“More glitter,” Reed groans when he opens it. Ashton pushes on his shoulder.
“Well, Reed and I will be there,” Brooke promises.
“What about you, Mr. Ashton?” Sadie’s eyes are wide, hoping that he will be.
“Um,” he clears his throat. He bends down to her level. “I’ll have to check my schedule, but I promise I’ll get you an awesome gift.”
Reed bumps Sadie’s shoulder. “Told you.”
Sadie nods.
“What are you talking about, Reed?” Brooke stands and walks over to the kids.
Reed’s eyes go wide, and Sadie looks down at the gro
und.
“Sadie,” I say more firmly.
“I’m ready to go home, Mommy.” She runs over to me and takes my hand. “Please.”
I nod, even though I know that something is wrong. “Thanks for letting her stop by.” They nod, and we head out the door.
Once I get in the car, I realize that I’ve been holding my breath. Sadie buckles up in her booster seat, while I try to compose myself in the front seat. I rest my head in my hands, trying to regain normal breathing. When I raise my head, Ashton is on the porch looking at me. My heart feels like it’s breaking as I study his eyes staring back at me.
I start the car and spin out of the driveway back to my house. Once we get inside, I race to my bedroom, fall onto my bed, and cry. I cry because I miss his arms around me. I cry because I miss his kisses. I cry because it’s Ashton I miss. I cry because Tiff’s right, I will be alone.
~
“Oh my God, is this party ever going to end?” I groan to Tiff standing next to me.
The Steinbergs’ sweet-sixteen event is finally here and has been going on for three hours. Thankfully, they only booked us for four. Tiff shrugs.
“Please, talk to me,” I beg her.
“Are you talking to Ashton?”
“You know I’m not.” Even though I want to.
“Then I’m not talking to you.” She looks straight ahead.
“Your parents called Sadie last night. They’re excited for her party. I mean, they haven’t seen her since this summer.” Sadie always goes down to visit them.
“Yes, I know. I do talk to my parents.” Tiff’s voice is hard.
I nod and give up talking for her the rest of the night. Once the party is over, and we are done, I head to my car. I’m ready to go home and relax. I send a quick text to Brooke. Sadie is over at her house playing with Reed.
Brooke: Had to go into the hospital. They’re at Ashton’s house.
No, no, no. I shake my head. I can’t go over there again, but there’s no other way to get Sadie.
Crap.
I drive over to his house, and when I pull into the driveway I do my best to give myself a pep talk.
You made your choice, and this is what you want.
Yep, all of that is lies, but Sadie needs my attention. She is number one in my life, and I can’t be losing that focus.