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“Good morning. I need to go home and shower, but do you want to go out for breakfast?” I ask.
“I would love nothing more. Except, you know, not having to leave here and just having breakfast downstairs.”
I chuckle. “Okay, then let’s order in.”
He grabs his phone and places an order, and we lay together in bed while we wait for it to arrive. We eat at the brand-new kitchen table that was just delivered a couple days ago. We agree to move in over the next few days, but no matter what items we have or don’t have here, we agree we’ll sleep together here going forward.
Asher has to get to the Complex for his exit interview this morning, and I’m curious what will go on in that interview. I know my dad will be there, and I wish Asher some extra luck before we part ways.
And then I wait nervously to hear from him. I’m nervous about dinner with his dad, nervous about moving, nervous about the baby…nervous about life in general right now, I guess, so I dig into work.
I pack my essentials into a suitcase and haul it down to my car, and then I pack a few boxes worth of clothes. My mom is out at a spa day, and I’m careful not to lift anything that might be heavy.
After all that, I check on the auction items for the charity ball, and I make some final arrangements for Asher’s 5K. We’ve chosen a date in mid-April, so I have three months to finalize plans and another two months before the charity ball.
I think I’m in good shape, and I realize it’s nearly time for dinner by the time I get a text from Asher.
Asher:Can I pick you up in an hour for dinner?
I check the clock and realize I’ve worked most of the day away. My stomach seems to awaken at the thought, too, with a loud growl.
Me:Yes, I’ll be ready.
I change clothes and brace myself for dinner with Eddie Nash.
On the way there, Asher says, “Ellie booked me an appearance at a nightclub tonight if you want to come.”
I have a feeling dinner is going to take a lot out of me, and my feet feel swollen and tired after standing and packing for a few hours this afternoon. “Let’s see how I feel after dinner,” I say. I don’t want him to have to go alone, especially if he doesn’t like doing them, but I also have to put my own health and that of the baby first.
We get to the restaurant, some steakhouse Eddie chose, and he’s already sitting at a table when we arrive. The hostess brings us to his table, where he’s enjoying a glass of what appears to be whiskey.
He holds it up as Asher slides out the chair across from his father for me and takes one in between us.
Asher immediately stares down at the menu, and his father is eyeing me.
I glance through the menu and decide on a chicken dish, and I set it down and glance up at Eddie.
“So how did you meet my son?” he asks.
“We met at the charity ball,” Asher says absently.
His brows shoot up. “You’ve known her since last June?”
I nod. “And now I’m planning this year’s event. Funny how it comes full circle.” I offer a tight smile.
“You’re planning it?” he asks.
I nod. “I’m an event planner, and the Aces have contracted me for their charity event. I’m also working on the first annual 5K for Asher’s new charity.”
“What’s this?” Eddie asks.
“It’s the Make a DIFFerence with Asher Nash Foundation,” Asher says. “We’re hosting a charity run to promote the fight against drug abuse, specifically in adolescents.” He clears his throat. “I’m doing it for Fitz.”
Eddie seems to soften a bit at that. “That’s great, Asher. I’m proud of you.”
Asher sits up a bit at his words, and I get the sense he doesn’t say that too often. But from Asher’s account, Eddie was the one who picked Asher up after he lost his friend.
“Thanks,” he mumbles.
