Ashley refused to look at her mother. Embarrassed, she felt like she was back in the tenth grade again, shy, innocent and trying to gain her mother’s approval.
“You feel my eyes on you,” Barbara said to her daughter.
“Aunty, your daughter is a grown woman. What are we having for dinner?” Yvette asked.
“Whatever y’all decide to cook. Or in your case, whatever you order.” Barbara said looking at Ashley once more before heading upstairs.
Ashley looked at Yvette and shook her head. She couldn’t believe Yvette let that slip out of her mouth in front of her mother. “You’re a piece of work.”
“Let’s get Chinese,” Yvette said ignoring Ashley.
“Yeah, get me some of that shrimp fried rice!” Barbara yelled from upstairs.
“Ashley, I made reservations for the divorce retreat already. Clear your calendar for the end of next month. It’s the Bahamas, we need this.”
“No, what you need is to go back home to your ex-husband. You really shouldn’t be unsupervised. You need someone who knows how to deal with you, crazy lady.” Ashley snatched a grape from the fruit bowl.
“I forgive you for that little outburst. Now what do you want to eat,” Yvette said looking up at her cousin through hazel brown contact lenses.
Ashley rolled her eyes at her cousin as her mind turned to the Bahamas. White sandy beaches, clear blue waters, exotic foods, fresh air, a vacation. Maybe Yvette was on to something.
Ashley looked at the flyer again. Some of the seminars looked promising, one in particular grabbed her attention. The words “Are you really healed” stared her in the face in all caps and bold letters. Ashley knew she needed some more work in that department. Her whole life gone, locked up behind bars. How could she truly be free on the outside of prison walls?
Chapter 2
Ashley pulled up to the mansion. A young guy working in VIP parking dressed in black and white jogged over to her car, but she was hesitant to get out. Bryce was her first everything, and she had not been on a date in years.
What was she doing at this party? Was she really ready to meet Edward? Was she even ready to start dating again at thirty-five?
Her thoughts went on and on until the young man knocked on the window of her Mercedes Benz.
“Ma’am, are you going in? The party is inside,” he joked.
Ashley offered the guy a sarcastic smile, then opened the door and stepped out.
“Enjoy yourself, ma’am, looks like you need it,” he said hopping energetically into her front seat and closing the door behind him. Ashley rolled her eyes and headed for the two flights of stone stairs leading to the large mansion. Colorful flashing lights burst through the mansion’s windows in sync with the loud music coming from inside the huge estate. She could hear the crowd having a great time, but all she wanted to do was turn back around and get into her car and leave. At the top of the stairs a young woman who appeared to be in her early twenties approached.
“Name!” she yelled over the music.
“Pardon me?” Ashley asked.
“What is your name? I have a list of guests. What is your name?” the young woman said.
“Ashley Hernandez.”
The young woman glanced through her list.
“Ok, Ashley. Grant just asked about you. Follow me.”
The doors opened and what Ashley thought was loud music on the outside had nothing on what the music sounded like now. The club scene was not her thing anymore, but it was a blessing to see people being social again. Just a few years back she could remember having to quarantine and being on lockdown because of the pandemic. What a scary time. So many people lost their lives, and on top of that during the same year, the world had to face a race war, resulting in riots all over the world. It started when another Black man was murdered in the streets by police officers, all caught on camera. It was a blessing to see people living somewhat in harmony again.
“Grant is over there in VIP on the white leather sofa just behind the velvet ropes,” the young woman pointed.
“Thank you,” Ashley said.
Ashley walked over to meet Grant. Ashley noticed a very handsome man sitting on the sofa close to Grant, he was watching her as well. Ashley felt she had put herself together well. She had parted her natural sandy red curls that fell down to her shoulders in the middle, and her medium brown skin was smooth and shiny. Her gold and black fitted dress didn’t reveal too much, but it looked amazing on her. Time to get back out there, Ash. Ashley could see Edward sipping on a glass of clear liquid as he looked at her. Vodka, she assumed.
“Ashley, get over here. You’re late,” Grant said.
“Happy Birthday, Grant. You look good. What did I miss?” Ashley said.
“You should have been here. Come and join me and Edward,” Grant said.
Edward sat his drink on the table and stood to greet Ashley. When she got a better look at him, her mouth dropped open. Six foot four inches, approximately, and the man was drop dead gorgeous! He was muscular like a football player, and when he smiled he had the perfect set of white teeth, but they were small like children’s teeth. They looked unnatural. Was this a joke? Was he wearing a pair of Halloween teeth? Fall was long over!
It was hard not to stare into Edward’s mouth. This was a deal breaker. Dang, when you think you’ve found the perfect man, there is always something wrong with him!
“Hi, Ashley, I’m Edward. Pleased to meet you,”
