Full of food and coffee, I’m on the road and heading north toward Chico, California. The drive wasn’t too congested, so I arrived a little earlier than expected. I haven’t seen Ashley for years, so I’m not sure what I expect to find when I pull up at the gas station on the side of the road. But, the hot college girl, next to a little red Honda, I did not.
Ashley’s brown hair flows in the wind, and her tank top is pressed into her chest. I fight back my thoughts and remind myself who I am and who I am married to.
After I park the truck, I get out and walk around. She straightens and brushes her hair away from her face. Reaching out, I offer her my hand, “I’m Hawk. Your sister called and said you needed help.”
Casting a sly glance, she looks at the door the customer just came out from, then back to me. She shakes my hand, “I’m—uh, Ashley. We met at your wedding, six years ago.” Her fingers brush over mine when she releases my hand.
I vaguely remember the girl from back then. This racy woman is not her.
Chapter 3
Alessia
Sitting at the bar, I down a glass of cold water along with two Tylenol like I’m about to die. I’m that thirsty after last night. The alcohol and sex was hot and has left me on empty, a perfect night.
“You look like mierda, mija,” my poppa rumbles from behind me. Cringing, I turn around and face the music, waiting for the lecture from my old man.
“I feel like shit, too, thanks.” I wipe the drop of water away from my lip that ran down my chin. “Thanks so much for your concern. It’s truly touching.” I hold a hand to my chest and eye him warily.
“When are you going to settle down?” He huffs, “Because of you, Abuela has been all over my ass about the shit you do around here.” His voice is tired. It makes me feel horrible that he worries over me.
Sliding off my stool, my arms reach out, and I hug my old man. “We all were out.” I pull back a little and look him in the eyes. “I’m not so bad,” I tease. He’s been on me for years to change. I’ve never told him, or anyone else, I have been saving money to do just that. It takes time. I understand, because of my past, it’s hard to see that I’m not the same wild and crazy teenager. Maybe still a little of those things.
His eyes twinkle like they always do. He has seen I have calmed down a lot since my younger years. “What, she wants me knocked up and in the kitchen? Poppa, we both get that’s not me.”
He chuckles, “I really fucked up with you. You know damn well what she wants. You to be responsible, stable, and to be happy.” He stalls, watching me closely, always looking for answers. “Mija, I have to agree.” Poppa kisses my forehead, his goatee poking at my skin. I love him so much and would never want him to be disappointed in me. He grabs my shoulders holding my attention with a fierce stare. “Quit chasing the fast life. Use your head to build a life instead of playing games. Be real. You’re wasting precious time.”
Sighing, I give in a little. My life isn’t so bad. Do I have the job of my dreams? Hell no, not yet. Being an assistant in an office sucks, kissing ass all day. The only fun I have is around here. “I’ll think about it.” I relent a little for him because one day, I will work for myself.
“You’ll fucking start doing it.” He gives me his best stern look before walking away into his office, his boots echoing off the walls. I’ve noticed his hair has started to gather some gray, and it hits me how hard he works. He’s aging, and it’s made me think more and work harder to save. I don’t think I will ever be a woman who sits around and sees what happens. I enjoy the ride to see what is at the end of the road. Now, I just do it more responsibly. There is some truth to his words, but where do you start? I have a few ideas of what I can do. It’s just hard at times to see who you are. Hell, if I figured it out yet.
It doesn’t help when life around here is constantly changing. Like now, Jenn walks in with a brother on her tail for her attention. This should be good.
“Is Ashley here?” she asks, and the confused look on my face must say it all.
“What the fuck are you talking about?” Her sister has gone out of her way to avoid us at all costs. Only occasionally have we spent time with her. Even then, it was short and awkward. The mention of her name usually has Jenn groaning. Whatever has happened between them over the years, Jenn has kept it private.
“Ashley graduated college. She was driving home and got a flat. She must really need help if she called me. I asked Fuego, he said he would send Hawk to go pick her up. I thought they would be back by now.” Jenn sits on the stool next to me. The brother that was following her in slides onto the stool next to her. She rolls her eyes in disgust. I fight the laughter that wants to bubble out.
Wiping my
