Distraction (Club Destiny #8)(77)

That didn’t sound like Sarah.

“I figured it had something to do with what happened between the two of you a few years ago.”

Okay, so that grabbed his attention. How the hell would Ashleigh know…?

“She never actually admitted anything to me, but I could tell by how standoffish she became that something happened. When I first asked her to help, she was willing. We talked at length and she gave me all sorts of suggestions. We had lunch a couple of times. But then one day she sort of shut down on me. After she gave me some information about grief counselors and group therapy, I stopped calling her because I could tell that…”

Ashleigh stared back at him, but she didn’t continue.

When the silence became too much, Dylan took a deep breath. “I fucked up with her,” he admitted.

“I figured as much.” Ashleigh’s smile was sympathetic. “I’m just happy she’s back in your life now. She’s good for you. She knows a lot about…”

Dylan did not like the sound of that. “I don’t need her to fix me now, Ash.”

His sister’s eyebrows lowered. “I didn’t say you did.”

“Is that what you think she’s doing?” Dylan hadn’t considered the fact that Sarah might be placating him in order to help keep him sober.

“No, not at all.” Ashleigh glanced down at the counter. “Yes, I tried to call her after I saw you talking to her at the CISS party, but I didn’t leave a message. I just needed her to know that you’re recovering.”

Anger penetrated deep within him at the thought of Ashleigh interfering. Was she telling him the complete truth? Or had she actually talked to Sarah?

“What’s goin’ on in here?”

Dylan turned to see Alex standing in the doorway. He was studying them both intently, probably curious as to why their voices were raised. Dylan didn’t want to go into details, but he needed to mull over this information for a little while. The fact that Ashleigh had sought out Sarah to help him through his … problems...

Was that what Sarah was doing now? Did she pity him? Was he some fucking charity case for her?

The idea did not sit well with him.

“Let’s eat,” Ashleigh stated, drawing him out of his thoughts.

Dylan forced Sarah from his mind, choosing to focus on the here and now.

A few minutes later, after the food was dished up and the three of them were sitting at the dining room table, Dylan took the opportunity to talk to Alex. He explained about his conversation with Trent, about the new club, about his desire to take the position.

“So what’s stopping you?” Alex asked, his fork hanging over his plate.

Dylan reached for his tea glass, looking Alex directly in the eye. “You.”

“Me? What the fuck?”

“I owe you everything,” Dylan said, keeping his voice low. “I let you down in a big way. I damn sure don’t deserve to move on to something else if you don’t approve.”

Alex looked sincerely appalled by the statement. But Dylan continued. “You’ve stood by me, but I haven’t done the same in return.”

“Bullshit,” Alex barked. “You don’t owe me shit. The fact that CISS is having trouble is not your fault.”

“Sure it is.”

“No. It’s not!” Alex got to his feet. “You don’t get to take this all on yourself.”

That wasn’t the reaction Dylan expected. “I fucked up.”

“We all fucked up, Dylan. It’s over and done. You need to move on. And yes, if you’re looking for my blessing to go work for Trent Ramsey, you’ve got it. I want what’s best for you. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

Dylan didn’t respond. He didn’t know what to say.

“Look,” Alex said, breathing deep, then exhaling slowly. “You suffered a loss that is unfathomable. No one knew it would happen. And you coped with it. Maybe not the right way, but no one blames you for that. The only thing we want is for you to be happy and healthy. That’s all that fucking matters.”

Dylan nodded.

“Please sit down,” Ashleigh whispered to her husband.

Alex lowered himself back to his chair. “I’m sorry,” he said to her.

“It’s okay. We’re all okay. That’s what’s important.”

Dylan agreed with that statement. It was what was important.

But was he really okay?

Or was he now jumping in the deep end? More importantly, was Sarah setting herself up to be his life raft?





chapter TWENTY-FOUR

Wednesday, January 25

SARAH WAS DOING HER ABSOLUTE best not to fidget, but that was harder than it appeared. She was about to officially meet Trent Ramsey.

“Relax,” Dylan whispered in her ear. “He’s just a man.”

The laugh that erupted from her chest sounded eerily like a frog. “A famous man,” she countered. “Like, one of the most famous men in the world.”

“Don’t let him hear you say that,” Dylan told her.

“What? Why?” Sarah stared back at him.

“He doesn’t like it.”

“Really?”

“No. I don’t know.” Dylan’s smile was mischievous. “He probably does. Go fucking nuts.”