Chapter 14

Ford

I'm hanging on by a thread when I pull into the driveway of my trailer, and get out. Felicity runs ahead to where Ashley is sitting on the front porch of hers. There's a cup of lemonade in front of her, a pack of Marlboro Ultra Lights sitting next to it.

Felicity gives her a quick hug. "Ashley, you would not believe what happened."

"Probably not." Ashley says deadpan.

"Fee, why don't you head over and change out of your school clothes?"

When she doesn't ask any questions and scoots toward our trailer, I look down at Ashley. "That kinda day, huh?"

She grabs the hard pack and gets a cigarette out, putting it in her mouth before lighting it. "You have no fucking idea. That lemonade? It's got some Jack in it too. We're going all out tonight. Wanna join me?"

"If you can hold off until Felicity goes to bed, then yeah, I'm down. I got a call from her school and they're asking me to meet with her counselor. I'm terrified they're going to tell me she isn't doing well." I shove a hand through my hair. "So yeah, I could use a little adult company."

Ashley gives me a smile, before taking a hit off the cigarette and then handing it over to me. "Seems like we've both had spectacular days."

If only she knew. I'm grappling with what I want to tell her about Doogie. "You can say that again." I wrap my lips around the filter, where hers were. It's way more intimate than I expect it to be. We sit on the porch in comfortable silence as we wait for Felicity to come back. This is what I appreciate about Ashley. We don't have to tell each other our entire life stories to sit together. She's good with no words, and so am I.

A few hours later, I glance over at my daughter, who's fallen asleep in the chair she's been sitting on. "Let me go put her to bed, and I'll be back. Can you make us a couple of drinks?" I ask Ashley as I carefully lift the sleeping girl in my arms.

"Yeah, it'll be waiting when you come back."

Quickly, I head over to my home, and get Felicity settled underneath her covers. I wait for a few minutes to make sure she's in a deep sleep. I don't want her to wake up and find me not home. My stomach hurts as I worry about the scenario where she does just that. Changing into more comfortable clothes, I head back outside. "Do you mind if we sit on my porch?" I ask. "Just in case Felicity wakes up and can't find me."

"No problem, let me change too. Be there in a few minutes."

This is what makes the relationship the two of us are building easy. At least easier than any other one I've ever been in. Ashley allows me to tell her what I need, and then if it's within her power, she gives it. I like to think I do that for her as well. She doesn't question what I need to do for my life, and while it may be stupid to think that'll last forever, I do the same for her. When she comes back, she's carrying a pitcher of lemonade, along with two glasses.

"So tell me, Chevy. What's on your mind?" Her smirk is deadly sexy.

I chuckle. "One day you're gonna regret calling me that."

"Oh yeah? I'm waiting."

The invitation is there, but now isn't the time. "I'll cash in soon, don't you worry about that." I take a drink to start the conversation over somewhat. "I heard from Felicity's counselor today, she wants to have a meeting, and I'm scared to death. What if I'm not doing what she needs? What if I'm fucking her up even more than her mom was? I've only been asked to meet once, and that's when the school decided she needed to see the counselor."

She takes a drink of her own, and swallows slowly. Reaching out, she grabs my hand. "I don't think you should assume the worst. Felicity is very well adjusted despite how her life started. It's not out of the realm of possibility that she's doing well, and the counselor just wants to check in. There's no reason to be scared yet. Don't be scared until you have to be. If you want me to go with you, I will. Sometimes even as adults, we need someone there to hold our hand."

The fact that she's being so comforting makes the hard decision for me regarding Doogie. "I'd love for you to come with me, and I have something to tell you."

Her eyebrows come together in question, and she sits up straighter. The sounds of the night are louder than they should be, blaring in my ears as I wait for her to say ... anything.

"What?" She whispers.

"I think you know I've had money issues since I took custody of Felicity. I'm doing shit that isn't exactly legal to keep a roof over our heads. I want you to know before I even tell you this; I'm taking the job because I have to. Doogie came to me wanting work done to his car. He hit someone and he ran. I don't know any of the other details, but I'm sure you can find out if you know who to ask." I reach out and cup her cheek in my palm. "Do with that information what you want, Ash. I just couldn't do the work, and not tell you. You've become way too important in my life. I don't know how, or when, but it happened. My first priority will always be Felicity, but you're right up there with her, and I'll do whatever it takes to help you, and keep you safe."

She closes her eyes, and when she does, a couple of tears roll down her cheeks. I wipe them away, as she rolls her lips together. "Thank you, Ford. No one in my life has ever cared. Especially where my dad is concerned. I completely understand that you have to do what you have to do, and I'm aware of how this puts you in his crosshairs too."

I shake my head. "Doesn't matter, because he's not going to touch any of us. I promise you that."

She smiles bravely, nodding. "What time do I need to meet you for Felicity's counselor?"

"I'll pick you up from work tomorrow. I need to be there at three-thirty. Is that okay?"

"Perfect, I get off at three. I'll take some clothes there to change. Everything will be okay." She leans in, pressing her lips to mine.

For the first time, I truly believe it.