Page 123 of Should Our Stars Collide

Before Ash can reply, Carrie, who must’ve recognized his voice too, whirls around. “My boys!” she cheers. Behind her, Gabe is slowly getting some blood flow back into his blue face. “How did you get here so fast? Ellis, did you text them?”

“I didn’t.”

She marches forward, throwing her arms around Ash’s shoulders and pulling him down with way more force than a woman of her stature and age should be able to. “It’s so good to see you, Ash. It’s been ages.”

“It’s been two months,” Gabe quips, voice still a little strained.

“Ages.”Once Ash is released, Carrie turns to Kieran.“Kieran, darling, come here.” After a quick but strong hug, she pulls back. She squishes his face between her palms, gaze traveling over him appraisingly. “Oh honey, you’re due for a haircut.”

“Jesus, Mum, leave him alone.”

“I disagree,” Ash jumps in, grinning slyly. “I need something tohold onto.”

Kieran gasps, turning bright red. “Dude!”

Carrie slaps Ash’s arm gently and tuts.

“Did you just get here?” Ash wonders. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

“Yes, she did,” Gabe answers grumpily. He’s doing an impression of Kieran, and it’s quite impressive. “And no one knew, except Mr. Reeves over here. Not that he bothered to warn anyone that another cyclone was headed our way.”

“I’m the cyclone,” Carrie announces proudly, winking at Kieran.

“I kinda got that,” Kieran says with a nervous laugh. He looks at Ash, his expression screamingwhat the fuck?

“It was supposed to be a surprise. I promised,” Ellis defends himself.

“You did, and you kept it secret.” Carrie pats his cheek. “Such a good boy.”

“Muuum.”

“I’m only here for the weekend?—”

“Thank god.”

“—so we definitely need to do dinner. Tonight or tomorrow. With Dee and Cal too!”

“They probably won’t be free. That’s what happens if you make an impromptu visit,” Gabe informs her.

“They’re free. I let them know you’d be coming,” Ellis says.

Carrie clasps her hands together. “Wonderful!”

Meanwhile, Gabe’s usual love-struck gaze has turned murderous. “No cinnamon roll for you today, mister.”

Ellis, who is clearly another sugar addict, deflates.

“Don’t worry, I’ll sneak you one later,” Zeke promises.

“Hey!”

“Thanks, Zeke. Much appreciated.”

“Tomorrow would be better,” Ash interrupts the very important pastry argument. “I work til six today.”

“Beautiful. It’s a date!”

“You don’t have a date,” Gabe tells her.