Fated

Chapter 10

Alashia and Chase watched Ricky’s antics and couldn’t help but laugh. Daniel was trailing along and imitating his brother while Lance was in his own world.

Hearing Asher’s voice, they turned and saw him talking to a beautiful blonde woman. Alashia’s smile faltered, but she glued the remainder of it to her face. Chase saw the agitation in her posture and inwardly rolled his eyes.

“Took you long enough,” Chase greeted, seeing Asher go from frustrated to adoring upon spotting Alashia. Whoever the woman was, she obviously did not have a hold on Asher.

“I had a meeting that was moved up, it seems I’ve found the item I’m looking for, with her help. Alashia, Chase, this is a long-standing friend and business acquaintance, Minerva.” Asher made the introductions and wouldn’t take his eyes off of Alashia.

“It is so lovely to meet you all. Alashia, I’ve heard so much about you, I hope we can be friendly,” Minerva greeted, taking Alashia’s hands in hers.

“I don’t know that I’d want to be friends with someone as gorgeous as you, you’d steal any moment for sure,” Alashia joked half-heartedly. How could someone be so beautiful and genuine?

“Oh, you are too sweet! Asher invited me for a swim at the hotel later, will you please join us? I want to know all about you!” Minerva chuckled at Alashia’s obvious jealousy. If only she knew that it went both ways!

“What time are we thinking?”

“Probably 9 or so, that way you have time to settle the children.” Minerva offered.

“Sounds perfect then. Asher, are you going to meet us back at the hotel?” Alashia asked off-handedly.

“Actually, I think Minerva and I are done for now. I was hoping to spend the last little bit of this destination with you and head back if that’s alright?” Asher sensed his Beloved’s agitation but could not fathom what was causing it.

“Actually...”

“That would be perfect, Asher!” Chase cut in, silencing Alashia with a look.

Alashia kept her counsel to herself. Asher joined their group and they walked off, looking at the art around the neighborhood. Niagara Falls Art Alley wasn’t exactly what she had hoped it to be. It was much smaller than they had anticipated and so they finished up pretty quickly.

Asher insisted on stopping at an ice cream shop and treated everyone. “To make up for my bad manners,” he assured her.

She was still salty, what could she possibly have that Minerva didn’t? She silently ate her ice cream and attended to the kids.

“I’m running to the bathroom, hun, you got the kids?” She nodded at Chase, who gave a pointed look to Asher. “I think I should go too, it’s been a while.”

Alashia met Asher’s eyes and she quickly looked away.

On a sigh, he got up and followed Chase to the bathroom.

“Dude, what the heck?” Chase rounded on him the moment the door closed behind him.

“What?”

“You do realize Minerva was drop-dead gorgeous and clinging to you, right?” Chase answered. Why did Asher seem completely oblivious?

“I didn’t realize...”

“Oh my man, you have to think of it from her perspective. She barely knows you, and you are pursuing her. Then you show up with a gorgeous woman who is obviously attached to you and expect her to believe you are into her?” Chase stared at him.

“Minerva and I use to be lovers, but we are only friends now. Alashia is everything I’ve been looking for and more.”

Chase raked his hands through his hair. “This is going to be a tough recall, my dude. Alashia is amazing, but insecure like no other. Will Minerva vouch for you, even if you aren’t around?”

“Yes, she will.” Asher’s confidence had Chase breathing a sigh of relief. “Then figure out how to get the two alone together. If it seems more natural and Minerva is as genuine as you think, Alashia will believe her. Her radar for crap is through the roof.

They nodded at one another, and left, chatting about the next day’s activities, The Winter Wonderland Tour and Underground Railroad Museum. Alashia was bundling the kids back up to head towards the hotel.