"When that time comes, remember I finally had the wits to get the hell out of Dodge."
"Fair enough. Do you want me to text you the number he left?"
Every contact number for Brock is burned in my memory, but I still say, "Yes, and if he calls back, contact me immediately. Day or night."
"Somehow, I don't think Miller would like to be woken in the middle of the night with this news."
No, he would not. "Excellent point."
"Okay, get it out of your mind." Her voice is back to cheery. "Tonight's a special night. Send me pictures of the final product."
"Shit! The vegetables!" I glance at the clock and sigh in relief; there's plenty of time to finish the prep work. "Thanks for your help. Love you."
I swallow the rest of the beer, welcoming the cold rush down my throat. It's time to focus. Then I remember Darby's been gone to the bathroom for a long time. "Darby? You okay?" I pivot and squeak when I find her perched against the back counter with the bowl of vegetables in front of her.
"Since it's rude to eavesdrop and I've been known to overreact, let's say I was hanging back in a shadow of support."
"How much did you hear?"
"Enough to know it's time you come clean and talk about what's happening."
"It's nothing to worry about."
She pins me with a glare that sends the same type of Mom shiver up my spine. "Ashlyn, you witnessed one of my lowest points in life. I knew that day in my bakery you were hiding behind a strong shield. We're way beyond distant acquaintances at this point, so I feel comfortable telling you to cut the shit."
I slink back into the counter for support. "There's a partner that wasn't pleased with my leaving, and he's scoping out my family to find me. He will try to persuade me to come back. I know a lot of shit about the firm that he wants under wraps. He's probably scared his dark secrets are going to come to light."
"Another vague response," she deadpans.
"I slept with my slime bag coworker that later became my superior. We weren't exclusive, and it wasn't a relationship. He let me know in the beginning he wasn't interested in anything with a label. After a while, it didn't bother me because it was easy. No strings, no attachments, and no messy mornings afters.”
Her eyes fill with sympathy, and she reaches in the refrigerator, bringing me another beer. "That sounds miserable. I don't have any experience outside of Pierce so I can't imagine how that felt."
"Don't feel sorry for me. I knew what I was in for."
"Hey." She lays a hand on my arm. "Don't mistake my concern for pity. There's no judgment here."
God! Her sweet voice is so understanding it hits me square in the chest. Shame washes through me. "He used me from the day I started. Easy target and all that."
"If he was such a prick, why does he want you now?"
"Because he thinks he can manipulate me."
"Are you in danger?"
"Nope. Brock is a resourceful man, and he'll figure out how to squirm his way out of whatever mess he's in."
"Have you shared this with Miller?"
"He's heard his name, and judging by his reaction, I don't think it's smart. You are the only person I've ever discussed this with."
"I can understand being cautious of his response, but don't shut him out. First, it was your financial problem, and now this."
"Exactly, I'm a mess! Why would I expose him to the train wreck of my life?"
"You still don't get it. Miller won’t see it as a train wreck."
Her amber eyes hold mine hostage, and it's clear there is no judgment, only support. My heart does something funny and I fight the urge to cry.
"Beauty, talent, kindness, and a soul of pure gold. You're pretty awesome, Darby Kendrick."
She blushes and squeezes my arm. "I think you're pretty awesome, too, Ashlyn Rhodes."
"I'll tell him."
"Good." She hands me the beer and goes back to the counter, spinning the bowl of vegetables. "Now, tell me what to do to help."
"Darby?"
She tilts her head and raises her eyebrows.
"You're gonna rock this whole mom thing. He's a lucky little guy."
I am helpless to what happens next. She wraps her arms around her huge belly and her eyes brim with tears. "Thank you." She sniffs, grabbing a napkin and swiping her face. "Damn hormones."
I give her a minute to compose herself, and when she raises her face to mine, she's back to radiant. "Okay, those guys will be here soon, and they'll be sweaty, gross, and ready for a beer. God help us if they see tears."
"You're right, Pierce won't let me have my best partner in crime for another spa day."
She giggles, nodding in agreement. "And Miller won't let me steal you again."
I twist the cap off the beer and put the cutting board at the edge of the counter, sliding up a stool. "Okay, sit, chop, and let's talk about something much more important—Stephanie."
Her face lights up and she wiggles into the seat. "She told me you two have been talking a lot lately."
"Every morning. She calls me on the way to work."
"Hmmm." She concentrates a little too much on the broccoli.
"Am I missing something?"
"She's calling me after you, upbeat, perky, full of life. I got suspicious."
"We usually have a few cups of coffee. Maybe she's hyped up?"
"Maybe, but my sixth sense kicked in and I called reinforcements."
"Scottie?"
"Yep."
"And?"
"She's met someone." She practically bounces out of her seat.
"She's been holding out on me."
"That makes two of us. I laid into her about keeping secrets. It hurt that she didn't share. Then I realized I was so wrapped up in myself, it was me who overlooked the signs. That sucked even worse."
"You have a lot going on."
"That's a bullshit excuse."
It may be overstepping, but I take the chance and ask anyway, "Are things better with you and Pierce?"
She brings her eyes to mine with a
