Page 18 of If We Meet Again

Ashley shifted her weight from one foot to the other as she watched Megan approach. The butterflies in her stomach caused such a flutter that she was thankful such a thing was not visible. Megan placed one foot in front of the other as confidently as anyone, strutting her way across the street as if she belonged. Intentional or not, it caused Ashley to feel inadequate. The beaming smile never once left Megan’s face, a kindness radiated that made Ashley feel more at ease.

“Hello.”

“Hey. Thank youfor coming.”

“I am so sorry I’m late.”

“Don’t worry, at least you’re here.” Ashley smiled sweetly.

“Did you think I wouldn’t show?”

“It crossed my mind.”

“That’s ridiculous. I have been looking forward to this all week,” Megan made brief eye contact, her emerald green eyes wide and captivating, “the food I mean.”

“I agree, just the food.” Ashley winked playfully.

“Speaking of food, what arewe having?”

Ashley turned and pointed towards Dos Caminos. “You like Mexican, right?”

“I love Mexican.”

“Have you everbeen here?”

“I may have done when I was a kid, but I can’t remember.”

“You’ll love it. Shall we head inside?” Ashley gestured towards the door, holding it open as Megan passed through. A server directed them towards the back of the restaurant to a nice, quiet corner.

“Can I get you any drinks?” The polite young male server enquired.

“I will have a Mojito please.”

“Make that two,” confirmed Megan.

The server nodded and returned to the bar. Ashley glanced at the menu; she already knew her order, but the alternative meant looking directly at Megan and the thought alone made her incredibly nervous.

“So, you like Mojitos? I didn’t think athletes were allowed to drink?”

“Normally, if I was in the middle of a season, I would probably opt for water, but I’m not, so what the hell.” Megan removed the phone from her pocket and hit reject before placing it back. “Besides, I assume they’re really good if you’re ordering one? I am completely trusting your judgment today.”

“They’re the best.” Ashley signalled towards the phone. “You can answer that if you need to.”

“No, it’s fine don’t worry. It’s just my dad. He likes to check in most days. It can be a bit much. I’ll call himback later.”

“At least he cares.”

“That’s true. What about your parents?”

“Divorced.” There was an awkward pause.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, they’re better off that way.”

“Do you have any brothersor sisters?”

“One, a younger sister called Samantha. Whatabout you?”