Rutland
‘Another baby in the oven is all you need,’ I tease Sasha, laughter bubbling up between us as we sit in a cozy restaurant, reminiscing about the past, chatting about everything from kids to our love lives.
‘You know, with how great Khaleb is, I’m surprised you don’t want more,’ I tease, reaching for a piece of garlic bread.
Sasha chuckles, a playful glint in her eyes. ‘Three’s a crowd, Ais. I’m stopping there.’
‘You sure?’ I smirk. ‘Jordan’s already planning for the next one.’
Rolling her eyes, Sasha quips, ‘Well, if he’s that eager, maybe he should consider a second wife. Imagine the peace I’d get.’
We burst into giggles, drawing a few curious glances from nearby tables. Our laughter dies down just as my phone rings. A glance at the screen shows Duke’s name, but with my hands covered in sauce, answering seems impossible.
Sasha to the rescue. With a dramatic sigh, she reaches over, swipes the screen, and places the phone between us, activating the speakerphone.
‘Hi, love,’ I greet Duke, my heart warming at the sound of his voice.
‘Hey, how’s your day going?’ Duke’s voice comes through.
‘I’m good. Just out shopping,’ I reply, smiling.
‘Aww, that sounds fun,’ he says, his tone light and playful.
‘Rutland’s really stepped up its game with the stores,’ I comment.
‘I can imagine.’
‘It’s nice being back home,’ I add, feeling a pang of nostalgia.
‘Where are you now? I hear a lot of noise,’ he observes.
‘We’re at a restaurant, having lunch with Sasha,’ I explain.
‘Sounds nice. So, are you coming tonight?’ he asks, and I feel a sudden rush of nerves.
‘Tonight?’ I respond, the apprehension clear in my voice.
‘Duke…’
‘You promised, remember?’ he teases, his voice light but carrying a hint of expectation.
‘No, I didn’t say that,’ I quickly correct Duke, amusement lacing my voice.
‘Really? I could’ve sworn you mentioned me sending the plane down,’ he teases, his voice light and playful.
‘I never said that, honey,’ I reply, chuckling softly.
‘Are you sure?’ Duke persists, still in a teasing mood.
‘Duke…’ I let out a sigh, a mix of exasperation and affection.
‘So, how about tomorrow then? I’m sure your brother and his wife won’t mind you leaving a bit early,’ he suggests, ever hopeful.
‘No, Duke,’ Sasha suddenly chimes in, her voice carrying through the speaker.
‘Wait, who was that?’ Duke’s voice is laced with surprise.
‘He’s on speaker. That was Sasha. She’s listening in,’ I explain, smiling.
Duke laughs. ‘Aisling, how could you put me on speaker without telling me?’
‘I’m sorry,’ I say, my apology playful and not at all serious.
‘She’s not coming back just yet, Duke,’ Sasha adds, her tone teasing.
‘Alright, alright. Keep her,’ Duke says, his voice filled with humor.
‘Till Saturday?’ Sasha jokes.
‘Umm… I’m not so sure about that,’ Duke responds, and we all laugh, caught up in the lightheartedness of the conversation.
‘How are you doing, Sasha?’ Duke asks, shifting the focus.
‘I’m good, thanks,’ Sasha replies.
‘And congrats again,’ he adds, his tone warm.
‘Thanks, Duke,’ Sasha says, her voice carrying a smile.
‘I have to go now. I’ll chat with you both later,’ Duke tells us.
‘Sure,’ I respond.
‘Enjoy your lunch and have fun,’ he advises.
‘Thanks,’ I say, feeling a mix of happiness and longing.
‘Bye,’ he whispers softly.
‘Bye.’
Sasha and I sit in a comfortable silence for a moment, each lost in our thoughts.
‘He’s really trying to get you to come back, isn’t he?’ Sasha finally breaks the quiet.
I nod.
‘And do you want to go back now?’ she asks, curious.
I smile, tilting my head slightly. ‘I’m staying till the very end. You heard me say it.’
Sasha laughs, shaking her head. ‘I can’t trust you,’ she teases, her smile as playful as her words.
