Chapter 57
I wasn’t shocked that Ashton wanted to add me.
Made sense we were colleagues now and needed to stay in touch about work stuff. WhatsApp would make that easier.
But I didn’t accept right away. Instead, I replied to Nora first, though she didn’t respond. Probably tied up with something.
I checked Miles’s message and thought for a second before typing, “Swamped with the amusement park lately. I’ll show you around once things settle down.”
Adding a quick, “Sorry.”
Miles shot back almost instantly: ‘No sweat. Just take care of yourself, no matter how crazy things get, okay?”
Before I could answer, another text from him: “I’ll be here when you’re free.”
I was about to send “Okay” but it felt wrong after his last message. Instead, I asked, “You planning to stick around for a while?”
“Yeah, I’ll be here for quite a bit,” Miles replied.
That surprised me. Tessa and Ethan must be happy about that.”
I saw the typing dots, but nothing came through even after a few minutes.
Instead of waiting around, I switched to checking my work email, my usual routine. Surprisingly, my inbox was empty – everything was handled.
The lack of that little red notification dot left me feeling weirdly empty.
Maya bounced over, shoving her phone in my face. “Elaine, have you seen this show? It’s the leads‘ second time working together, and it’s really good!”
I glanced at her screen. I liked both actors, and the scene playing was pretty funny – the female lead had turned into a chicken and was pecking at the male lead who was messing with her.
I put my phone down to watch with Maya, but sleep won out pretty quick.
When I opened my eyes, dawn was breaking.
My body clock had me up at 5 AM. Maya was passed out cold, her nightgown hiked up to her thighs. I pulled the blanket over her and checked my phone.
New messages from both Nora and Miles. His read: “What about you?”
Looking back at our chat, I finally got it – he was asking if I was glad he was staying. I I
Why would that matter to me? His staying or going didn’t affect me at all. Why even ask that?
Being grown–ups, I could tell something was off, so I left it unanswered.
I set my phone down, freshened up, and grabbed some water to drink by the window. There was a light fog outside.
Really light – you could still see pretty much everything clearly.
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I was finishing my water, about to stretch, when someone caught my eye.
Those long legs in a jogging stride – had to be Ashton.
OMS
Classic military guy. Even out of the service, he kept up all those good habits, including morning runs.
Talk about discipline.
Remembering I hadn’t accepted his contact request, I grabbed my phone and added him before doing some light stretches and exercises.
While changing, I put on the bruise ointment he gave me. No point overthinking it.
After cleaning up, I was heading down for a quick breakfast before the park when Ashton’s message popped up: “Do you have a boyfriend?”
Was that why he added me on WhatsApp? Not for work stuff, but to ask that?
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