by Delisa Lynn
“Flirt with your own woman,” Ashton says, placing his arms around my waist. I feel his breath on my neck. I close my eyes and inhale him.
“I’m Ansley. You must be Megan.” I smile at the beautiful brunette that just walked up from the beach.
“Hi, sweets, nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Likewise,” I say, shaking her hand.
“Daddy, is that dog for me?” AJ runs toward us. Two blonde girls and a blonde boy who barely looks old enough to walk follow him.
“Hey, little dude. Yes, this is yours. You know you’ll have to take care of him, right?”
“Yes, he’s cool. Can I call him Donatello?” he asks.
“If that’s what you want to call him, then I guess that’s his name.”
“Miss Dolce, you look pretty, as always,” AJ says, hugging my waist. I have to choke back my emotion. He’s too sweet.
“Thank you, AJ. It’s nice to see you.” I ruffle his hair.
“See, Dad, I told you she was pretty.” He laughs and runs off with the puppy.
“I think you have some competition,” Liam says from behind me.
Ashton laughs. “Fuck you.”
“All right kids, let’s go,” Liam yells and his three kids come running from the small grassy area.
“I know you. You teach at our school,” one of the twins says, smiling at me.
“Yes, she’s Miss Dolce. She’s my dad’s friend,” AJ says to his cousin.
I smile at the kids. Ashton grabs my hand and tells the blue eyed doll, “Miss Dolce is a good friend of mine, Addy. She’ll be your teacher next year.”
“Cool,” she says.
“Looks like you’re a hit with the family already.” He smiles and places a kiss on my temple. Did he just kiss me? I feel so comfortable around him. Friends…We’re just friends.
We go back to Ashton’s truck and I laugh and talk with AJ about the puppy. He told us a few jokes and asked about my dog. The hour drive seems to go by pretty quickly. I haven’t laughed and joked this much in forever.
We approach a huge house. It isn’t quite as big as Ashton’s, but close. This is the house that he grew up in. I can see Nancy sitting on the front porch swing with a drink in her hand. I hope she has extra, because I’m ready for a stiff drink.
***
Ashton
“Mom, don’t scare her away.”
She cornered Ansley in the family room, where she’s spent the last five minutes showing her mine and Addison’s baby pictures. Now Ansley knows the entire crew.
“It’s okay. You were such a cute baby,” Ansley says, smiling. “Addison was beautiful.”
“She was a gem. She was going to be a doctor. She wanted to save the world.” My mom sighs. “Come on, let’s grab a glass of wine. I’ll show you Ashton’s trophies from basketball.”
“Really, Mom?” I laugh.
Ansley and I follow my mom into the kitchen. I look out the back window and see that my dad and AJ are watching Donatello chase the girls. I watch the smile on my son’s face. That boy is one of a kind, that’s for sure. I swear he has Addison’s personality. Sometimes, the things he does reminds me of her. I think back to when Addison and I were teenagers.
“Ashton, you’re such a horn dog. You better keep that thing in your pants. I swear, I have no clue how we came from the same gene pool.” She laughs.
“Gee, thanks, sis. I love you too.” I gently pull her hair.
“You know I love you, brother. I just wish you weren’t such a whore.” She snorts, then tosses a pillow at me. Just then, Liam and Lila walk in, holding hands. “See, why can’t you be more like him?”
She’s right; Liam is a good guy, but I’d never tell him that.
I shake my head and bring myself back to the present. I always get choked up thinking about my sister.
“You okay?” Ansley says. I nod my head. Then I turn to see my mom is staring at me.
“What? Why are the two of you staring at me?” I say. “I need to make my cheesecake.”
“Nothing, baby.” Mom kisses my cheek. “You’re so handsome, and I’m proud of you. Okay, make it. I’ll see if everyone is ready to eat.”
“Ansley, you wanna help?” I ask, getting my ingredients from the bag. “It’s really easy.”
“Sure, let me wash my hands.”
She runs her hands under the water. I walk up behind her and reach my arms around her, placing my hands under the hot water too. My mouth is right above her ear. I press myself into her so she can see what she does to me.
A moan vibrates from her lips. She turns the water off. “Ready to make that cheesecake?”
“Yes. First, I use my pre-made crust,” I say, taking the top off of the graham cracker crust. “Then I place one block of cheese in a bowl and add powder sugar and some vanilla. Then mix it together.”
She laughs. “That’s it? That’s your famous cheesecake?”
I mix everything together and pour it on top of the crust. I open the can of cherries and pour them over the top layer.
“Yep, that’s it.” I smile at her before kissing her cheek.
“I thought it would take hours for you to make.” She crosses her arms and says, “I could’ve made that.”
***
Opening the patio door, I yell and let everyone know that dinner is ready. My mom made her famous lasagna and garlic bread. Lila made a salad and Meg made a chocolate cream pie.
The kids take their plates and sit in their normal spots on the dining room floor. Us adults gather around the large square table. Ansley sits next to me. I can tell she was a little unsure where to sit, so I pulled the chair out for her.
Liam rubs his hand over Lila’s round belly. She smiles at him and kisses his cheek. I see Ansley smiling. I’ve never wanted anyone as bad as I want her, but she wants friends and that’s what she’s going to get for now.
“Where are you from, Ansley?” Lila asks as she reaches for garlic bread.
Seeing Ansley tense up a little, I squeeze her leg under the table. She immediately loosens up. I would love to know why she really came all the way out here. It’s strange that she doesn’t talk to her family. I’ve always been close with my parents. Hell, I didn’t even go off to college because I didn’t want to leave them.
“I grew up in Pennsylvania, moved to Arkansas after high school.”
“Do you have family here?” Lila asks.
“No, I just went through a divorce. I wanted a fresh start. A friend pulled some strings and got me an interview with the school and here I am.” She smiles as she downs her wine in one gulp.
I clear my throat and change the subject. “Why don’t the six of us go out tonight? Maybe a movie or bowling,” I suggest. I see Ansley shoot me a look. “With Ansley being new, I figured we could show her around.”
“Oh, you guys don’t have to do that. I’ve been finding places on my own. I have a lot of stuff I need to do before Monday anyway.”
“I think it’s a great idea. I can watch the children. They’ve been wanting to sleep over. You all can make a night of it,” Mom says, smiling. My dad shakes his head and laughs. He knows exactly what she’s up to. “So, you all go out and have fun. Show this beautiful girl what a great place this is.”
“Aunt Nan, you sure you want to keep all of them?” Liam asks. “They are a damn handful. I swear, I don’t think we were as ornery as they are.”
“I can handle those kids. It was all of you that got me drinking. As if you three weren’t enough, you added Lila and Eric.” She laughs. “Of course, I loved every minute of it. I am proud of all of you. How is Eric these days, Lila?”
Lila smiles. “He’s doing well. He’s still with Kaylin. They’re both still working at the hospital.” Eric was engaged to my sister when she died. It took him a long time to move on.
We all continue to talk. Since we’ve all gotten older, we try to meet here every Saturday. If we don’t, Mom hunts us all down. After we finish another Satu
rday dinner, the girls help Mom clean up while us men watch the kids play with the dog. Luckily, Lila packed all the kids extra clothes and toys. I honestly think that she and my mom had this planned already.
“Thanks for dinner, Mom, and thanks for watching the kids.” I kiss her cheek.
“My pleasure, baby.” She leans close to my ear and whispers, “She is the one. Don’t let her get away. Now, go have fun.”
Swallowing hard, I look into her eyes. She nods and smiles. “Yes, ma’am.”
I look over and see my dad embracing Ansley. He whispers something in her ear and she laughs.
Is she the one?
***
Ansley
I can’t believe that I agreed to tag along. I haven’t been bowling since college. Dinner with everyone was fun. Everyone adores Ashton. I wish I had a big family like that, or even a family at all. We’re going to an all-night bowling alley. He mentioned something about lights and music.
Lila and Megan seem really nice, but they’re lawyers. I don’t think we’ll have much in common. Here I am, sitting in the passenger seat of Ashton’s monster truck, wondering what the hell I got myself into. The other four are in Lila’s SUV.
I’ve never met someone so in love with their spouse as Liam is with Lila. He has to be one of the sweetest men I’ve ever met. Well, other than Mr. Tattoo. I love the way he is with his son. He’s a wonderful father. AJ was ecstatic when he saw the puppy we got him. No, not ‘we.’ God, what am I thinking? Friends, that’s all we are.
“You okay over there?” Ashton asks. I jump, realizing we’re in the parking lot of the bowling alley.
“Yes, I didn’t realize we were so close to being here. I was just thinking. Thank you for allowing me to hang out with you today.”
“No thanks needed. Last weekend was the last weekend that you’ll ever spend alone,” he says, leaning over to unfasten my seatbelt. His scent is so intoxicating, I really can’t get enough of it. Inhaling, I imagine his lips on mine. “Let’s go, babe.”
“Okay.” Before I got the chance to open the door and get out, he’s standing next to me, ready to help me down. I swear I need a ladder to enter and exit this vehicle. I’m not very tall. I’m five foot two and about one hundred and ten pounds.
“I got you, shorty.” He laughs. When he grabs my hand, I don’t let go even after he helps me out. I hear voices and see that the gang is all here. Kade is laughing about something Megan said and she swats him with her wristlet.
“I’ve never been to a place like this before,” I say as we enter the building. The music is loud and the lights are bright. There is a bar to the right and a shoe center to the left. Ashton drops my hand and I instantly miss his touch.
“What size shoe do you wear?” he asks as he pulls his wallet out of his pocket.
“Oh, I’ll get them.” I open my purse.
“That’s not happening. What size?” He pushes my purse closed.
“Size five,” I mumble. He smirks and pushes a strand of hair from my face.
“I need a size thirteen for me and a five for my woman here,” he tells the clerk. “You can add the four behind us to my bill also. We’ll take the two lanes in the VIP section.”
“Of course, Mr. Ellis,” she says, handing him his credit card. The others order their shoes. I hear Megan and Lila say their sizes, which are a few sizes larger than mine. I feel like a damn hobbit next to all of them.
“We’re going to the ladies room, gentleman. Ansley, you can come with us while they set everything up.” Lila places her arm in mine.
Allowing her to lead the way, I hear her saying something to Megan about some drunk girl staring at Liam. I honestly must’ve missed it all. I was still thinking about Ashton calling me his woman. Mirrors and hot pink round sofas line the bathroom wall. Who the hell would want a hot pink couch?
When I walk in the stall, I can still hear Lila going on about that girl. Then I hear her mention Ashton’s name. Now she has my full attention.
“Who was she?” I ask, trying to find out if they’re talking about the clerk. I doubt they’re talking about her, though. She’s old enough to be someone’s grandma.
“She was the blonde eyeballing our men. I’ll let you know right now, she has a thing for Ashton. He can’t stand her, though, so whatever she tells you isn’t true,” Lila says from the stall next to me.
“Her name is Felicia. She tried digging her claws into Kade. He refused to have anything to do with her. Of course, he knows that he and I have no label. He is free to be with her if he wants,” Megan says. I flush and walk out to wash my hands.
“Bitch, please. You know that if she was to approach him, you’d be upset. Ansley, you’ll learn that Kade and Meg have an odd relationship. They seem to think they aren’t in love. We all know that’s not true at all.”
“We’re just friends. Friends that keep each other company.” Megan laughs.
“Yeah, company at two in the morning.” Lila snorts. I just smile. I think it’s funny how they pretend not to want more. I can see the way Kade looks at her. It’s the same way Liam looks at Lila.
“Don’t laugh, missy! I see the way you look at Ashton,” Meg says. Busted.
“Oh, we’re just friends.” I throw my paper towel in the trash. My shoulder bumps into a blonde. “Excuse me, I’m so sorry.”
“Watch where you’re going, shrimp.” She snorts.
“Hey, don’t start anything tonight Felicia.” I hear someone say from behind her. Felicia, that’s her.
“Well, if it isn’t the Ellis crew. I saw the fine men going into VIP.” She laughs.
“Not tonight, slut,” Megan says, grabbing my hand and pulling me out the door. I could hear Lila saying something, but I’m not sure what. “Don’t worry about her, she’s harmless. Ashton’s turned her down more times than I can count.” She smiles. I see the guys as we round the corner.
Kade laughs. “I thought you all got lost.”
“No, we just ran into Felicia,” Lila says as she picks up a water bottle.
“What? She’s here?” Ashton asks.
“Yes, she and Rebecca were in the bathroom. She ran into Ansley.”
“You okay, babe?” Ashton runs his hand down my arm. “What did she say?”
“I’m good. Nothing really.” I didn’t want to tell him her exact words.
“She’s trouble. I don’t think she’ll come back to the shop. She was in a while back and I shot her down and didn’t even do her ink.”
“Good, I don’t see how you could have touched her anyways.” Liam laughs. Ashton gives him a look. “As in, do her ink. That’s what I’m referring to,” Liam clarifies quickly.
“Let’s get this party started. What’cha drinking, Ans?” Meg asks from the private bar. I look over and smile.
“Whatever you’re having,” I say, walking toward her. I notice that Ashton has placed our shoes on the last lane. There are three lanes. Ashton and I have our own lane and, instead of it saying our names, it says ‘Me and My Shorty.’ The other two couples each have a lane.
“Here you go, doll. You’ll love this drink.”
“Thanks. What is it?” I ask. I take a sip and it’s like heaven in my mouth. Whatever the drink is, it’s something fruity with whip cream on top. “This is amazing.”
“It’s something Lila made up one night. Every now and then, there are times when she isn’t pregnant.” She snorts.
“Hey, I’m not the one with the super sperm.” Lila laughs and elbows Liam.
“Oh my, you all crack me up.” I take another sip of the nameless drink.
“What color ball you want?” Ashton asks as he walks toward the rack of bowling balls. “I’m getting blue,” he says with a loud guffaw.
“Green is fine with me,” I reply. Everyone bursts into laughter. I must have missed the joke. “Or whatever color has small holes,” I whisper so only he can hear me. “My fingers are small too, so I could probably use a child size ball.”
“One
green ball with small holes it is.” He hands me a three pound ball. “Here, let me help you get everything set up.”
“I haven’t been bowling in years, so you may need to put the guards up for me.” I laugh. He smiles and sits down to change shoes.
“Nah, I’m going to like winning.” He smirks. “But if you really want me to, I will. This will make up for you kicking my ass in pool.”
“Ashton! Why haven’t you called me?” I hear from behind us. When I turn around, I see none other than the blonde bimbo.
“Felicia, this is the VIP section. Last time I checked, you weren’t VIP, so I suggest you leave before making a fool of yourself in front of your friends.”
“Seriously? I’ve missed you. Remember the last time we were together? God, I miss you,” she says, biting her finger.
“Leave, before I toss you out myself. I’m not interested and you know that,” Ashton says, gripping his beer.
“Fine, but don’t call me later when you realize she’s a bad fuck.”
“Excuse me?” I say, lunging at her. Megan and Lila are at my side immediately. “What the hell did you just say about me? I can guarantee I’m a better fuck than you on any given day.” I feel an arm wrap around my waist. Ashton breathes into my hair.
“Yeah, okay. Keep dreaming, shrimp.” She smirks. “Hey, Kade.”
“Bitch, don’t even think about looking at him. I suggest you go before I have to take my earrings out,” Meg says with her finger in Felicia’s face.
“Ugh. Ashton, how do you deal with these people? Call me.” She grabs her friends arm and walks away.
“Okay, well, that was fun,” Lila says in a singsong voice “Ansley, I loved how you stood up to her.”
“I. Do. Not. Like. Her. She just rubbed me the wrong way.” I down my drink. “Meg, can you get us another one, please?”
“Sure thing, babe.” She smiles, walking toward the bar.
“You know, I like how feisty you got.” Ashton laughs. “And trust me, I wouldn’t touch her ever.”
“I hope you got checked if you slept with her. She has STD written all over her.”
