Worth the Risk (a Matthew Gray Gubler fanfic)

Chapter Forty One

Ashlyn's POV

Does it bother me that Haley keeps blowing me off for work? Yes. Does it also bother me that I never see my best friend anymore? Absolutely. Do I think she's lying to me about where she is? Maybe. But probably not, she's never been that great at lying. So unless she has developed a seriously good poker face in the past couple of months... I don't think she's lying.

I would consider myself to be a good friend. And since I am such a good one, I am going to visit Haley at work tonight. I have to get dinner anyway, why not Benny's?

If I remember correctly, Haley said that she is closing tonight and it's only 5pm. So, I pull into the parking lot to the small restaurant. I have always loved the cozy and homey atmosphere. I haven't been here since we came back from summer break, I'm not entirely sure why. It's great food! It reminds me of home.

Making my way into the restaurant, I find a seat in Haley's usual section. But, a different server comes to my table to greet me. "Hello. My name is Alice, I will be taking care of you today. What can I get you to drink?"

"Hi Alice! I'm Haley's friend, Ashlyn. We've met before, not sure if you remember. But she told me about your grandpa... I'm sorry for your loss." I give her a sad smile.

She looks at me with confusion, "I'm sorry?"

"... your grandpa. Haley said that he passed." What the hell is going on?

Still confused, she says, "Oh, I'm sorry, I think she got it wrong. My grandpa hasn't passed away. He's still very much alive, thank heavens."

"I am so sorry for the confusion! She just told me a while back that she covered a shift for you because of that reason... that's all I knew. Again, I'm terribly sorry."

Okay... Haley lied to me? What else is she lying about?

"No, no. It's okay! So... how about something to drink?" She asks.

"Oh, is Haley here? I was going to surprise her at work."

And again with the confused look, "No, she isn't here. She never works nights anymore. She hasn't since she got back from summer break."

I never really get angry, but this whole situation has my blood boiling. What the hell is wrong with her? What is she doing that she can't tell me about? She is supposed to be able to tell me everything! That's what a best friend is for!

"Okay... she told me she was working tonight. She cancelled our plans because she said she was working. I hate to be a bother, but I think I need to leave. Thanks for your help, Alice." I scurry out of the restaurant, and jump into my car. I'm honestly really concerned about Haley. But I'm more upset than anything. This is the third time just in the past month that she has blown me off and by the looks of it, she wasn't working any of those times! Is she even working for DoorDash?! I don't know but I need to speak with her right now!

Regardless of how mad I am at her in this moment... I press the call button.

••••••••••

Haley's POV

"Ugh, baby. I love you so fucking much." I moan into Matthew's mouth as we feverishly make out. He smiles into the kiss, his hands roam around my body.

Just as he takes my shirt off, my phone starts to ring. I ignore it, and continue with my boyfriend. His lips attach to my neck, sucking hard on my skin...

Bzzzz bzzzz

"Damn it! Let me get this." I decide to answer just in case it's Nana. But, like the dumbass I am, I don't check the caller ID, mainly because I'm ready to turn my attention back to Matthew.