Flirting with Fifty

Chapter 15

Paige was on time for Ashley’s flight. Unfortunately, the flight wasn’t on time, and she ended up parking at an airport hotel to wait for Ashley’s text that she’d landed and was heading to baggage claim. In the car, Paige tipped her seat back and listened to a podcast on politics and economics. One of the economists was making dire predictions. Paige hoped it wasn’t true. She had a large chunk of her retirement money invested in the stock market. Maybe she needed to shift to something safer for the next few years.

She switched to an audio book, hoping that would keep her awake. It was a relief when Ashley finally called, saying she was on the ground.

Paige checked the time. Midnight. They weren’t going to get home until at least one thirty, and tomorrow was Thursday, another long day. But next semester should be easier. Esther was coming back and Paige would have a normal course load again. Thank goodness.

And then come May, Jack would be gone.

She exhaled hard, not wanting to think of that. May was still months away. Who knew if she’d even like him after Tanzania? She might get to Arusha and discover he was annoying, petty, controlling, unbearable.

Although she doubted it.

Or, she could sleep with him and realize she’d built him up in her mind too much, that he was actually very pedestrian, and completely ordinary.

She also doubted that.

Paige’s phone vibrated. She glanced down at the text, started the car. Ashley was heading to the curb.

During the drive home Ashley said she wouldn’t need Paige’s car, that she could just ride-share to LA. “That’s ridiculous,” Paige answered, glancing at her stunning daughter. Ashley had inherited her father’s height but took after Paige in terms of features and coloring. “That would cost a fortune,” Paige added. “Take my car. Elizabeth had already offered to pick me up, and Jack could drop me off.”

Ashley looked at her mom, brow creasing. “Who is Jack?”

“A colleague,” she answered, and then, feeling guilty, added, “And someone I’m seeing.”

Ashley’s silence was deafening.

Paige shot her a swift glance. “What’s wrong?”

Ashley made a faint choking sound. “You’re seeing someone?”

“Michelle knows,” Paige said, trying not to feel defensive.

It was the wrong thing to say. Ashley’s mouth dropped open in outrage. “She didn’t tell me. And you didn’t tell me. Why not? Does Nichole know?”

“I haven’t said anything to Nichole—” Paige broke off, grimacing inwardly as Nichole had been there during the protracted good-night kiss on the night of Paige’s surprise birthday. “Actually, Nichole might know, too.”

“What?”

Paige’s shoulders lifted and fell. “She saw him kissing me good night the night of my surprise birthday party.”

“So why didn’t you tell me?”

“I don’t know. It didn’t seem important.”

“Is he someone serious?”

“I . . .” Paige frowned, not sure how to answer. “That’s a good question,” she hedged. “I think it’s still in the early stages.”

“But could it be serious?”

Paige didn’t want to create drama, but at the same time, she cared for Jack, and she wanted him in her life. “I don’t know how to answer you, Ash. I like him. But we’ve only just started seeing each other—”

“So you don’t really know him. He could be dangerous. He could be married—”

“He’s not married.”

“That’s what they all say.”

“His wife died twenty years ago.”

“And you believe him?”

“Yes.” Paige wasn’t sure if she was amused or annoyed by Ashley’s line of attack. “For your information, I didn’t just meet him at the beginning of the semester. I’ve known Jack a long time. We went out thirty years ago, when we were both part of a study program in Paris.”

Ashley didn’t answer. She turned her head away, stared out the window.

“Ash—”

“Can we change the subject, Mom?” Ashley’s voice cracked. “I don’t really want to hear about you dating.”

Paige flinched. Ashley’s curtness stung. She opened her mouth, wanting to fire back, but at the last second, she closed it, swallowed the response. It was late. They were both tired.

Reaching the apartment, Paige helped Ashley carry her bags in. It was only then that Paige processed the amount of luggage Ashley had brought with her. Two checked bags, plus her carry-on. “What did you pack?” Paige teased, hauling one of the big cases into the second bedroom. “Your entire closet?”

Ashley managed a tight smile. “Pretty much.” She crossed to her mom, kissed her on the cheek, and then gave her a fierce hug. “Thank you for picking me up, Mom. I appreciate it.”

Paige patted her back. Ashley, always lean, felt skinny, almost bony. “I’ll leave my keys on the kitchen counter. Just drive yourself tomorrow—”

“My audition has been pushed back. Take your car. I’m just going to hang here tomorrow and get some rest.” Ashley had shadows under her eyes, shadows almost the same color as her lavender-blue irises. “How about we have a girls’ night tomorrow night? Dinner, a movie . . . ?”

“Thursday is one of my late nights. But we could do a dinner and movie this weekend.”

“Should I order something for us for dinner?”

“That sounds great. Order whatever you want,” Paige answered, glancing around the small bedroom with the suitcases and carry-on bags. Four pieces of luggage in all, for a simple audition. Something wasn’t adding up, but Paige wasn’t going to press Ashley now. “I won’t wake you in the morning. I’m just going to slip out.”

All day Paige fretted about Ashley. Her daughter wasn’t usually evasive. Paige knew something was wrong, but she didn’t know what. She was determined to get the truth out tonight when she got home. Paige phoned from the car to let Ashley know she was on her way.

“Can you pick up something for dinner?” Ashley asked. “I didn’t get around to it.”

“Yes,” Paige said, not wanting to stop somewhere. She hadn’t gotten enough sleep last night and she was tired. But she called in an order to one of her favorite Mediterranean restaurants, then stopped and picked up the kebabs and Greek salad on her way home.