Her eyes met mine in a sort of strange amusement, and her mouth formed a knowing smile, “That guy in there is your best friend.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“And he’s getting married to my best friend.”

“You know, if this whole interior design thing doesn’t work out, you have quite the future as a sports commentator.”

“He’s in love. They’re in love…why can’t you be happy for him?”

“Because…”

“Because?” she asked, taking the seat across from me.

“I don’t know,” I answered honestly.

“You want to know what I think?”

I nodded.

“I think you’re scared. I think you’re scared because not only is this guy your best friend, but he’s your father replacement, you know? He’s the guy you can always turn to when you need advice or companionship. He knows you. It’s like family.”

“You’ve been having sleepovers with Dr. Gallin, huh?”

“Despite his amazing sex appeal, no. I’m just saying, Aiden came into your life and became the dad you never had, and the last thing you want to do is lose him. That makes sense, Ashley. But give him some credit, ok? Hell, give yourself some credit! It’s a two-way street, and while Chelsea is an incredible person, she’s not you. And he needs you too. There’s a way to balance your relationships and I think we’ll all work it out…in time.”

“You have a valid point or two, Carlin.”

“Besides, you leave soon, right?” she asked, fumbling nervously with my microphone-shaped salt shaker.

“What?”

“You start filming…in L.A.?”

Oh, filming. The show. In the chaos of the past couple of months, I had nearly forgotten.

“Yeah…yeah, I do.”

“How long does that take? I mean, are you moving there?”

“No. No, of course not. A few weeks, and then I’ll be back.”

“Good.”

“Good?” I asked, eyebrow raised.

“Stop fishing for compliments, Ashley. Yes, I’m glad you’ll be back. You know this already.”

“It never hurts to have a bit of confirmation, ok?”

“Speaking of which, confirm something for me…”

“Yes, and a harness…it’s under the bed.”