Chapter 5

Ashley put her cell phone back into her pocket after checking the time; 6:07. She had been outside for 15 minutes. Slowly she stood up off the bench and decided to go inside. At their table Kelcie, Nick, Tommy, and Tomas all sat with their plates cleared. They smiled when she approached. Tomas pulled out the seat for her as she sat. She took a sip of her water.

“Are you feeling better?”

She nodded glumly and set her cup down.

“I talked to Logan. We'll get her tomorrow.”

Nick looked very relieved. He leaned back against his chair. Ashley was taking a sip of water when felt Tomas's hand on her thigh under the table. She looked to her side at him. He smiled at her. At that some moment she felt the butterflies again which caused her to suck in some of her water. She coughed, spitting water on Tomas's suit. Her face went bright red as she realized what had happen.

“Oh my god... I'm so sorry!” She blurted while turning quickly for a napkin.

She blotted at his tie while mumbling sorry over and over again.

Tommy, Kelcie, and Nick laughed hysterically from the other side of the table.

“I'm just really glad it wasn't me who did it!” Kelcie laughed.

Ashley sat up straight; still very rattled by the embarrassing moment.

“Are you guys ready to go?” She asked.

The other four nodded and stood up from their seats. While she had been gone the waiter had came and given them their separate receipts. Nick, weirdly enough, had decided to pay for Ashley's. The group payed their dues at the front and made their way out to the car.

Tomas walked beside Ashley and whispered to her.

“We haven't properly been out yet.”

Ashley smiled and whispered back, “Very true, but I'm leaving tomorrow.”

Tomas smiled too. “You haven't seen my place yet. I have a kitty.”

For some reason, hearing Tomas call a “cat” a “kitty” was very amusing to her.

“Are you trying to lure me in with promises of a small fuzzy animal?”

Tomas was quiet for a second, but responded, “It depends, is it working?”

Ashley laughed aloud and looked back to him. “Yes, yes it is.”

He chuckled, “So my place it is?”

She nodded and then thought about Nick.

“I'll just have to be back before midnight.” She thought.

The group all shuffled into the car and took their seats. Tommy turned around in the drivers seat and looked to the others.

“So where am I taking to guys?”

Nick looked to Ashley with panic in his eyes. He hadn't thought about it either.

“I'm going to hang out with Tomas tonight, but Nick will be going to Logan's. Do you know where that is?”

Tommy didn't respond. He just continued looking between Tomas and Ashley.

“Um... Tommy?” Ashley asked when he didn't respond.

“Yeah.. I do.”

He turned around in his seat quietly. Ashley looked to Tomas in confusion. He didn't seem to notice anything wrong. She then looked to her left at Nick. Nick was staring at her looking pissed. He pulled out his phone. Ashley's buzzed with a text.

“Pigpen: Yeah, I'm texting you. I have no fancy language to be secretive with. What the hell is wrong with you? When were you going to tell me you were staying the night at a guys house? You don't even know him. What if you get there and he's secretly a Czech pimp or something?”

Ashley looked disapprovingly at Nick.

Ashley typed back, “Ashers: Oh shut it. You know he's not. You just don't want to be alone with Logan.”

Nick now looked at Ashley.

“Pigpen: Why would I not want to be with Logan.”

Ashley pursed her lips, “Ashers: I know you love her.”

Nick took a deep breath and typed back. “Pigpen: It doesn't really matter though does it? She knows and doesn't care.”

Ashley sighed and glanced at Tomas.

She typed back, “How you do you know she doesn't feel the same?”

Nick looked at Ashley like she was stupid, “Of course she doesn't. I'm me. I am a sloppy, not very intelligent hockey player. I'm broke and still live with my parents. Logan is literally everything I'm not.”

Ashley's heart nearly broke. She looked to her twin with complete sympathy. She knew how it felt to be in someone's shadow. Never had she realized Nick was in Logan's.

“Ashers: I've never thought about it like that. I doubt Amanda has either.”

Nick shifted next to her and faced the window.

“Pigpen: Sure you have. You said it today. I'm no competition for anyone.”

Ashley nearly smacked him right then and there.

“Ashers: Nick. You are the best brother I could have ever asked for. Even though we've had our spats you've always been there to talk to me. I don't have to explain what I'm feeling. You just know. I can't even begin to tell you how much that means to me. I'm so so sorry that my comment made you think that. What you need to see is the good in yourself. Do you remember when Amanda and I got in a fist fight with those boys from Oakridge our Junior year? The next day you and your friends drove to their school and waiting until they got out. You beat the two guys up until they promised they'd never touch me or Amanda again. Remember? I never will forget that! Do you think Logan would ever get suspended for something like that? No. So not only are you a great listener you also are protective. Girls dig that, Man.”

She looked to Nick. He had read her text and was just watching out the window now. Ashley looked around at her surrounding and could tell when she was.

Tomas had noticed her confusion and whispered, “This is where I live.”

Ashley nodded as the car pulled up into a driveway. Ashley was surprised that Tomas lived in a house and not an apartment. The house wasn't huge, but it was MUCH bigger than Logan's 1 bedroom apartment. Tommy turned and smiled at the two.

“Okay, here you are. Thank you for coming with us to dinner. And keeping Kelcie company.” He turned and kissed her cheek.

Ashley smiled at the two. “Oh no, thank you so much for letting us barge in on your evening. I had a ton of fun and when I come down here again we will certainly have to make arrangement to get together again.”

Tomas opened the door and slid out of the hummer. Ashley slid out as well and looked at Nick. He was still facing the window; not bothering to say goodbye. Tommy rolled down his window as Ashley shut the back door.

“Hey! And now you have my number, Ash! So you can text me anytime!” Kelcie leaned over Tommy to say.

Ashley smiled and nodded, “Will do! Thank you so much. Have a great night.”

Ashley turned back to Tomas who was patiently waiting for her. The two waved as Tommy pulled out of the drive way and drove away.

~

“So, let me get this straight, you let her just go have an adult sleepover. Do you know what happens at adult sleep overs?”

Logan was fuming mad when Nick showed up alone. Nick stayed quiet while Logan ranted, but spoke when he finished.

“This is technically an adult sleep over... what are you saying?”

Logan closed his eyes and breathed hard.

“No, we are two straight guys. I'm not saying WE are going to have sex. But really? They are two attractive heterosexual adults. You really didn't see that coming?”

Nick frowned, “Did you just call my sister attractive? And Tomas? Are you sure you are 100% straight?”

Logan ignored Nick's comments and continued pacing.

“She didn't even tell me she changed her mind!”

Nick had lost interest in Logan's chatter and had begun tapping his fingers on the desk beside him.

“Nick! Listen to me! We have to go get her. There will not be any baby making on my watch.”

Logan pushed by Nick, but stopped when Nick grabbed his arm.

“Why?”

Logan looked back incredulously.

“Because she's... she's too young for that!”

Nick shook his head. “No, Logan she's not. If she chooses to it's her choice. She's 20 years old.”

Logan shook his head and pulled back from Nick. Nick expected Logan to leave, but he didn't. He just kept watching him with extreme intensity.

Nick asked, “I felt the same way yesterday with Amanda and you. So tell me, is it for the same reason?”

~

Ashley sat on the couch with Tomas and his kitten Franklin. Franklin was happily curled up in Ashley's lap. His little grey head rested gently on her thigh. Ashley stroked his fur and looked over at Tomas. He smiled at her like “I told you so.” On the TV Bridesmaids was playing, but neither of them were watching. They were too busy playing with the kitty.

“You know? I want to steal your kitten.”

Tomas smiled and kissed her cheek. “He likes you. Usually he sleeps on the dryer. Not with me.”

Ashley looked around the room and frowned, “Why such a big house for one person?”
He sighed sadly, “My mom and dad want to live here, but it is hard for them. Moving countries is mentally hard.”

Ashley looked down at Franklin.

“I've never thought about that.”

He nodded and looked to the tv. “Yeah. It's okay. I like California.”

The two got quiet for a moment.

“Do you want popcorn?” Tomas asked while getting up from the couch.

“Oh, yes please. Thank you.”

As soon as Tomas went for the kitchen her phone vibrated on the table. Without disturbing Franklin she leaned forward for her phone. She pressed the home button and was surprised by the text.

“Aneta: It's something to consider.”

She realized the phone was Tomas's and she went to set it back down. She then thought about the name “Aneta” for a moment and realized it was Tomas's ex. She picked the phone back up and unlocked the phone. Luckily there was no password. In messaging she realized there was a lot more to the conversation between Aneta and Tomas. She scrolled up the first text from that morning.

“Aneta: Tomas, I understand I went and did the unforgivable, but I miss you. Please, all I want is to say sorry.”

Ashley heard Tomas rustling in the cabinets. She figured she had time so she scrolled and continued.

“Tomas: I miss you too, but you didn't just cheat. You tried to lie to me too.”

Ashley's stomach lurched. She wished she had never read the text in the first place.

“Aneta: You don't know how much I want that lie to be true. I wish it is your baby. Not his.”
Ashley felt bad about reading this.

“Tomas: We would still be together if you had just stayed faithful. I'm sorry you couldn't wait for me.”

“Aneta: Listen, We can still be together. We can start a family like we always wanted.”

Ashley looked behind her towards the kitchen. She heard Tomas pressing buttons on the microwave.

She continued, “Tomas: I don't know, Aneta. I don't know if I can trust you.”

“Aneta: Please, we could try just one more time. For the sake of my baby.”

Ashley wanted to slap her for trying to make Tomas raise a baby. She scrolled down and saw he hadn't replied, but she had sent another message.

“Aneta: It's something to consider.”

Ashley set the phone on the couch right before Tomas walked into the room. He set down one bowl of butter popcorn in the coffee table before taking a seat beside her. Mentally, she panicked when he sat. She had put the phone on the couch and not the table.

Tomas reached under himself and pulled out his phone. Ashley faced the TV but watched him out of the corner of her eyes. He frowned at the phone and looked up at her.

“Did you move my phone?” He asked sounding very confused.

Ashley caught her breath and quickly decided to be honest.

“Yes, it buzzed. I thought it was mine and grabbed it, but it was yours.”

Tomas unlocked his phone and went to his messages. He noticed Aneta's message had been opened.

He sighed, “How much did you read?” He asked calmly.

Ashley let go of her breath she had been holding and faced him.

“Enough to feel guilty about it.”

She shook her head and continued.

“You guys broke up just a week ago... and I for a fact know it is hard to get over someone that quick... I mean... 3 years...”

Tomas cut her off. “I have not seen her since October. I've barely text her since then too. I feel like her and I broke up long before last week.”

Ashley bit her lip and petted Franklin absent mindlessly.

“I don't want people to think I'm a home wrecker or something... You guys wanted to have a family!”

Ashley groaned and covered her face with her hands. Tomas reached over to her and pulled her hands away from her face.

“Regardless of meeting you or not, I would have been single anyways. I broke up with her BEFORE I met you. Now I just have a reason to not fall back into her web. I wasn't happy. Shouldn't I have a chance to be?”

Ashley stared straight up into Tomas's eyes. She hadn't realized how dark they were. As she stared she found herself at a complete loss for words. She knew he was right, but she felt being here with him wasn't fair to Aneta.

“Out of respect for your previous 3 year relationship. You and I are going to take this slow... okay?”

Tomas bit at the corner of his mouth.

“Yes.”

Ashley nodded in efforts to convince herself that was the only way.

“So let's enjoy the night.”

Tomas still had her hands in his. His eyes were still watching her intently. He looked as if he was about to speak. Then he shook his head and sat down side her. Quietly, he grabbed the bowl of popcorn and averted his attention back to the TV...

~

Logan's heart pounded as he face Nick. He knew exactly what the question meant, but he pretended he didn't.

“What do you mean?”

Nick kept a straight face, “Do you love her?”

Logan's stomach dropped. “Who?”

Nick stared at Logan intently. Nick reached into his pocket and pulled out a small picture; the same picture he had lost in the locker room.

“Where did you get that?” Logan quickly snatched the photo from Nick's hand.

He examined the photo for any damage and looked up once he found none.

“Tomas gave it to me at dinner. He told me he found it in your hockey bag. He grabbed it because he didn't want it to get wet once they played their prank on you.”

Logan swallowed hard. He tried hard to keep his face stoic.

“Why does it matter? Am I not allowed to have a picture of my best friend?”

Nick cocked an eyebrow, “I never said it wasn't okay. Why are you being defensive?”

Logan scoffed, “I'm not being defensive! I just don't understand why you are drilling me! She is my best friend!”

Nick stayed calm. “She is, but you are avoiding the question I've already asked.”

Logan could feel he was beginning to sweat. “I don't know what you mean...”

Nick was getting impatient. “Fine. You won't answer. So let me ask you a different question. Do you love Amanda?”

Logan took a breath and replied, “No.”

Nick closed his eyes. Logan noticed the tension leave Nick's shoulders. He suddenly understood.

“You love Amanda don't you?” He asked quietly.

Nick opened his eyes slowly and nodded. Logan leaned against the desk beside him, and let everything soak in. He suddenly realized how awful the night before must have been for Nick.

“Do you love my sister?” Nick asked.

Now Logan was the one to close his eyes. He felt sick to his stomach. He felt shame, but he knew he couldn't avoid the question any longer. Slowly, he nodded.

Notes