Authors' note: Well, this is the last chapter you guys will get until probably end of July--first part of August. We want to thank you guys for understanding and we do plan to be back with some really interesting stories---especially with Harry/Hermione. We will update 'Affairs' when we can, as well. Thanks so much for reading!
Katie hadn't been able to think about much other than Bradley for the past few days. She'd gone back to the ice cream stand but he hadn't been working. "Tell me more about him," she said to Caroline. "All you've said is you know him at school."
"He's really smart," Caroline told her. "And he showed me this really cool trick on a broom. He's a fantastic Quidditch player."
Katie's eyes gleamed. "I love Quidditch players."
Caroline laughed. "Katie, you don't know anything about Quidditch."
"It's not tough to learn," Katie waved that concern away.
"Why do I have a feeling that you'll be at Ravenclaw's first match?" Caroline teased.
"Cheering my soon to be boyfriend on," Katie said confidently.
"Well, maybe you'll have classes with him this term," Caroline told her.
"That's true," Katie said. "He IS in my year..."
"You could cheer me on too," Caroline said. "But then again, you wouldn't want to cheer on a Gryffindor."
Katie laughed. "You're just silly..."
Carolina laughed, too. "I'm still learning. But, I'm getting better. My parents have taught me a lot."
"Your dad used to teach flying, didn't he?" Katie asked.
Caroline nodded. "He's brilliant."
"Hmm..." Katie nodded, looking back to the ice cream stand again.
What kind of schedule did Bradley keep, she wondered. Well, she was going to find that out next time she saw him. "I'm going to go back to the house to get a drink. Do you want anything?" Katie asked her.
"I'm okay," Caroline replied. "Thanks."
Katie sauntered back to the house and Caroline looked out at the water. It was so peaceful and calm this afternoon. She stood up and walked toward the water wanting to get her feet wet.
The water was cold at first but it warmed up quickly. She closed her eyes for a moment and breathed in the sea air.
"You going for a swim?" a boy's voice asked from behind her.
Caroline jumped. "Bradley!"
He smiled. "Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you!"
"It's okay," Caroline answered. "No, I wasn't going for a swim."
"I was walking back home and I saw you," he said. "I thought I'd say hello."
"My friend Katie was looking for you," Caroline said. "We thought you'd be working."
"I work later this afternoon," he told her.
"I have to bring my sister by," Caroline said. "Emma."
"The one that you said likes to eat," Bradley recalled. "Right?"
Caroline laughed. "That's the one. She's coming to Hogwarts this year."
"The house elves are going to have to work even harder to keep up with her," Bradley said.
"She's going to give them a run for it," Caroline agreed. "She'll pretty much live in the kitchens."
"Maybe they can set up a bed for her down there," Bradley joked. He smiled at Caroline in such a way that she felt a flutter in her stomach.
"Um... maybe they should," she agreed with a smile.
"So," Bradley said to her. "Are you enjoying your summer?"
"So far," Caroline nodded. "The weather is really nice this year."
Bradley nodded in agreement. "Have you had a chance to go the arcade?"
"With my parents and my brother and sisters," Caroline said. "the other night."
"I go there all the time," Bradley told her. "I was wondering if maybe you'd want to..."
"Well hello there," Katie said, coming up behind them.
Bradley turned. "Oh...hi, Katie."
"I've been in the mood for ice cream but my favourite ice cream bloke hasn't been around," Katie flirted.
"I'm going to be around this afternoon," he told her. "If you and Caroline want to stop by."
"Oh we definitely will," Katie purred, touching his arm.
Bradley smiled. "I'll see you later then."
"In just a little while," Katie promised, letting her fingers trail over his skin.
"I hope so," Bradley said looking pointedly at Caroline.
Caroline smiled shyly and looked back out at the water.
Bradley waved at them before heading down the shore. Katie tossed her hair over her shoulder and nudged her best friend. "He soooooo fancies me. You have to tell me EVERYTHING he said."
Caroline shrugged. "Basically we just talked about how Em wants to go there for ice cream and how she's going to live in the kitchens at Hogwarts."
Katie frowned. "That's all?"
"He was only there for a few minutes," Caroline explained.
Katie sighed. "I should never have gone for a drink. Merlin, Caroline...he's so yummy."
"He is cute," Caroline agreed.
Katie grinned. "And maybe he has a friend that would take you out, too."
Caroline shrugged. "I don't even know if my parents would let me go out."
"We'll work on them," Katie said confidently. Truth be told, she wasn't sure her parents would let her go out, either.
"It's okay," Caroline replied.
Katie linked her arm in Caroline's. "I'm so glad that we're friends again. Summer hols would have been so boring without you." And, Katie thought silently, I never would have met Bradley had it not been for Caroline.
"It has been fun," Caroline had to agree.
"I have a brilliant idea," Katie said. "How about we walk into town and go shopping? I need a new dress and you said you wanted to get a new book or something, right? Then, we can go by the ice cream stand later and see Bradley?"
"Okay," Caroline said. "We just have to remember to get Emma before we go for ice cream."
"Absolutely," Katie agreed.
Caroline grinned. "Let me go tell my parents."
Katie nodded. "Me, too."
"This will be fun," Caroline said.
Katie could not have agreed more. She hurried upstairs to find her parents, but ran into her sister instead. "Hiya, Ash. You seen Mum and Dad?"
Ashley nodded. "They went to the arcade."
Katie frowned. "Oh, well, if you see them, tell them I'm going into town with Caroline."
"You might see them there," Ashley replied.
"What are you up to then?" Katie asked.
"I'm heading out in a little while with Zander and Brit," Ashley said.
"Has Uncle Ethan found out anything?" Katie asked.
Ashley shookher head.
Katie shrugged. "Well, its early days. Maybe he'll get a lead on that 'agent'."
"I hope so," Ashley said, grabbing a jumper.
Ashley said goodbye to her sister and headed off down the beach toward Zander and Brittany's house.
She and Zander had decided to take Brittany into town and treat her to dinner and then possibly a movie to try and cheer her up.
Zander's mother let her into the house and Ashley made some small talk with her before heading upstairs to see her best friends.
"Hey," Ashley knocked on Brittany's door frame.
"Hi," Brittany said, offering her a half-hearted smile.
"Are you okay?" Ashley asked.
"I'm comforting myself with the thought that at least I don't have to go back to Hogwarts and face everyone," Brittany said, hugging her pillow.
"Come on Brit," Ashley said. "No one would take the Mickey for this.
"They would," Brittany argued. "They should."
"No, they shouldn't," Ashley said firmly.
"I feel like such a fool," Brittany said.
"You were excited," Ashley reasoned, sitting on the edge of the bed.
Brittany nodded. "I know that I'm nowhere near as smart as you or as creative as Zander. I got by in my classes. I honestly had no idea what I was going to do with the rest of my life. And then there's this bloke telling me everything I ever wanted to hear."
"You are too, smart." Ashley said. "You're funny and creative."
"You're my best friend," Brittany pointed out. "You're obligated to say stuff like that."
"I say it because it's true," Ashley replied.
Brittany smiled. "Thanks."
"Come on," Ashley said. "Tonight's on me and Zander. We'll go have some fun."
Brittany wiped at her eyes. "Okay."
Ashley put an arm around her friend. "It'll be okay."
Zander stepped into the room. "Hey, Ash. Mum told me you were here."
"I just got in," Ashley said. He wore a simple t shirt and jeans and she secretly thought he looked fantastic.
"I'm going to freshen up a bit," Brittany said. "I'll meet you two downstairs."
"Okay," Zander said.
Ashley followed Zander out of Brittany's room. "How is she really?" Ashley asked in a low voice.
Zander shrugged. "She stays in her room a lot."
"Uncle Ethan isn't sure they'll be able to catch this guy," Ashley said, shaking her head.
"Really?" Zander asked.
Ashley nodded. "He said he has a connection in the Muggle police that he's going to work with though. So maybe there's a chance..."
"I hope they figure it out," Zander replied.
"Me too," Ashley said sitting down on the sofa. "I mean, they probably can't get her money back, but he needs to be punished so some other girl doesn't fall prey to him.
"Right," Zander nodded. "Bloody jerk."
"Has she heard from Evan?" Ashley asked.
"I don't know," Zander said. "I haven't asked, actually."
Ashley nodded. "Well, tonight, we'll get her mind off her troubles. No wallowing about this. In fact, we won't even bring it up."
"Sure," Zander nodded. "Think we'll be back early?"
Ashley shrugged. "I'm not sure. Why?"
"I... sort of met someone on the beach today," Zander mumbled. "Promised I'd see her later."
The smile on Ashley's face fell. "Oh..."
"We're going for a walk," Zander said.
Ashley nodded, trying to hide her disappointment. "That's nice.
"She was cool," Zander said, looking over at her.
Ashley did not meet his gaze. She really should not feel jealous about this. She had Kevin after all.
"So maybe we can cut out after dinner?" he asked.
"Yeah," Ashley said with mock enthusiasm.
"Cool," he smiled at her. "Thanks."
To Ashley's relief, Brittany came downstairs. "Ready?" she asked, moving past Zander.
"Yeah," Ashley replied.
"I needed this," Brittany told them. "Thank you, both of you."
Ashley put her arm around her. "Of course. Come on. I'm starving."
"Where's Evan?" Zander asked. "I thought he might be around..."
"He's coming on Friday," Brittany replied.
"Kevin is coming back to England on Thursday night for a few shows," Ashley said. "He's going to try and come here for the weekend."
This time, it was Zander who seemed surprised. "Oh?"
"I just found out today," Ashley explained.
"Think it might be able to get us some extra tickets for one of the shows?" Brittany asked.
"I can ask," Ashley said. "It could be fun."
Zander silently followed them out of the house.
He didn't like the way he was feeling. He told himself he had no right to feel jealous about Ashley and Kevin.
If Kevin wanted to visit his girlfriend, he was perfectly able to do so. And if it made Ashley happy, that's all that mattered. Besides, Kevin was a great bloke. It would be a whole lot easier if he wasn't.
He thought of the girl he'd met on the beach, Zoey. She seemed interesting and funny.
And, Zander thought, she was single. Completely unattached. If Ashley wanted to be with him, she would have told Kevin. But, she hadn't. She and Kevin seemed happy together. That could only mean one thing---that night in the classroom had been a mistake.
"Come on, Zander," Brittany looked behind her.
"Yeah, yeah," Zander grumbled.
Ashley glanced back at him. "Where did you want to eat?"
"Doesn't matter," Zander replied.
"One of those places near the arcade would be good," Ashley said. "They aren't too expensive."
"I want something greasy and something that's no good for me," Brittany replied. "There's no reason to watch my figure now."
"Come on," Ashley said. "You can still model."
"Ash is right," Zander told her. "You can have photos taken by a legit photographer. Go about this the right way."
Brittany just shrugged.
"If this is your dream, you should try and pursue it," Ashley said.
"I guess I just feel really discouraged right now," Brittany admitted.
"It's one setback," Ashley said. "Truth be told, it's a big setback. But that bloke was a con artist, Brit."
"And I'm an idiot that fell for everything he had to say," Brittany replied.
"No, you're not," Zander argued. "Come on. We're not going to do this, remember? No talk about this tonight."
"Zander's right," Ashley agreed.
Brittany laughed. "It happens so rarely."
"True," Ashley grinned.
"Hey!" Zander protested.
"Just being honest," Ashley said.
"I missed the letter where this was 'Heap Abuse on Zander'," Zander said.
"It makes me feel better," Brittany teased.
"Me too," Ashley giggled.
"Great," Zander shook his head, but he grinned.
"And he's paying for dinner," Brittany said.
"I thought Ash and I were both paying," Zander objected.
"Oh, well you'll buy me ice cream or something later," Brittany said nudging him.
"I have to leave after dinner," Zander said. "I'm meeting that girl, Zoey."
"Zander and Zoey?" Brittany asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Shut it," Zander told her.
"That's adorable," Brittany said dryly.
"Very cute," Ashley chimed in.
"Very funny, both of you," Zander replied.
"Ash and I make a great team," Brittany said linking her arm with Ashley's.
Ashley smiled at her. "We sure do."
Zander held the door the restaurant for them. "In with you two jolly jokers..."
"I'm going to miss this," Ashley said when they sat down.
"We'll still---" Brittany started to say, but her voice trailed off. She had almost forgotten about Ashley's trip.
"It'll be a year," Ashley said softly.
"I can't believe we're not going to see you for a whole year," Brittany said.
"It's going to be strange," Ashley said.
"When do you go?" Zander asked quietly.
"August," Ashley said.
"That's not that far away," Brittany said.
"It'll be here before we know it," Ashley grabbed a menu. "I'm really excited, but I'm going to miss everyone."
Zander picked up his menu and tried not to think about it. The idea of not seeing her for an entire year was nearly unbearable.
"I'm going to Rome," Ashley said. "And Paris... we're spending around three weeks there, and I want to go to the Louvre as much as possible."
"What about Greece?" Brittany asked. "I've always wanted to go there."
"Santorini for a few days," Ashley nodded.
"You'll write of course," Brittany said. "And buy me lots of cool stuff."
"And tell all the cute blokes about you," Ashley smiled.
"We won't tell Evan you said that," Zander said.
"Just in case," Brittany said. "I do need a backup plan."
Zander and Ashley shared a look.
"Just in case," Brittany replied.
"Okay," Zander said. "Do you two know what you want? I'll go up and place the order."
"I'll have a burger," Ashley said. "Chips too."
"Me too," Brittany said. "And a lemonade."
"Come on," Zander said. "We're 18... how about a glass of wine or a pint or something?"
"You trying to get us drunk, Murray?" Ashley asked teasingly.
"Might make the evening more fun for me," Zander returned.
"Okay then," Ashley said feeling adventurous. "Surprise us."
"Okay," Brittany agreed.
"Alright," Zander grinned. "I'll be back."
Ashley looked over at Brittany. "I hope he doesn't get us something gross."
"I'm sure he won't," Brittany said. "He's right though. We are 18. Legally adults. Time to start acting like it, right?"
Ashley nodded. "You're right."
Ashley decided to have some fun tonight with her best friends. Tonight, she would throw caution to the wind and not think about her trip or random girls named Zoey who just picked up boys on the beach.
"After this, maybe you and I should go down the road to that club," Ashley suggested.
"What club?" Brittany asked.
"I think it's new," Ashley replied. "I don't remember seeing it before."
"Miss Malfoy," Brittany said as Zander returned to the table with their drinks. "I like that idea."
"What idea?" Zander asked.
"Going dancing at the club down the road," Brittany said.
"Oh," Zander said. "Okay... well... I've got white wine for you, Ash, and the bloke up there said this merlot was good, so I got it for Brit."
"Thanks," Ashley said her hand grazing his as she took the glass.
Zander's eyes met hers as he sat back down.
Ashley smiled and nervously took a sip of the wine.
"This is good," she said. "Thanks, Zander."
"You're welcome," Zander said, his eyes still on her.
"I like mine too," Brittany said, oblivious to her cousin and best friend.
"It's perfect," Ashley said softly.
"Good," Zander said, his hands around the pint of ale he'd gotten for himself. "Um... our food should be out soon."
"I can't wait," Ashley said. Wait, she thought to herself. Were she and Zander--flirting?
Zander seemed to be thinking the same thing, but looked slightly uncomfortable. "So... tell me more about this club."
"I don't know much about it," Ashley admitted. "Besides, you're going to be with that Zoey, aren't you?"
"Yeah," Zander replied. "But it might be fun to go there later."
"Here, here!" Brittany agreed.
"We want to get our dance on," Ashley said with a grin.
Brittany giggled. "Yes, we do."
Zander shook his head. "I don't know if I should leave you two…"
Brittany drained her glass. "Get me another one of those!"
"Take it easy," Zander said. "That's merlot."
"More!" Brittany said handing him her glass.
"All right," Zander replied. "Ash?"
Ashley nodded. "Yes, please."
"Second round it is," Zander headed for the bar.
Nearly an hour later, Zander was helping the two girls out of the restaurant. Brittany giggled as Ashley stumbled over the steps.
"Uh oh," Ashley laughed. "I fell!"
Zander let go of his cousin to check on Ashley. He offered her his hand.
"Thanks," she said, still laughing.
Zander helped her to her feet. He knew he should have cut the two of them off after two glasses. Ashley put her arms around him. "You smell like...like the ocean!"
"I do?" he asked, amused.
"That's cause we're outside!" Brittany giggled. "Normally, he smells like a...like a...wet dog!"
"Ew," Ashley wrinkled her nose.
"All right," Zander said, disentangling himself from Ashley. "Let's get you two home."
"Nuhhh uh!" Ashley said. "We're going dancing!"
"Dancing?" Zander asked. "The two of you can barely stand..."
"We'll be just... fine..." Ashley said, as Brittany latched onto her arm.
"Go hang out with Zoooooey," Brittany said dismissively.
"Just promise me you won't go off with some strange blokes," Zander said.
"You're a strange bloke," Brittany giggled.
"Very funny," Zander said. "Just don't do anything stupid."
Brittany and Ashley just giggled as they headed down the boardwalk. Zander watched them for a second. He knew that Zoey would be waiting for him, but he was not so sure about leaving his cousin and best friend alone like this.
Perhaps he'd be able to convince Zoey to go to the club with him so he could keep an eye on them and spend time with her.
Zander hurried behind one of the stands and Apparated.
"Oooooh," Brittany said. "This place is NEAT!"
Ashley nodded and grabbed her friend's hand. "Let's dance!"
"YES!" Brittany agreed enthusiastically.
While Brittany and Ashley enjoyed the dance club, Zander was hurriedly trying to make it to the club to check on his friends. This would have been so much easier if Zoey were magical and they could just Apparate back to the club. But, she was a Muggle and was wearing the highest pair of heels he'd ever seen. "What's the rush?" she called out to him.
"It's just a neat place," Zander said. "And I want to get there before it gets too crowded."
Zoey stopped for a moment to take off her shoes. "I'll be able to walk faster now."
"I can carry them for you," he offered."
Zoey smiled. "That's okay. I've got them."
He took her free hand and they hurried down the pavement.
The club was packed when they arrived. It did not help matters that the club was dark and the music was loud. "Do you want to get a drink?" Zoey shouted over the music.
"WHAT?" Zander hollered.
"DO YOU WANT A DRINK?" Zoey shouted in his ear.
"SURE!" Zander said, leading her to where he thought the bar was. He kept his eyes peeled for Ashley and Brittany.
Zander scanned the bar for any sign of his friends, but could not see them. He motioned for the bartender. "Hey! I'm looking for a blonde..."
"Aren't we all, mate?" the bartender asked.
Zander sighed. "She's about this tall..." He motioned with his hand. "Was wearing a red sundress..."
"You mean that fox over there?" the bartender pointed.
Zander turned and his jaw dropped. Ashley was dancing on one of the tables.
"Is that someone you know?" Zoey asked.
Zander ignored her as he hurried across the room. "ASHLEY!" he hollered up at her. "GET DOWN FROM THERE!"
"Oh..." Ashley laughed. "Hi Zander. The view is GREAT from up here!"
Zander reached for her, but she pushed him away. He was going to kill Brittany when he saw her. "ASHLEY BETH MALFOY! GET DOWN RIGHT NOW!"
"Hey," an arm shoved him back. "Leave her alone."
Zander turned. "Who the hell are you?"
"With her," the bloke sneered at him.
Zander glared at him. Ashley knelt down and mussed his hair. "Zander...Zander....Dander.."
"Come on," he said. "Where's Brit?"
Zoey tapped him on the shoulder. "Zander! What's going on?"
"I'm sorry," he said. "This is one of my friends, and she's completely pissed."
Ashley grinned and waved at her. "Zoo!"
"I beg your pardon?" Zoey asked.
"Zoooooooooooooooooooooooey!" Ashley giggled, jumping off the table into the burly bloke's arms. "Ooooh! You caught me!"
"I sure did, baby." he grinned.
Ashley giggled. "I want another one of those pink drinks!"
"I've got one for you," the bloke said.
"I don't think so," Zander said. "See you later, mate."
The bloke ignored Zander and tightened his grip on Ashley's arm.
"Come on, Ash." Zander said firmly.
The bloke set Ashley down and she looked helplessly at Zander. "I--I don't feel so good..."
"Come on," Zander said. "Where's Brit?"
"Dancing over there," Ashley leaned against him.
"Come on," he said. "Zoey... I'm sorry."
Zoey folded her arms and glared at him.
"I really am," he said. "This isn't what I thought tonight would be."
"Me either," Zoey muttered. Ashley tugged on Zander's arm. "I really feel sick..."
"Come on," Zander hauled her to the door.
Ashley leaned against him.
"Come on," he said again.
"Looks like you have your hands full," Zoey said before turning and walking in the other direction.
"Damn it," Zander sighed.
Ashley looked at him, her face pale. "I'm so sorry, Zander."
"It's all right," he muttered. "Come on, you need fresh air."
Zander helped Ashley outside. "Stay here, okay? I need to go and get Brit."
"I don't think I can move," Ashley replied.
Zander nodded. "I'll be right back."
"Okay," Ashley whimpered.
Ashley leaned back on the bench and closed her eyes.
WHY had she gone and had those shots at the bar? That on top of the wine was making her head spin in circles.
The events of that evening were starting to blur. She did know one thing---her parents were probably not going to be too happy with her.
"Come ON," Zander yanked Brittany out of the club.
Brittany looked about as bad as Ashley felt. "Don't yell!" Brittany winced.
"Thanks," Zander said. "Both of you."
Brittany sank onto the bench beside Ashley.
"Apparently I can't leave you two alone," Zander said. "And now my date left."
"What date?" Brittany mumbled.
"Zoey," he said impatiently.
"I'm sorry," Ashley said in a small voice.
"Yeah," Zander said. "Whatever. Let's get you both home."
Ashley felt horrible and not just because of the alcohol. This was the second time she had ruined things for Zander.
Brittany struggled to her feet. "I can't walk."
Zander sighed. He thought briefly of Apparating both of them, but he was worried the two girls would splinch themselves.
"I'll help you walk," he said, glancing one more time at the club.
Brittany nodded. "Thanks," she said weakly.
Zander didn't say anything else on the way home. He was angry at both of them.
Katie and Caroline were sitting on the patio when Zander, Brittany and Ashley arrived at the Potter beach house. Katie's eyes grew large when she saw her sister. "Ashley!"
Ashley winced. "Don't talk so loudly."
"She and Brit had too much to drink," Zander said.
Katie's eyes grew even wider. "You were DRINKING?"
"I AM 18," Ashley said irritably. "I can drink if I want to."
Katie stepped closer. "You smell like a brewery!"
"Go away," Ashley swatted at her.
"I need to get Brit home," Zander said to Katie. "Can you take it from here?"
"Sure," Katie nodded.
"Thank you," Zander said gratefully. He looked at Ashley. "Try and get some sleep, okay?"
Ashley nodded. "Sorry, Zander."
"Yeah," Zander said. "Me too."
"Sorry for what?" Katie asked her sister.
Ashley sank down on one of the chaise lounges after Zander and Brittany left.
"Ash?" Katie asked again.
"Just leave me be," Ashley waved them off.
"You can't stay out here," Katie told her. "Mum and Dad are already upstairs in their room."
"I need some fresh air," Ashley muttered. "My head is spinning."
"Do you want some water?" Caroline asked.
"Sure," Ashley replied quietly.
"Thanks, Caroline," Katie said.
Caroline leaned close to Katie. "Should I get Saffy?"
Ashley did not answer, but Katie nodded. She knew their aunt would know just what to do.
Caroline hurried inside and knocked on Andrew and Saffron's bedroom door. She hoped they weren't already asleep.
Saffron opened the door. "Hi, Caroline," Saffron said smiling at her.
"Hey," Caroline said. "Um... Ashley just came home, and she's sort of pissed..."
Saffron looked taken aback for a moment. "Where is she?"
"Outside with Katie," Caroline said
Saffron nodded and quickly followed Caroline back downstairs and outside.
"Hey," Saffron said poking her head outside.
"Aunt Saffy," Katie said. "She's turning a little green."
"Oh dear," Saffron conjured up a can and put it in front of her niece just as Ashley began to retch.
Katie quickly turned away. "We'll---we'll just go and get her some water..."
Saffron nodded. "Give us a few minutes."
Katie nodded and she and Caroline disappeared inside.
Ashley didn't think she'd ever felt this awful as she wiped at her mouth. "I want to die..."
"And about an hour ago, I imagine you felt like you were on top of the world," Saffron said patting her niece's back.
Ashley nodded miserably.
"I'm just glad that you're home and you're safe and you're doing something you would regret," Saffron said.
Ashley shrugged. "I don't know why I did it... Brit and I thought we'd just have a glass of wine... it turned into three, and then these blokes bought us shots..."
"I had a moment like that too," Saffron said. "Look, I'm not going to tell you not to do it. You're eighteen and you can drink if you want. Just don't overdo it, Ash. That isn't you."
"I know," Ashley rubbed at her forehead.
Tears welled up in her eyes and Saffron gave her hand a squeeze. "Hey, Ash...it's not the end of the world..."
"There's just a lot of things," Ashley said. "Things that I don't even know how to sort out."
"You'll figure them out," Saffron said. "You're the most responsible person I know."
Ashley managed the tiniest of smiles as Katie poked her head out with some water.
"Are you done retching?" Katie asked hesitantly.
"I think so," Ashley mumbled.
Katie stepped outside and walked over to her sister. She handed her the glass. "Uncle RJ was in the kitchen. He's making you a hangover potion."
Ashley sat back in relief. "Thank you."
"No problem," Katie said.
"Would you ask him to bring it out here when he's done brewing it?" Saffron asked her niece.
Katie nodded. "Sure."
"Thank you," Saffron smiled at her.
Saffron gave her niece a hug. "It'll be okay, Ashley. I promise."
"Thanks," Ashley said quietly. "I won't be doing this again for a long while."
Ashley thought about the look of disappointment on Zander's face. She was messing things up for him when it was the last thing on earth she wanted to do. Maybe getting away on her trip would be the best thing for both of them. They could finally move on. The thought of that upset her more than she cared to admit.