89 Bigger Fish To Fry

(Jayden)

Arriving at the penthouse the next morning, I helped Ashlyn out of the limousine and into the building. The familiar surroundings do nothing to ease the tension in my gut. The elevator ride up feels endless, the silence between us thick with unspoken words.

I play the part of the doting husband, all the while my mind is on Winona, on the plan, on the desperate hope that this will all be worth it in the end. As Ashlyn settles in, I keep up the charade, making small talk and pretending everything is normal.

The place looks like no one has been here since I left.

“Ashlyn? Weren’t you living here when I went to Santa Monica?” I ask, glancing around.

Ashlyn shakes her head. “Gus asked if I wanted to stay in his guest suite, so I wasn’t alone.”

“I see.” I wonder why he did that? My mind races with suspicions.

“Does it upset you that I was staying there?” she asks, her voice laced with a hint of worry.

“I’m glad you had company,” I replied, forcing a smile.

“I never told him I was