Chapter 4
"Who was that calling? Is it okay if you don't answer?" I asked Clifford.
"It's fine," Clifford said.
Clifford didn't bat an eye.
I smiled.
During the meal, I slipped away to the restroom. By the time I got back, Ashlyn had already taken the seat right across from me.
It was supposed to be just the two of us celebrating our anniversary.
But somehow, Ashlyn ended up joining us.
It felt a bit odd.
But when it was family, one just let it slide.
Back in the day, for most things Clifford and I did, Ashlyn was right there with us.
When we went shopping, Ashlyn would say, "I haven't been shopping in ages. Brynn, you have such great taste. Can I come with you two? You can help me pick out some clothes too."
When Clifford and I went to Olive Garden for dinner, Ashlyn would say, "Its slow-cooked barbecue ribs are amazing. You two go ahead and talk. I'll just eat and then leave you alone."
Whenever Clifford and I went to the hot springs, Ashlyn would chime in, "I just got myself a new swimsuit and was looking for an excuse to show it off."
*****
I had been such a fool.
I let them get away with having those dirty thoughts right in front of me.
Ashlyn was at it again, just like always.
She said she happened to be passing by and asked if I minded her being our third wheel.
Before I could even respond, Clifford jumped in, acting like it was no big deal.
"Ashlyn, we're family. No need to be so formal," he said.
I smiled, sitting back and watching them put on their little show.
She gave me a faint smile, acting as if it were just a casual question.
She asked, "Brynn, I lost a necklace. Have you seen it anywhere?"
Clifford suddenly looked up, instinctively swallowing hard.
"No," I answered, keeping my tone neutral.
Ashlyn locked eyes with me, murmuring under her breath. "There's no way you didn't notice.
"Back then, things weren't like this."
Clifford blinked, not catching her meaning at all.
So I went along, acting clueless too.
"What did you say, Ashlyn?" I asked.
She didn't say anything else.
After a long moment, Ashlyn suddenly grabbed Clifford's hand, as if she had finally made up her mind.
She said, "Brynn, I'm pregnant. The baby is Clifford's.
"Francis and I are already divorced.
"City hall's still open. Why don't you go get that divorce right now?"
Clifford never saw it coming. Things flipped so fast it left him reeling.
He shot up from his seat.
"Ashlyn, what the hell are you talking about?" Clifford blurted out.
But Ashlyn didn't hold back. She was determined to put everything on the table.
She said, "Clifford, you know I love you.
"I can't keep being your secret lover anymore. I want to be with you for everyone to see.
"Brynn, you definitely saw my necklace, right? I left it on the bed, right out in the open. There's no way you could've missed it.
"Whatever your reason for acting like you didn't see it, I'm telling you now. Clifford and I were each other's first.
"We just can't move on from each other. Please, let us be together."
I stared at her, my eyes wide and big, heavy tears rolling down my cheeks, as if I were a fragile doll about to break.
"Clifford, is what she's saying true?" I asked.
Clifford's face flushed, and he avoided my gaze.
"Honey, she's definitely just drunk," he said.
He gave Ashlyn a warning look.