Chapter 12
Kevin and I were consumed with wedding
preparations.
We paid little attention to news back home.
About a month later, I got a call from John’s
friend.
“Ashley, John’s throwing a party for the
baby’s one–month birthday. Do you want to come?”
Why was he asking? He knew about the falling out.
“No.”
I started to hang up.
John’s voice suddenly came on the line.
“Ashley, are you that busy?”
“Too busy for your nephew’s party?”
“John, you’re being incredibly contradictory.”
“You told me to stay away, I agreed, now
<
you’re questioning my absence and holding
my amulet hostage.”
“What is your game?”
John was silent, then hung up.
I blocked his number. I wanted nothing more
to do with them.
I went to the studio. My song was a hit, earning good money. My manager discussed future projects.
He mentioned a fan who’d donated a large
sum to my song’s crowdfunding campaign.
I didn’t know who it was, but I was grateful.
Back home, Kevin had dinner waiting.
<
He smiled. “Come eat!”
“Oh, my cousin’s visiting in a few days. Let’s
eat out then.”
I nodded, didn’t pry.
When his cousin arrived, I never expected it
to be John.
