Page 19 of Third Time Lucky

ASHER

As the sun gently dips below the horizon, a breathtaking canvas of vivid orange and deep purple hues is painted across the sky, casting a serene glow over the rushing scenery outside.

The air is filled with the aroma of fast food drifting in from roadside diners, carried by the breeze wafting through the slightly open windows.

I can feel the tension in Lucy, who’s sat beside me as I drive, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery. What’s going through her mind? Are her thoughts consumed by what she may have said to Aaron? How do I navigate this? I’ve no fucking clue.

‘I don’t know if I can fit even a morsel more into my already full stomach,’ Lucy remarks.

But her body betrays her words. It doesn’t faze her, but it’s great for me because I’ll always know when she’s hungry and I like to feed people.

‘Your stomach seems to disagree,’ I tease.

‘It’s one of those organs I have no control over,’ she says wistfully.

A smile tugs at my lips; curiosity piqued. ‘And what are the others?’

‘My head and heart,’ she answers with a rueful chuckle. ‘Those two never agree.’

The mention of hearts makes me acutely aware of mine, which is currently beating out of control.

I’ve been thinking about this woman every second of my day, even when I’m with her, trying to decode her body language and read between the lines.

But I’m no closer to figuring out if Aaron is telling the truth than I was right after he told me.

I push those thoughts aside as we approach Audrina’s house.

‘Luckily, this is a baking class. I’m attempting to build our dessert menu.’

The smile that crosses this girl’s face… wow. I swear she gets prettier every time I see her.

‘We’re making dessert?’ she asks.

Before I can answer, we pull up to the front of Audrina’s house and are greeted by Aaron and Madi standing outside his car. They wave their arms wildly like two crazed fans at a concert.

‘Madi’s here?’ Lucy exclaims, her confusion evident on her face. ‘Why?’

‘Aaron heard I invited you and insisted on bringing Madi along,’ I reply with a shrug.

‘I can’t believe she didn’t tell me,’ she mutters as we exit the car.

The chatter and laughter grow louder as we approach.

‘Ready to get this party started?’ Aaron beckons, taking Madi’s hand then catching my gaze and suddenly dropping it, sparking a confused look on her face.

He steps ahead of her, heeding my earlier directions and leading the way toward Audrina’s vibrant pink front door, leaving Madi behind. He knocks a melodic tune.

‘Wow!’ Lucy marvels as we walk up the front steps. ‘This place is stunning. And here I thought Mitzi’s mansion was impressive.’

‘Mitzi’s place is gorgeous,’ I say.

The door swings open to reveal Audrina standing there, welcoming us in her characteristic style.

‘Boys…’ her gaze shoots from us to the ladies, ‘and unexpected girls?’

The middle-aged woman stands in her doorway, her back straight and head held high.

Her hair is perfectly styled, a rich chestnut color with subtle highlights.

Bright blue framed eyeglasses stand out on her face and she wears a dress that matches them, covered with a full-length apron tightly tied around her waist.

‘Come on in – kitchen’s ready to go.’

Aaron takes the lead, Madi trailing closely behind, followed by Lucy, who intercepts them before I can cross the threshold.

The trio leisurely stroll into the living room, casting occasional glances toward the kitchen, engaging in whispers.

I can only imagine Aaron receiving a stern talking-to based on his prior remarks.

Little does Lucy know, it’s far too late.

I’ve only been here twice, but the house is still a stunning fusion of old and new, a masterpiece of architectural design and artistic expression.

The clean lines and bold colors transport you to a time of great creativity and exploration.

Every inch of the interior is flooded with natural light, pouring in through floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Smooth wooden floors gleam underfoot, contrasting with the softness of the large blue plush shag carpet in the living room.

The furnishings are a perfect blend of modern leather and textured fabrics, inviting you to sink into their comfort while taking in the view through the expansive windows overlooking a pristine garden.

And then there is the kitchen – a true highlight of the home.

A mix of faux-retro and modern design, it boasts sleek navy-blue SMEG appliances (that I’ve never been able to afford) and playful, colorful decor.

‘Who are your guests?’ Audri stops me, touching my arm as I walk in, her gaze on the three of them ahead of us.

‘That is Lucy and Madi.’

‘Are these women your girlfriends?’

I laugh, but it’s a bit uneasy. ‘No. Well, Aaron and Madi have been spending some time together – both vertically and horizontally – but you know how that usually goes?’

Audri laughs. ‘He’ll probably wind up with another scar to add to his collection, I’m sure.’

The incident she’s referring to was not one of Aaron’s finest moments.

We were working the closing shift for her that night.

He had arranged to meet a girl at the end of the night to break things off with her because he suspected she was a bit nuts and didn’t want her knowing where he lived.

After I’d left, I realized I’d forgotten my keys, so I went back to retrieve them.

As I made my way through the dimly lit establishment, I heard a commotion – loud banging and yelling echoing through the corridors.

Following the sounds, I discovered the source behind the heavy metal door into the walk-in freezer.

I pushed the lever and swung the door open to reveal a bizarre scene: there Aaron was, standing stark naked, alone, and handcuffed to a metal shelf.

The frigid air was clearly biting, and the harsh fluorescent light cast sharp shadows on his shivering form.

His right hand was bleeding, and despite the urgency of the situation, I couldn’t suppress a laugh at the absurdity of it all, even as I hurried to free him and get him the medical attention he desperately needed (six stitches and an hour under a heated blanket).

Needless to say, the girl hadn’t taken Aaron’s news well. And she took his clothes, phone, and wallet. He’d dodged a bullet for sure. Had I not forgotten my keys he could have been dead by the time either Audrina or I could make it back. Yet he’s still an idiot for reasons I’ve yet to unravel.

‘And the other one?’ Audri asks.

‘Uh— that is Lucy. She and I are old friends, going way back to our high school years. We recently crossed paths again when fate intervened – in its usual “holy shit” sort of way, and then, unexpectedly, her grandmother brought me into their lives as a personal chef.’

I refuse to delve into every intricate detail for the sake of my own sanity, or else I’ll be trapped here, unraveling the complex web of our past all night long because Audrina is a fixer.

‘Lucky her to have you cooking for her.’

I grin, remembering her word ‘orgasmic.’ ‘She’s beyond thankful for that too,’ I say with a wink.

‘Smart girl,’ Audri says. ‘The last time I saw anyone from high school was at a class reunion I went to just to shove my status in their faces.’ She smiles proudly. ‘It worked, they used to bully me, and now they all think I’m a total culinary bitch.’

‘A total “known around the world for your amazing culinary skills” bitch.’

She nods, her smile never leaving. ‘This is why I adore you, Ash. Shall we get started?’

* * *

Approaching the three of them, Lucy appears visibly more anxious.

I wonder what was said. Aaron better have kept his mouth shut.

But obviously, I can’t ask. That would prove I know what she doesn’t want me to know, and I’d hate to make her uncomfortable.

Sure, she can’t trust Aaron. But she can trust me.

The four of us stand in the warm, inviting kitchen, enveloped by the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Our eyes follow Audrina’s graceful steps as she makes her way to the front of the room.

The last of the day’s sunlight streams through the windows, illuminating her features and casting a golden glow across her.

Her hands rest lightly on the countertop as she looks us over, tilting her head and evaluating the four of us with a calculating gaze.

‘Since there are unexpectedly four of you,’ she begins, her voice laced with amusement, ‘we’re going to make two teams.’

Aaron and Madi immediately lock elbows, their competitive spirits already flaring.

‘Team!’ Aaron calls out as if we are in a playground, choosing sides for a game that is sure to end in victory.

I can’t help but laugh at their antics, my nerves melting away as I look over at Lucy. I flash her a nervous smile.

‘Wanna be my partner?’

She feigns hesitation. ‘I dunno,’ she drawls. ‘If you’re all that’s left… I guess.’

Thankfully, I can tell she’s kidding; otherwise, my racing heart may have flatlined there.

‘Team!’ I call out with almost as much competitive nature as my brother did, glancing at Aaron with renewed confidence.

‘We’re going to kick their asses,’ I say quietly in Lucy’s direction only.

She grins mischievously. ‘Then count me in,’ she says. ‘But, seriously, how do you know Audrina Leighton? I watch her show.’

‘We’re in the same business,’ I say, proud to call someone like her a colleague. ‘She’s mentored me for years.’

‘Wow,’ Lucy says, looking impressed.

The sudden clap of hands interrupts our conversation.

‘Alright, teams are set! Aaron and Madi, you’re a team. And Lucy and – what’s your name again?’ she asks me with a playful glint.

‘Funny.’