Aftermath

POV Ashley Styles

By the time I get to my motel room, I'm in a foul mood and at a loss to understand why Erin is so hostile towards me.

What a mess this situation is!

I yank my tie from my neck and then fumble with the top button of my shirt. Fuck it. In a sudden temper, I tear the shirt open, buttons pop and fly through air.

Was I stupid to think that things could be different between us? That we could converse like adults and help ease the troubles we inflicted on each other in the past?

My phone buzzes with an incoming call. That better not be Bianca again? In the last hour I've had 3 calls from her.

As I unfasten my trousers for a shower, I debate if I should answer. But after listening to her 25-minute rant about some football fan girl who's been sending messages to her husband Robert, I ignore her call.

Besides not having the time for her bullshit, I think she's overreacting.

I decide to answer when I see it's not Bianca but Coco's number.

"Hey," I say, "what's up?"

"Not much. Just finished that photoshoot. One of the models asked me to join her for a couple of drinks." Coco giggles. "She's so pretty."

"What?" It comes out flat and sarcastic.

"I said she's so pretty and she wants me. Are you even listening to me?"

"Yes, yes, of course I am." Kind of, anyway.

After kicking my pants from my legs, I stand at the sink in nothing but my jocks and socks.

"You are not," she retorts, "but whatever. Come out for drinks with us."

I don't even think on it before I'm saying, "no. My heads hammering and I'm not in the mood. Besides, I just got back from a late dinner and plan on spending the night doing jack shit."

"You're such a bore!"

"Yep, sounds about right."

"You're too young to be living like an old married man when you're not even old or married." Coca exhales. "Does that make sense?"

"Uh huh."

"I can always drop by with my model friend and a bottle of wine and—"

"No." I cut her off. "And don't think about dropping by unexpectedly, either. I mean it. I'm not in the mood for company. The way I feel I'm liable to snap a head from someone's shoulders."

"Omg. Take five long breaths and chill. I mean what's even put you in this mood?"

"Best if you don't ask," I sigh.

"Bullshit. Tell me or I'm on my way over there right now."

My eyes roll as I stare at myself in the mirror.

"Things are a bit of a mess is all. Nothing you need to worry about, though."

"But I do worry. That's the problem, sunshine. Why don't I skip drinks and come back and talk. I don't mind."

"No, no." I run my fingers through my hair. "Just... go have drinks. I'll be fine."

"You sure?"

"Yep. Positive. Oh, before you go, my father wants us to go for dinner on Friday. I said I wasn't sure what you had planned."

"Fridays good for me... but only if you tell me why you're upset."

I kick my pants against the door and relent. "Saw Erin."