Page 14 of If We Meet Again

“Same. Are you excitedfor today?”

Ashley brushed the loose hair from her eyes before placing the mug to her lips, taking the time to contemplate her feelings.

“I am, but I’m also a bit nervous.”

“That’s understandable though.” Madison stretched over the reclaimed wooden breakfast bar, all ears. “Have you decided on your plans for the day?”

“When I spoke to her yesterday, she told me her favourite style of food was Mexican. So, I have booked us in at Dos Caminos.”

“The one on Broadway?”

“No, the one in Soho—it’s quieter there.”

“Okay, definitely a good choice. What about dessert?”

“Ansel Bakery, of course, for a famous Cronut.”

“Nice choice. I’m impressed. I haven’t had a Cronut in so long. What’s their flavourthis month?”

The half-croissant, half-doughnut pastry was a creation Ashley had stumbled upon two years prior when she stopped at Dominique Ansel’s bakery for a coffee. There she discovered just how in-demand they were—she grabbed the final available Cronut that day and swears, to this day, that there is no other pastry like it. The flavour changed monthly, and no two were ever the same.

“It’s apricot jam with caramelised milkchocolate.”

“What if they have none left? You know whatit’s like.”

“I pre-ordered. So, they’ll be ready to collect after lunch.”

Madison nodded her head in approval. “Good thinking.” She made her way to the fridge and returned with a fresh carton of blueberries. “Has Megan given you any idea what she has planned after? Providing you get that far.” Madison playfully threw a blueberry, which inadvertently said she meant no real offence.

She had only briefly spoken to Megan the day before; her reluctance to share the plan intrigued Ashley even more.

“I have no idea. It’s exciting though. I don’t do this kind of thing, do I? So I don’t know whatto expect.”

“No, I suppose your experience is rather limited. Maybe you should be taking tipsfrom Emily.”

Ashley laughed. “You’re right. She is the queenof dating.”

“Speak of the devil.” Madison glanced towards the door as Emily sauntered in. The usual glam appearance she worked hard to maintain was tarnished. A mascara-streaked left eye and heels in hand indicated aheavy night.

“Aspirin, please.” No hello.

“Coming right up, your majesty,” Madison chuckled. “Coffee? It’s afresh pot.”

Emily put her hand up, retching at the thought, “No, I can’t stomach that yet.”

“Heavy night, Em?” Ashley watched as Emily clawed off her denim jacket and flopped onto the sofa.

“You could say that.” She placed her hand over her eyes to block out the light streaming through the balconette window. “Why do I do thisto myself?”

Ashley and Madison took one look at each other, the temptation to say‘I told you so’a hard one to turn down.

“Where did you stay last night?” Ashley enquired.

“AtCaroline’s.”

“Who is Caroline?” Ashley and Madison uttered at precisely the same time.

“Just a girlfrom work.”