Page 37 of Smokey's Distraction
“I haven’t done much outside of working.”
Whitney laughed. “I’m sure the snow hasn’t helped.”
“It hasn’t, but at least the sun has come out.”
“According to the weather reports, the storm’s moved on, and the temperature will be in the seventies tomorrow. Crazy, huh?”
“Totally. So, how are things going with you?” Ashley inquired.
“Busy. One of the bartenders is out sick, so I’ve been working my ass off.”
“That’s a drag. I thought we could go out for dinner sometime this week, but it sounds like next week may be better.”
“Yeah, I’m working doubles for the rest of the week.”
Ashley heard a cat meow in the background, and Whitney’s whispered, “Hang on, Luna.” There was a noise, like pennies dropping against a metal surface, drowning out the feline. After a pause, Whitney said, “Next Monday will work. Is that good for you?”
Ashley smiled. “Yes.”
“Do you like Italian food?”
“Love it.”
“We can go to Little Pepinas. It’s real good.”
“Sounds great. I can meet you there after work. Is six o’clock a good time?”
“Yeah, that’s perfect,” Whitney said.
“Just text me the address and I’ll see you then.”
A surge of joy coursed through her as she laid the phone on the desk. Since she’d arrived in town, she’d been missing her friends like crazy, and it would be nice to meet up with Whitney for a glass of wine and some light conversation. Before coming to Pinewood Springs, Ashley was hopeful at the thought of connecting with some of the employees at A+ Construction, but after meeting Smokey’sglee club, those hopes were quickly squashed.
Pulling out her compact mirror and a mauve-colored gloss she’d bought at a drugstore the night before, she swiped the color over her lips and dropped the items back into her purse before clearing off the desk.
Georgia’s voice rang out from the doorway, “Ms. Callahan?”
Looking up, she remarked, “You can call me Ashley.”
Georgia’s cheeks reddened as she fidgeted in place. Ashley glanced up at the wall clock: 4:45 p.m. She rose to her feet and swung her handbag over a delicate shoulder. “Do you need something? I have an appointment in fifteen minutes, so I have to run.”
“It’s just that … something’s come up, and I was wondering if it would be okay if I came in late tomorrow morning?”
“That’s fine. Is that all?”
“I’ll put your appointment with Mr. Harty into your virtual calendar. Pearl talked to him, and he said lunch at noon next Monday would work.”
A flash of irritation rushed through her. Gritting her teeth, she tamped it down and walked around the desk, forcing a smile. “Thanks, Georgia.”
Hurrying down the hall to the elevators, Ashley stood there, looking at her reflection in the shiny chrome doors: eyes narrowed, lips pursed, jaw clenched.So he’s decided to grant me a fucking audience onMonday. Why the hell am I even here, seeing as he doesn’t give a shit about his business? I bet if Tyler were here instead of me, the marketing campaign would already be in motion. It’s obvious to me that Smokey can’t see a woman as his professional equal. And there’s no fucking way I’m going out to lunch with him to talk about the campaign. It’s 100% business on Monday. Damn! The jerk pisses me off so much—
The ding of the elevator interrupted her thoughts. The doors swished open to reveal an older man leaning against the back wall of the car who tipped his head when Ashley entered. Offering a small smile in return, she stared down at the vinyl floor, hoping the stranger wouldn’t start a conversation.
After several awkward minutes, the doors opened to the main floor, and Ashley strode out of the building, hurrying toward the Buick. She had an appointment with the director of the Mount Vista Shelter for Homeless Teens. The year before, Ashley and some of her colleagues helped out at a Denver shelter for runaway and homeless teens as part of a “giving back to the community” campaign that Zach and the other partners at IMG organized for downtown businesses.
At first, she had dreaded putting in the hours at the center, afraid it would open up a flood of emotions she’d kept locked up tightly for several years. But after taking the plunge, she found that she loved working with the kids, helping them deal with the confusion and chaos of being homeless. The one co-worker who shared her enthusiasm at the shelter was Maryann, while all the others—Tyler and Chandra in particular—bitched about having to be there.
Ashley pulled in front of the Mount Vista Shelter, and switched off the ignition. She glanced and took in the two-story, red brick building. Hanging out on the front steps was a girl, who looked to be around fourteen, sitting next to a boy about the same age with red, moppy hair down to his shoulders. Seeing her, he bent his head down and cupped his hand around a cigarette dangling from his lips.
