Page 45 of Third Time Lucky

LUCY

As we make our way back to my house, my phone vibrates for the third time. I quickly glance at the screen and see that it’s Madi calling. When it stops ringing, a text notification pops up on the screen.

Madison

SOS! Seriously, call me, please.

I let out a frustrated sigh.

‘I was so trying to wait to deal with this until you dropped me off, but I don’t think I can,’ I tell Asher, who nods understandingly and keeps his eyes on the road.

‘It’s OK,’ he says. ‘You should take it.’

‘Thank you.’ I dial Madi’s number and she picks up on the first ring, sounding frantic.

‘Finally,’ she says instead of a simple greeting. ‘What took you so long?’

‘Just enjoying my life to the fullest while the world apparently implodes around me. What’s going on?’

Asher smiles at my response, not even glancing my way. He’s so cute.

‘Have you seen Aaron?’ she demands impatiently.

‘Uh, no?’ I lie with ease. ‘Why do you ask?’

‘That asshole! I think he’s ghosting me.’

‘Why would he do that?’ I ask as if I know nothing, because I’d rather not.

‘You didn’t read my texts?!’

‘Mads,’ I say lowering my voice. ‘I was sort of on a date and he had my full attention, so no, I didn’t read through the entire book you sent me yet.’

She sighs heavily. ‘You were on a date?’

‘Yep.’

‘Shoot. I’m sorry, I’m just in crisis here.

I’m feeling things, Luce. Deep things. And I thought he was, too, but then we were at a club, and I caught him getting cozy with another woman on the dance floor.

He played it off like I was making a big deal out of nothing, but I haven’t heard from him since.

I’ve left six messages, texted, emailed, nothing. ’

I listen intently to Madi’s words, feeling a mix of concern and frustration on her behalf. Aaron has always been a questionable character, but I feel for her, knowing what I think I overheard.

I glance over at Asher, who catches my eye and raises an eyebrow in silent question. Ignoring his unspoken inquiry, I focus back on the phone call with Madi.

‘I’m sorry. I mean, you did sort of expect this from him, right?’

‘Don’t remind me.’

‘I just mean, usually, you don’t care if someone exits your life because if they’re meant to stay, they’ll do the work. Maybe Aaron’s not who you thought he was.’

‘I know exactly who he is, and damn it, I like 85 per cent of it, and that’s the highest percentage I’ve liked in a man since… you know… so since things are working out for you, I’d thought I’d at least try.’

‘You want to try for love again?’

‘If you can, I can.’

‘Well, in my defense, previously I haven’t set the bar very high.’

‘I’ve heard you go on about Ash like he’s our Lord and savior. I want that. And apples don’t usually fall that far from the tree. If Asher is the catch you claim he is, Aaron is too, he’s just stupid.’

Ash laughs, overhearing her words.

‘Do you need me to come over? We can make Aaron voodoo dolls or have another boy burning seance,’ I offer.

‘If that jerk is ghosting me without an explanation, we’ll be burning his doll at the stake. Warn Mitzi now, just in case there’s a permit required for that.’

‘I always knew a scorned woman would murder him one day,’ Ash says under his breath so Madi doesn’t hear.

‘Is that Asher?’ she demands. When she’s in private eye mode, her senses are super-powers.

‘Um, yes, it is. We were on a date, remember?’ I confirm.

‘Does he know where Aaron is?’

‘Nope,’ he interjects loudly, covering for his brother. I understand why he’s doing it; I’d do the same if I had siblings. But in this case, Aaron is definitely in the wrong.

‘He says no,’ I chime in, ensuring she heard him.

‘Liar!’ she exclaims, her voice filled with anger. ‘Those two share everything, just like us. He knows – he’s just choosing not to tell you.’

Feeling uncertain, I glance over at Asher. Sure, he’s protecting his brother. That I expect. But is it a red flag? In the future would he keep something from me, even if it hurts someone I love? God, I hope not.

‘When will you get here? I need to talk this out and come up with a plan because I know he’s just freaking out.

I told him how I feel with strong words.

I should’ve started softer. Or waited until he was properly sauced up.

Ugh. That was so stupid of me! Hurry up.

If I freak out alone, you know my bottle of tequila will get lonely, and I’ll end up at the man’s door in a bad way. ’

I’ll never forget that night. We don’t need a repeat of her choosing not to drunk text but drunk arrive at an ex’s house. With a baseball bat.

‘I like this one, Luce. I need a plan. Help me.’

I exchange a knowing look with Asher, listening quietly to my conversation with Madi. It’s clear that there are deeper issues at play here beyond just Aaron’s questionable behavior.

‘Of course, I’ll help. We’ll come up with a plan and won’t even need tequila. I promise. I’ll be there in twenty, and we’ll figure it out, alright?’

Even though I’d much rather go back to Asher’s place even if I don’t actually have an invite, I need to help my friend.

She’s done it for me countless times over the years.

Plus, she’s got anxiety turning in my head like a tornado that maybe all men are shady, including the one I’m actively falling in love with.

* * *

As we pull up to Madi’s place, she’s in her open doorway, arms crossed over her chest. The worry etched on her face is apparent even from a distance. I haven’t seen her like this in a long time.

‘I’m so sorry,’ I say to Ash.

‘No need. Obviously, those two are having some issues and I totally get it – she’s your friend – you should help her. My phone is always on for you, alright?’

I nod. ‘You are the sweetest man. I hope you know that.’

‘And you are amazing,’ he says, giving me a quick but mind-melting kiss. ‘I’ll plan date number three?’

‘Yes!’ I say, opening the car door. ‘Make it on the weekend?’ I suggest, glancing back to see his face at that statement.

Slowly, an adorable smile grows, and he nods.

‘Alright then. See ya tomorrow?’

‘Absolutely,’ I say with a smile, closing the door but wishing our night wouldn’t end here.

I trudge up the stairs to Madi’s second-floor apartment. She’s outside waiting on me, nervously pacing.

‘How ya doing?’ I ask, stopping near her.

‘What’s the plan?’ she asks, but my head is still buzzing from Asher’s lips. Or maybe just Asher himself.

I need to focus.

‘Let’s go inside first,’ I suggest, leading the way into her apartment. Once inside, I make us some tea, trying to calm our nerves and hopefully distract her from the freezer full of booze she has on standby.

‘So, what exactly happened?’ I ask, settling into her comfortably cozy, thrifted apartment.

She takes a deep breath before launching into the whole story; telling me about their fight, how she tried to talk to him about their budding relationship, and how he seemed to shut down completely.

‘I just don’t get it. One minute, we’re having a good time, and the next, he’s telling me he’s incapable of love.’

‘So, the man-taming isn’t going well then?’

‘Not even a little bit,’ she moans. ‘He’s probably got multiple women all over the city just like Brandon.’

Her statement lingers in the air, heavy with potential.

Would Asher condone this behavior in his brother?

He doesn’t seem like that kind of guy, maybe she’s right and the apple doesn’t fall that far from the tree and Ash is just great at playing it smooth.

What does he think of his brother betraying my best friend like this? I should probably ask.

‘I think Aaron’s probably self-sabotaging for some reason only a therapist could help him through,’ I say. ‘But that doesn’t excuse his behavior. You deserve someone who values you and is willing to communicate openly and not cut you off the way he has.’

‘Absolutely!’ she exclaims excitedly. ‘I am a precious diamond, and he needs to recognize that.’

I nod in agreement, taking a sip of my tea. ‘A flawless diamond, without a doubt.’

‘Can you talk to Asher tomorrow? Please?’ she asks, practically begging. ‘Find out what he knows and ask for his help. He knows him best.’

Even though this feels a little like a high-school conversation about a boy annoying us outside our lockers, I promise to talk to Asher the next day, assuring Madi that I’ll do everything I can to investigate Aaron’s behavior for her because she’d do that for me.

We spend the rest of the evening devising a game plan, trying to figure out how best to approach the situation without causing more drama than necessary. Please, God, let this work the way she hopes because I have my doubts.