He didn’t seem that impressed. “It’s at seven, so can you pick me up at six?”

He stilled. “Baby, I have to work tomorrow night.”

“What? You just worked your rotation this week.”

He fidgeted with his beer. “I’m covering for a friend. If I had known about your show, I would have said no.”

“Can you get someone else to do it?” I hated to be clingy but this was really important to me. I wanted him to be there.

“It’s too late now. Sorry.”

I sighed, letting the frustration out.

“I’m sorry…I don’t know what else to do.”

I was overreacting. He was a firefighter and had a lot more responsibilities than coming to my art show. People’s lives depended on him. He was an adult and had other obligations. I couldn’t be the center of his world all the time. “No, it’s okay. I understand.”

He relaxed. “I’m sure you’ll do great.”

“Yeah…” Jace had never paid attention to my work. I actually couldn’t recall a piece he’d ever seen.

He left his beer on the coffee table then walked into the bathroom. I was glad he left me alone so I could compose myself. I was being a brat about the whole situation. It bummed me out that he couldn’t always be around, but I knew that when I started dating him. He would work for days at a time and have to stay at the firehouse. I needed to be mature and respect that.

His phone made a noise and the screen lit up. He had a text message.

The message was blocked, but it said the name of the sender.

Sarah.

Who’s Sarah? He didn’t have a sister, and I was certain he didn’t have a friend name Sarah…the paranoia started to sink in. I stared at the phone, wondering if I should take a peek.

No. I wasn’t that kind of girl.

I either trusted him or I didn’t. It was probably someone from work trying to switch shifts or something. I pulled out my phone and played Angry Birds, trying to distract my mind. Jace and I were having problems, but he would never cheat on me. He was a good guy and respected me.

He came out of the bathroom then ignored his phone. He changed the channel and started watching TV. I looked up at him, disappointed that his eyes were glued to the screen again.

Was there something wrong with me? Was I boring? Did all relationships turn out this way? Stale and old? Was it just me? Why didn’t we make out on the couch like we used to? Why was the fire between us barely in embers? Was it my fault?

I pondered these questions endlessly while we both watched TV, sitting in different corners with our hands in our laps.

My nana’s face lit up when I walked into the room. “You never come on Saturdays.”

“I know. But I wanted to bring my showcase to you since you can’t come.”

Her eyes softened. “Thank you, dear. I’m so sorry I can’t be there.”

“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it.”

“At least Jace will be there.”

I felt the weight on my heart.

Nana caught the look. “Is he not going?”

“He has to work,” I said sadly.

“It seems like that’s all he ever does.” Bitterness hung in her voice.

“I know…but his job is important. He saves lives.”

“And he should live his own life too.”

I didn’t want to make my grandmother upset. “It’s okay. I’m not mad.”

“But you’re sad.”

“He can’t be there for everything.”

“It just seems like he’s never around for anything.”

I opened my bag and handed her the Tupperware. “French toast.”

Her eyes sparkled. “That sounds delicious.”

Food was always a good way to change the subject. I opened my portfolio and handed her the pictures. “These are the ones I’m selling.”

She put on her glasses before she looked at them. She pulled the pictures closer to her face then further way. Silence stretched for minutes. I wasn’t sure if she liked them or hated them.

“These are…magnificent, dear.”

My heart fluttered. “Thanks.”

She examined the one of Payton. “Your sister is such a beautiful girl—both of you are.”

My grandmother said that almost every day. “Yeah, she is.”

“She’s so photogenic too.” Her eyes clouded in adoration. “I have no doubt you’ll be a hit at this showcase.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I know I’m right.” She handed the photos back to me. “Anything new?”

“Grandpa’s truck almost croaked on me.”

“What happened?”

“I was stupid and I forgot to change the oil.” I rolled my eyes. “Luckily, my neighbor took care of it so I could get to work. He even let me drive his BMW.”

“Wow. He sounds like a gentleman. There aren’t too many around anymore.”

I shrugged. “He has his moments…”

She smirked. “And what does he do in his other moments?”

“He’s just…promiscuous. He prefers one-night stands instead of real relationships.”

“That’s what’s hot right now.” She opened her Tupperware and started to eat.

“Yeah, I guess. There are times when he’s really sweet and real…but then it disappears and he puts this act on. When we first met, he was interesting and fun. And then he turned sleazy and tried to get me into bed. It’s almost like he forces himself to do it…I can’t explain it.”

“Sounds like he’s afraid to be himself.”

“I don’t see why. He’s really smart, cute, and rich.”

“The most successful people tend to be the most insecure.” She finished every bite then set the plastic aside.

“You really don’t know someone until you get past the surface and see what’s deep down inside. This man didn’t have to help you but he did. I think that speaks louder than what he does in his personal life. Don’t judge before you really know him.”

“I wasn’t judging…”

“It seemed like it.”

“I just…I don’t know.” I didn’t want to talk about Ash anymore. I grabbed the book at her bed side. “Shall we continue?”

“Please.” She leaned back and listened to me.

I read for half an hour before my throat started to run dry. “I should go. I still need to get ready.”

“Break a leg, kid.” She grabbed my face and kissed my cheek. “Make sure you tell me how it goes.”

“I’ll give you every detail.”

“Payton is going, right?”

“Definitely. She wants to see how much her image is worth.” I rolled my eyes. “You know her.”

She laughed. “I do.”

“Bye, Nana.”

“Bye, dear.”

I walked out then headed to the elevator. The hospital was much calmer on the weekend. People weren’t visiting their loved ones as often. Instead, they were enjoying the beautiful weather. I hit the button and waited for the doors to open.

When the door finally opened, I felt my heart move into my throat.

Ash was staring back at me, a wrapped gift under his arm. He was wearing jeans and a dark green t-shirt. It brought out his artic blue eyes. I never noticed their color before. There was faint stubble on his chin like he hadn’t shaved in a few days. I noticed details about him that I never paid attention to before.

He stepped out and kept staring at me. “Are you following me?” The humor was in his eyes.

“I was here first, so technically, you’re following me.”

“Touché.”

“Why aren’t you wearing your scrubs?”

“Oh.” He quickly glanced at himself. “I don’t have rotations this week. But I wanted to stop by and see my patient. I brought her a gift to cheer her up.”

My eyes softened. I never expected him to take time out of his day just to bring his patient a gift. That was…really sweet. Maybe I didn’t know Ash at all. Maybe I judged him too quickly. “Why don’t you have rotations?”

He shifted his weight and averted his gaze. “We usually take a break during exams.”

“Oh.” I examined the small package. “What did you get for your patient?”

He held it up. “A kindle. She loves to read so I thought this would be good for her. I got her an Amazon gift card too so she cqn download as many books as she wants. I have a feeling she reads the same thing over and over again.” A smile stretched his lips.