Page 67 of If We Meet Again

“Not cool?”

“Totally notcool, Dad.”

“Okay, I will take that on board.” At the traffic lights, he lifted his sneaker slightly to give Ashley a better look. “What about these Michaels, they’re cool though, right?”

Ashley placed her head against the window. “Dad, they’re not called Michaels, they’re called Jordans and I think the fact you’ve just called them that shows they’re too cool for you.”

Madison burst out laughing. “That’s a classic, Mr. Stewart.”

“Dad, are you re-inventing yourself?”

“Ethan said I need to be hipper.” Ethan was Julia’s fifteen-year-old son.

“Oh, I see, that’s what this is then.” Ashley waved her hand at the car andher father.

“Do you not like it? I look stupid, don’t I?” Benjamin was being sincere, and she didn’t have the guts to tell him otherwise.

“No, Dad, you look fine. I’m only joking with you. Just don’t start wearing snapbacks please.”

“Why would I wear a snack bag?” Benjaminquestioned.

“SNAPBACK, Dad, notsnack bag.”

The fits of laughter from the back seat were uncontrollable. Benjamin laughed along, unphased by the amusement at his expense. Ashley felt warm and happy thinking about the fond memories of her past. She longed to be thirteen again. It was a simpler time when her father would drive her and Madison anywhere they chose every Saturday morning; it was their time, and it made her feelso grown up.

They passed through different neighbourhoods, each with the same suburban feel—sweeping driveways, large front yards with picket fences and beautiful green lawns. Ashley was in awe of the open space, such a contrast from New York City.

“This is us.” Benjamin nodded towards the sign that read,‘Welcome to Silver Creek’.

Silver Creek was known for its country club lifestyle. The views of the valley below were what attracted the rich and famous to the area. Ashley wondered how much money Julia had. The divorce settlement had left her dad with a large chunk of savings whilst her mother kept the house, but it wasn’t enough to live in an area as affluent as Silver Creek.

“It’s beautiful.” Ashley immediately saw what appealedto Samantha.

“I have a feeling you’ll love it here, darling,” Benjamin beamed.

As they pulled onto the driveway, Ashley observed her surroundings. She’d seen pictures on social media—posted by her sister, of course. The bragging rights were truly on Julia’s side. At first glance, the house had to be five bedrooms. A double garage sat to the right, whilst a large open lawn surrounded by shrubs filled the left side. There wasn’t even a flower out of place, nor a scratch on the exterior of the house—it looked immaculate, much like the rest of the street. Ashley exited the car and watched as the residents leisurely strolled along; some walking dogs, some jogging, others chatting whilst gardening. It was enviable, such a lifestyle. She wondered,how many of them actually work?Much like Julia, their occupations were unknown.

Madison tugged at Ashley’s arm. “The houses here don’t come cheap. I searched for properties in the area and that one over there,” she pointed towards a house very similar to the one they stood outside of, “ is listed at 2.5 million!”

“Seriously?”

“Yep. What on earth does she do for a living? I hope she’s like, an assassin or something cool.”

“Couldn’t just be a businesswoman, no?”

“That’s boring.”

“What are you two talking about?” Benjamin shut the trunk of the car, slinging both bags over opposite shoulders.

“Nothing.”

“Okay, shall we go in?”

“Sure, lead the way.”

Ashley and Madison followed, half expecting an overzealous greeting, but the house was quiet.

“Where is everyone?” Ashleyquestioned.