Conviction (Consolation Duet #2)(21)

She walks over and waves awkwardly. “Hi, I’m Ashton Caputo. We kinda met, but didn’t really, because well, it wasn’t the time for introductions. However, I think that may be our thing,” Ashton rambles. “Anyway, I’m Catherine’s best friend from New Jersey.” It takes a second, but I remember she was with Catherine. She’s absolutely stunning. Her long, red hair flows down her back and her eyes shimmer.

“I sort of remember.”

“I’m visiting Mark, but he pawned me off on Quinn while they left for a few days to go . . . well, anyway, so we came here to meet Liam,” she explains.

“Are you and Mark . . . ?” I ask with wide eyes.

“No!” she waves her hands animatedly. “We tried that and it was like putting the same person in the other and one trying to claw its way out. We’re just friends.”

“Ahh, so you’re both smartasses?”

“Well, he’s an ass and I’m smart.” She pauses and I smile.

Ashton seems uncomfortable, and I instantly hate that I’ve ruined their night. “What brings you down here?”

Her eyes close and she shakes her head. “I needed a break from my life, so Mark suggested I come to Virginia for the week. Just so happened to be a busy week here as well.”

“You could say that,” I half laugh.

“I know you don’t know me, but I feel like I know you. Cat talks about you a lot and she’s worried about you. I don’t know much other than what I’ve overheard, but are you okay?”

I sit on the couch and Ashton sits beside me. “Short answer . . . no. I’m so far from okay I don’t even know what it looks like. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t burden you on your vacation.”

“Please,” she scoffs. “This is an escape from my self-inflicted hell. Plus, with Cat gone, I don’t have much girl talk, so please don’t feel bad. I miss this. She’s practically married to Jackson, and they’re in a good place, so I get nothing.” She grins, and I feel at ease with her. “You have a lot going on, and believe me, I only know what I’m overhearing from G.I. Joe over there. Mark told me that he had to go do something and then dropped me off at Quinn’s. So I’ve pieced a few things together.”

I smile and even if she knows everything, I’m grateful she’s allowing me the sense of privacy. “Quick version . . . my dead husband isn’t dead. Liam is his best friend and has told him he’ll back off. I’m in love with him, and Liam deploys soon. Basically, I’m losing my friggin’ mind.”

“Well, who do you want?”

“Liam,” I say without any hesitation.

“I’m not trying to talk you out of it. But do you think you should give yourself some time to really be sure? Again, you can tell me to eff off and I’d understand. I tend to give unsolicited advice.” Ashton gives me an out, but I feel oddly comfortable. She reminds me of Reanell, and I almost wish I would’ve gone to her instead of coming to see Liam. I’m too conflicted and emotional to be rational.

“Aaron and I weren’t in the best place when he died—well, went missing—I don’t know if we could’ve survived it. He cheated, lied, and I’m not sure we can move forward. Liam has been my rock this last year. I know it sounds crazy, but our love is different than I had with Aaron,” I explain.

It’s true though. My love with Aaron was almost infantile. The way you adore something so much that you only see the good. We loved each other because that was what you do. It’s all I knew and so I thought it was all there was. It doesn’t diminish the time we were together, but when I fell in love with Liam, it was like a part of me clicked. I could’ve never told Aaron things that I can tell Liam. If I told Aaron why I was mad, he’d make me feel stupid. Put me down and tell me I was being ridiculous. Liam draws me out.

“Different is good. Trust me, I’m the last person you should be getting love advice from, but I’ll be here for a little while, and if you want to grab a drink or whatever, let me know.” Ashton stands as the guys walk into the room. “It was sincerely nice to meet you, and I hope I’ll see you soon?” she asks.

Quinn walks over. “I was going to bring Ashton to Aarabelle’s birthday party, if that’s okay?”

Her party. I completely forgot. “Yes,” I say snapping out of my head. “Of course.”

“Great! I know Catherine and Jackson are coming too, so thank you.”

“All right, man, see you at work tomorrow.” Quinn slaps Liam on the shoulder and leaves with Ashton. I give a short wave and she smiles.

I turn to Liam and remember why I’m here. He stands there uncomfortable but I don’t care. He’s not going to play the martyr.

“You don’t think I should get to decide?” I ask with venom dripping from each syllable.





“I don’t think you should have to,” I state while glaring back at her. She comes here pissed off, hits me again, and then breaks down. “You’re a mess, and you can’t tell me it’s me you want when he’s waiting at home for you.”

“He’s only there because you won’t come get me.” She drops to the couch.

“Do you hear yourself? You need to give yourself some damn time. I need time too,” I explain.