Ryley's Revenge

2. Ashleigh

2

ASHLEIGH

One Month Later

“So when are you coming back to California?” Gabriella asked.

When I get the balls to face Ryley again.

But in all honesty, I didn’t know. For the past month, I’d been in Aspen with my family, trying to get away from anything and everything that reminded me of Ryley and Colin. Working in my family’s hotel helped. I loved talking to the tourists and getting them all settled in. It was a good distraction.

I’d been afraid Gabriella would’ve told Ryley by now about my breakup with Colin. So far, she’d kept my secret. Colin, however, refused to give up on me and made sure to keep in touch by calling almost every single day. He’d even visited Aspen twice already. He was my friend before we became lovers, but once you cross that line, it’s almost impossible to go back.

“I don’t know yet,” I admitted. “I’m tempted to stay here for a little while longer. I miss being with my family.” It wasn’t exactly a lie, but it wasn’t the full truth either.

There was something I hadn’t told her, or anyone for that matter. I thought maybe running away to Aspen would make my problems disappear, but I was starting to think it was just going to make them worse. For the past hour, I’d done nothing but trace and stare at the phone number on the paper in front of me. I was just too afraid to call it.

Gabriella’s laugh echoed in the phone, catching my attention. “Well, all I can say is, you won’t believe the s**t that’s happened here the past couple of days, especially when I was in Vegas for the fights.”

Perking up, I held the phone closer to my ear. There weren’t any people in the lobby so I had a few minutes to spare. “Oh yeah, like what?”

Anything with Ryley?

Gabriella sighed. “Well, Tyler’s super serious over a girl now. And, get this . . . It turns out, she’s Kyle Andrews’ sister. Who would’ve thought that, right?”

I gasped. Everyone hated Kyle Andrews. “Oh my God, that’s insane. Have you met her? Are you okay with that?”

She snorted. “Yes, I’m okay with it. It is for the best. I miss talking to him though. Anyway, I met Kacey the other day. She’s actually really nice—although, a little quieter than me.”

“Everyone is quieter than you, Gabriella,” I laughed.

“Oh, whatever. Well, now that Tyler won the title, and Kyle’s paralyzed in the hospital, all is right in the world.”

“I’d say so,” I agreed. Nothing like that ever happened at the hotel; it was quiet and drama free. Only in Gabriella’s life was it interesting. “It sounds like you had a lot going on. How are you and Bradley doing? Still just friends?”

“For the time being, we’re more like friends with benefits. We’ve been spending a lot of time together. Colin asks about you all the time though. I actually feel bad for the guy. We did come to the conclusion that something’s wrong with you. He’s noticed a difference and so have I. I think it’s time you tell me what’s wrong. And I don’t want to hear anymore bullshit excuses. I know how to kick your a*s, so don’t make me come all the way to Aspen to force it out of you.”

Sighing, I held up the post-it note and closed my eyes. If I didn’t tell her something, I could definitely see her flying out here to live up to her promise. “I’ll tell you as soon as I find out, Gabby. I promise.”

“Are you okay?”

“I don’t know, but when I do, you’ll be the first to know. Needless to say, it might take a couple of days.”

“Just as long as you get it figured out. I want my best friend back. It’s not the same here without you.”

I smiled, but the ache in my chest made the burn behind my eyes build. “I miss you too,” I whispered, trying not to choke on my tears.

“Make sure to call if you need me . . . or if you just want to talk. I’m about to head out to the gym and get some training in, but after that, you know I’m free.”

I nodded like an i***t, knowing very well she couldn’t see me. “I will. Have fun with your training. I’ll talk to you soon.”

We said our goodbyes and I hung up the phone. Once I verified no one was in the lobby, I took a deep breath and picked the phone back up. I’d tried calling the number sitting in front of me numerous times, but always hung up after the first ring.

“Good afternoon, Dr. McCord’s office, this is Lisa, how may I direct your call?”

“Um . . . hi, Lisa. I’m a patient there . . . or at least, I used to be before I moved to California. I’d like to make an appointment. My name is Ashleigh Warren.”

“Of course, dear, just give me a second.” She typed away on the keyboard and then came back on the line. “Date of birth, please.”

I told her my birth date, which happened to be just a couple of weeks ago. Even though I was only twenty-three, it felt like I had aged beyond my years over the past month. Things that used to be important, just weren’t anymore—not when I had responsibilities looming over my head.

More clacking on the computer keys. “Okay, is this for a yearly check-up?”

Hands shaking, I closed my eyes and cleared my throat. “Not exactly.”

“And why do you need to be seen? Is this an emergency?”

Halfheartedly, I chuckled and lowered my head to the desk, my laugh turning to tears. “In my life, Lisa, yes I’d say it’s an emergency.” I took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “I think I’m pregnant.”