’s family in town for the holiday, I’m already overrun. I’m so sorry,” Tricia’s tone was more than sincere.
“Don’t worry about it. It’s not your fault. I’ll just call Trent and see what he can do to help me. He’s not due back into town until next week, but he must have a spare key somewhere. Cory and I should be able to crash at his place. No big deal.” Except when she’d first mentioned to Trent that she was coming to town; he hadn’t offered for her to stay at his place. Which, at the time, Ashley found odd. Not that she would have agreed. They’d fought enough while growing up over his sloppy living habits and inability to clean up a kitchen. The guy could dirty every dish in the house, but clean one? Never.
“Okay. I’ll let you make that call. I’m sorry our reunion wasn’t what we were hoping for, but hopefully, when things calm down, we can do this again. What can I do to help in the meantime?”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll handle the situation, just like I always do. Cory and I will be fine.” Brave words for a woman who currently only owned the clothes on her back, her car, and had no place to stay.
“I can get you some clothes. We’re about the same size. And I’m sure I’ve got something that will fit Cory from the massive amounts of kid’s clothes I possess. And why don’t you bring Cory to the house to play with Chloe, Bryan, and the others whenever you’re out searching for the eagle. I can at least make your life easier that way.”
“That’s a sweet offer, but I don’t want to impose. I’m sure I can figure something out, and Cory will be all right with me.”
Tricia shook her head. “It’s not an imposition. Trust me. After a day or two out hiking in the woods with you, he won’t be so happy. Please, it will help keep the peace in my house. More kids, less fight time, because they can break into happy little groups. Trust me, I know.”
It was an ideal offer and certainly better for Cory. “Okay, if you’re sure. It would be a big help. And I promise to keep the days short.”
“That sounds perfect. I’m glad you’re back in Hallbrook, even if it’s temporary. I just hate this—” she gestured toward the house, “—was part of your welcome.”
“Brings new meaning to the expression coming in a blaze of glory,” Ashley said, aiming for humor but landing closer to sarcasm.
“You always were the strong one. I’ll let you call Trent and I should probably run. Let me know if you change your mind, and please, don’t hesitate to call me for anything.”
Strong outwardly, perhaps. Inwardly, not so much. But that was a part of herself Ashley refused to show the world. It wasn’t like it would do any good, and she had to keep a brave face for Cory. Everything was about her son.
“Thanks, Tricia. We’ll be fine.” Ashley hugged her friend, grateful for her strength and offer to help.
“Bye, Cory.” Tricia leaned down to hug him.
“Bye, Miss Tricia. I’m sorry about your picture. It’s probably all burned up in the fire. I’ll make you another one, I promise.” Cory was so strong and brave about everything that was happening, and it made Ashley more determined to do the same.
“I look forward to it, Cory. Maybe this time, the horsey could be eating broccoli.” She chucked him under the chin.
“Um, no. My horsey doesn’t like broccoli.” More like Cory didn’t like broccoli. Ashley smiled. Even with everything going on, her son had the power to make her forget and treasure the special things in life.
Tricia laughed. “See you tomorrow, Cory.” She lifted her hand in farewell as she headed for her car.
Ashley watched her friend as she drove away, not wanting to see the house, or David, for that matter. She dialed Trent’s number, relieved when he answered on the first ring. “Hey, Trent. It’s Ashley.”
“Hey, sis. Are you all settled in? I hate that I wasn’t in town when you arrived.” Trent may be a terrible housemate, but he was a full-out big brother, complete with a fortified protective mode that put Sir Galahad to shame.
When she’d split with Joe, it had been all she could do to keep him from coming to California and confronting her ex. Code for kick his butt. It’s why she didn’t tell Trent the whole truth, and never would. It was better for everyone this way. “Actually, no. That’s why I’m calling.”
“What’s wrong?” Trent’s voice was instantly filled with concern. “Do you need me to cancel this business trip and come home?” Trent would move mountains to make sure she was okay, but he couldn’t protect her from life. Something he’d never understood, but something she loved about him. After their mother passed away, Hallbrook had too many painful memories, and she’d hightailed it out of there, much to Trent’s consternation.
“No, no, nothing like that. But before I tell you what happened, just know that Cory and I are fine.” She knew he’d go ballistic, so it was better to get the most essential information out there first. If only to keep him calm.
“Now you’re making me nervous,” Trent said, tension evident in his voice.
“The place I rented caught fire. It’s a total loss.” It was one thing to be brave in front of David and Tricia, but Trent knew her better than anyone. Her guard slipped a little, the act of saying the words out loud wringing out emotions she’d been trying to keep on lockdown. Ashley glanced down at Cory, watching her son’s fascination with the firefighters in action. The adoration she saw in his eyes was not a sentiment she echoed, or at least not for one firefighter in particular.
“Seriously? Thank God, you’re okay. What happened?”
“Totally serious. I don’t know what happened. Trent, I’m worried it was my electric kettle, and that the fire is my fault. I’m not sure what that means to me. I can’t afford to replace the house.” Ashley voiced the fear that continued to grow.
“Stop worrying. Let the investigators do their job, and let God carry your worries. He’s got strong shoulders.” Trent’s words took her by surprise.
Not that Ashley minded, but in the past, her brother had been resistant to any of her attempts to share her spirituality with him. “Since when did you start handing out biblical messages?”
“Since I’ve been reading the chronological order version of the Bible, and everything is falling into place. It was the best Christmas gift you could have given me.”
“I’m happy to hear it.” Ashley smiled. Good things were revealed during hard times, one just had to look harder to see them. “Listen, I’m in a bit of a bind. The house isn’t livable right now and might not be again. One of the firefighters mentioned condemning the place. I need somewhere to stay. I, um, can’t really afford a hotel right now with all the changes going on in my life.” It was as close as she’d come to admitting she was broke. “I was hoping maybe you left a key, and we can stay at your place for a bit. I promise, Cory and I won’t get in the way. He’s a good kid, and it’ll just be until I can find another place.”
“Stop. I love Cory, and you know it. Normally, it wouldn’t be a problem. I would’ve insisted you both stay with me if I had space, but I don’t.”
“What do you mean? Did Maria move in with you? Isn’t that risky to have the judge’s daughter move in without the benefit of a ring on her finger? The judge has always been pretty old-school if I remember right.” Ashley shook her head, both for her brother’s short-sightedness as well as for the realization he wasn’t willing to put her up—not even for a little while.
“Whoa. Wrong track, little sister. The judge is old-school, and Maria and I aren’t living together. I’m not crazy. I took in a couple of roommates, and a bachelor pad isn’t exactly conducive to having you or Cory around, if you know what I mean?”
“Wow. I didn’t see that coming.” It explained everything, and she had to agree with Trent that it didn’t sound like a good match for her and Cory. But it didn’t help her situation one iota.
“Sorry, sis. There must be someone else you can call.”
Not anyone she would trust. Ten years was a long time. Not to mention, people in this town could be nosy and would ask questions. And as far as Ashley was concerned, her private life was off-limits, and she intended to keep it that way. “Don’t worry, I’ll figure something out.”
She spun around and faced the house, and her gaze landed on David. He was headed for his truck, Kojak right beside him.
Find someone I trust. Once upon a time, she’d trusted David with everything. And in return, he’d broken her heart. Maybe, just maybe, she should trust him again. But this time, trust him with everything except her heart. This time, she’d go in knowing full well what to expect. That is, if his offer of the garage apartment was still an option considering her initial response.
“I think I know where I can go. I’ll see you next week when you get into town.” Ashley nodded, gaining confidence in her decision.
“What do you have in mind?” Trent asked.
“David Beckett. He’s one of the firefighters who showed up with the fire department. He offered me a place to stay.”
“David’s a good guy, but you just got back into town, Ashley. I don’t think living with him is the right way to go,” Trent’s voice bristled, his displeasure obvious. Her brother failed to realize she was grown up and capable of making her own choices.
“Not living with him. Living in his garage apartment.” He’d jumped to the same conclusion she had. That made her feel a little better.
“That would be okay then, I guess.”
“You guess?” Ashley asked, the word giving her pause. You either trust him or you don’t.”
“As long as you don’t fall in love with him. I know how hurt you were the last time, and I’d hate to see it happen again. Things were pretty rough for a while.” She didn’t need the reminder. There’d been no explanation from David. No reason. Just a cold-hearted decision to end things between them.
“What do you know about that?” Eleven years was a long time to still be wondering what had gone wrong, but it didn’t change the fact that she did.
“Nothing.” Trent’s crisp response didn’t sound like nothing. “I just knew you were moping around for months.”
“You have nothing to worry about. I can barely tolerate the man, so I think my heart is safe.” Barely tolerate, yes. Although deep down, the ache associated with being near the only man she’d ever really loved caused her heart far too much pain.
“Good. Keep it that way.” Trent’s words were confirmation of what she already knew. David needed to remain off her radar when it came to matters of the heart. Obviously, Trent knew David well enough to know he hadn’t changed.
David opened the truck door, and Kojak jumped inside. David climbed in after him and settled in the driver’s seat.
“I’ve got to run. I’ll text you later and let you know where I land.” Ashley hung up and slid the phone in her pocket. She lifted Cory in her arms and quickly closed the distance between her and David. “Um, David, can I talk to you for a second?”
“Sure thing. Stay, Kojak,” he instructed the dog, before sliding back out of the front seat and coming to stand next to her. “What’s up?” he asked, the firm set of his jaw not overly friendly or encouraging.
Ashley looked down at the ground. “I talked to Tricia, and she doesn’t have any room. I talked to Trent, and apparently he has roommates.”
“I knew that, but I figured you’d find out soon enough.” She looked up in time to catch David’s shrug, as if it mattered little to him one way or the other.
Ashley’s chin rose a notch in defiance. She set a squiggling Cory down, keeping a firm hold of his hand. His preoccupation with the firefighters was a good thing considering he wasn’t paying much attention to the grownups or what they had to say. “You could’ve said something.”
“You made it clear what you think of me. I’m not sure you would have welcomed anything I had to say or believed me for that matter.”
“Well, once upon a time, I believed in you, but as I recall, you’re the one who changed that.” This wasn’t the way she intended the conversation to go. Bringing up the past would only make everything harder between them.
“Ashley, let it go. That was a long time ago and a lot has happened since then. You’re married and have a child. I’d say things worked out pretty well for you.” David glared, challenging her to contradict him.
He was right. The way her life had turned out hadn’t been his doing. “I’m divorced.” Now, why had she gone and told him that when it didn’t sound as if Trent had?
David’s eyes widened a notch, shock crystal clear in them. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”
“It’s all good.” She nodded, pasting a smile on her face. False bravado was better than plain cowardice. “It was my choice to come back to Hallbrook.”
“I see. Well, I guess that’s a good thing.”
“Yes. It is. Listen, earlier was more of a knee-jerk reaction than a well-thought-out answer.” It was the closest she would come to an apology to him. “You mentioned a garage apartment. If the offer is still open, I’d like to take you up on it. I can pay you the same amount I was paying to rent this place.”
“The offer is still open, but no payment is necessary. My mother’s place has been sitting empty since she had the accident and they moved her into the physical therapy rehab center.”
As much as she wanted to argue the payment arrangement, she couldn’t afford to say no. It was a generous offer and would go a long way to helping her get her life back on track. A true blessing. Odd that it had come from David—but still, a blessing. “Fine. Thank you. I will accept your generous offer, but on one condition.”
“What’s that?” One eyebrow rose. Being able to raise just one was something he’d always been able to do, and the expression on his usually serious face, one that used to make her laugh.
“That we keep boundaries between us.” Ashley glanced down at Cory, double-checking that he wasn’t listening. “I’m not looking to pick up where we left off, and I’m hoping you’re not, either. Things didn’t end well between us.” It had to be said, just so they were both on the same page. No miscommunication this time.
“We’re grownups, Ashley. And, no, I’m not looking for a relationship with you. Nothing’s changed in my life. It wasn’t right for me before, and it’s still not. But it would be nice if we could be friends again. I’ve missed you.”
Everything he said was good, right up until the last three words. I’ve missed you. It was an understatement when it came to Ashley’s feelings about him. The shiver of hope rushing through her body was familiar, yet unwanted when it involved David.
“I don’t know. Let me think about the friend thing. For now, just consider me your tenant. Even if I’m not paying rent and technically squatting.” Ashley grinned, unable to resist. They had to find common ground if they were going to be living close to each other. David was being kind and deserved kindness in return.
The problem of where to stay was solved, and only time would tell how it would play out. Luckily, she’d be so busy trekking through the woods and searching for the eagle, it’s not like she’d be around much anyway.
And with any luck, she’d get a job offer soon and be long gone, leaving Hallbrook and David behind. Again.
* * *
“You can squat at my place anytime,” David joked. He meant what he’d said about being friends with her. He’d missed her. A lot. And the fact his pulse had race
d into overdrive from the minute he spotted her standing in front of the cottage told him just how much.
“Lame.” Ashley smiled. The sun was behind a cloud, but not where he was standing. Ashley had always been his sunshine.
“It was worth a try. If you follow me in the truck, I’ll show you where I live.”
“Thanks. I appreciate this. It has been a shock. And I’m trying not to let it bother me because I’m thankful Cory, Tricia, and I got out safely. I’d just finished unpacking the last of the boxes this morning. I didn’t have a chance to get anything out of the house.” David could tell she was struggling to be strong.
“My mother’s place will have most of what you need in the way of essentials.”
“Somehow, I doubt she has kid’s clothes and toys and things like that. Unless she has a grandchild hidden away somewhere that I don’t know about?” Ashley flashed him another one of her teasing smiles that warmed his heart.
David had fallen hard for her years ago, and he’d never been able to forget her. Ashley, on the other hand, didn’t seem to have the same problem. For her, even friendship with him was a stretch. The truth of her words still stung.
“Unfortunately, no. I told you I haven’t changed, and I’m not cut out for a relationship. With anyone. So, no grandkids stashed away, much to my mother’s disappointment.” A flash of pain crossed her face, making him regret the words that served as a reminder of the past. He’d been a jerk to break it off with Ashley in high school without so much as an explanation or discussion. Just a cold-hearted statement of fact. But it had been the only way he could end things and not give in to the demands of his heart which told him walking away was a huge mistake. It had been the right thing to do, it just hadn’t been easy.
“Come on, Cory. You need to climb into your car seat so I can buckle you in. We’re going to follow Mr. David to our new temporary home.” Ashley turned away, pulling Cory with her toward the car she’d parked on the street.
