Stubborn Love

Part 3

Part 3

I stand up hysterically, hitting Ashton's hands with mine.

"S-sorry," my voice shakes.

"You alright?" he laughs.

"Yeah," I laugh to calm my nerves.

"It's been a while since I've last seen you. How are you? How's Clyde?" he asks looking around. I'm assuming for Clyde.

"I'm good. Clyde is good too."

"I'm glad to hear," he smiles at me. "Where is he anyway?"

"On the swing."

Ashton's head turns and I copy watching Milo push Clyde. Clyde has a big smile on his face, and Milo is laughing hard. I've never seen Milo laugh so hard.

"Who's the guy?"

"It's his dad," I say.

"His dad?" Ashton's voice tones up.

"Mhm," I hum, wishing a new topic will come up.

"Wait, I recognize him. Haze, isn't he the one that was suppose to give you ice chips and he never came back? That is his dad? You told me he was your cousin."

"Ashton, it's not a big deal," I groan.

"Haze, you have to stop lying to yourself-"

"Ashton, stop. He's here now, Clyde's his son and you're free from me, okay?"

I hear footsteps and heavy breathing coming behind me. I see Clyde's little body wrapping around Ashton's legs as I look behind my shoulder seeing Milo behind me.

"Ashton!" Clyde cheers.

"Hey, buddy!" Ashton picks him up and gives him a fist bump.

"Everything alright?" Milo asks.

"Yeah..." Ashton says.

"Good, want some ice cream, Clyde?" Milo asks.

"Yeah!"

Ashton puts Clyde down and Milo races him to the ice cream truck parked on the side of the street. I then look at Ashton who is practically grimacing at me. I chew the inside of my bottom lip, crossing my arms.

"How's work?" I kill the silence.

"Work is work. People get hurt, sick, injured, go into labor, edge of death and I'm there."

"I thought you just worked as a labor and delivery nurse," I snort.

"Well, I was also trained for other things just in case."

"Right, right," I sigh. "I'm even surprise you have time to walk around the park."

"I'm on vacation week. I've forgotten how this town looks."

"No offense, but that's kind of sad."

"What? How is it sad?"

"You have forgotten what this town looks like? Don't you ever go home?"

"Yeah, but all I focus on when I go home is my bed."

"Can't argue with that I guess," I shrug.

I spot Milo and Clyde getting their ice creams and begin walking back. Ashton nudges his elbow at mine and I look up at him. His face begins to blush and he looks down.

"You alright?" I ask.

"Since I have the week off, I am wondering if we can go out?"

"Like? On a date?"