Until Series(56)

“So, what are you doing in town? Last time we spoke, you were heading out to Mexico on a case?” Asher asks.

“I got back yesterday. The trail went cold. I came home for Christmas and to see if I can find any new leads. If I can’t find anything, I’ll leave again after the new year.”

“I need your help with something while you’re in town. I’ll set up a time this next week when we can meet up.”

“Is everything okay? Is it Joan?” Kenton asks. At the name Joan, Asher’s arm tightens. I look up and see that his jaw is locked, and I wonder who Joan is. But before I can ask, Emma starts crying.

“Um…I’m going to find her mom,” I say, looking up at Asher.

“Sure, baby. Come back to me when you’re done.”

“Okay,” I whisper as he kisses my temple.

“It was nice meeting you, Kenton,” I say, smiling.

He’s looking at me closely and shakes his head, smiling, then says, “Yeah, you too. I’ll see you around, I’m sure.”

“Yeah,” I mumble, feeling uncomfortable and wondering who Joan is and why that name would make Asher upset. I find Emma’s mom and we talk for a few minutes and exchange numbers. She lives a couple towns over and is around my age. I like her right away and would love to spend more time with Emma. I walk back through the crowd and see Asher still talking to Kenton. It looks serious, so I make my way to the kitchen to find Susan.

“Hey, do you need any help?” I ask Susan after I find her in the pantry. She’s standing on a ladder and it looks like it might fall over.

“Oh, thank God.” She turns, looking down at me. “I need help getting some platters made up and set out. Are your dad and grandma here yet?” she asks, going back to looking on the shelf.

“Not yet. He said they were running late but they’d be here soon.”

“Good. Here, grab these.” She hands me three trays. “You can help me until they show up.” She smiles, stepping down from the ladder. We walk into the kitchen. Their kitchen is a galley style. It’s long and updated, but closed off from the rest of the house so you can’t see anyone unless they walk into it.

“Can I ask you a question?” I ask, setting the trays down on the counter.

“Sure, you know you don’t even have to ask. I’m always here anytime you need me.”

“Thanks,” I say. My voice is clogged from the lump in my throat. “Um, who is Joan?” Her face freezes and I’m not sure what that means.

“She was Asher’s wife.” Well, crap. That’s not what I expected at all.

“Oh,” I whisper, having nothing else to say.

“Why do you ask?”

“Oh, um, Kenton mentioned her,” I say, cutting wedges of cheese and placing them on the platter. Susan comes to stand next to me, moving my hair off my shoulder. I look over at her and she smiles.

“You have nothing to worry about.”

“Okay.” I smile but I know it doesn’t reach my eyes. I’m just praying that she doesn’t say anything else. I really don’t want to cry.

“Talk to Asher about it if it’s bothering you.”

“I will,” I promise her, knowing that it’s time we talk about his ex-wife and the reason he got divorced. It’s completely irrational that it bothers me. I know he loves me, but part of me wishes he didn’t have a past. Well, at least one that he was married in. Stupid, I know since I was engaged, but I love him more than I ever thought possible. And now that I feel this kind of love, I realize that I didn’t actually love my ex. He was a crutch. I wanted him so I could start a life on my own, one where my mother didn’t have any control. I’m glad it didn’t work out. I’m not glad that he slept with my mom, but our relationship wouldn’t have been fair to him in the long run.

“Hey, baby girl.” I turn and see my dad walking into the kitchen with my grandma following close behind him.

“Daddy.” I take two steps and his arms are around me. He tilts my face back with his hands on my cheeks.

“Are you okay? You look sad.”

“I’m fine. Just helping Susan.” I smile. I don’t want him to worry about me. His eyes narrow, but before he can question me, Asher walks into the kitchen.

“Mike.” He pats my dad on the back. He looks at me and his eyes narrow. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I’m just happy.” I roll my eyes.

“You don’t look fucking happy. You look sad.”

“Geez, did either of you stop to think that I haven’t had this before, and I’m just sad that I missed out on it for so long?”