Chapter55
Chase’s phone rang. Ashley saw the caller ID: Baby. She thought she no longer cared, but years of love couldn’t be erased so easily. The word stung her; she looked away. Chase noticed her pain but
the answered
call without hesitation, his voice gentle.“What’s up?”
Sam noticed it was Tanya too, because Chase only spoke this gently to her. Forgetting Ashley was there, he asked excitedly, “Dad, is it Aunt Tanya?”
Chase calmly said, “Yes.”
am almost asked to join the call but then he remembered Ashley disliked Tanya. His good mood soured. He wished Ashley and Tanya could get along.
Tanya said something, making Chase frown. He left without finishing breakfast. Sam was worried but didn’t ask because Ashley was there. He lost his appetite, pulling Ashley up.“Mom, I’m done. Let’s go.”
Ashley understood that he wanted to know what had happened to Tanya, but she said nothing.“You haven’t eaten much. Take some for the car.”
“No, I’m full.”
Ashley didn’t insist. In the car, Sam immediately texted Tanya. Ashley saw it but didn’t say anything. Tanya replied that she had a cold but was fine. Her voice was hoarse; Sam was still worried and said that he would visit her after school.
He felt guilty, because he had planned to have dinner with Ashley. He secretly glanced at Ashley, relieved she hadn’t noticed anything.
At school, Sam hugged Ashley. “Mom, bye.”
“Bye.”
Sam skipped into school, oblivious to her coldness.
