Worlds Apart - Taekook - Book 2

Chapter 213 - Strengthening Bonds

The diner was bustling when Ash arrived which he loved to see. The development was nearing completion in sections and as new parts opened, more people came into the area and the diner was once again getting busy. There was a lot for the diner owners to discuss as they wanted to refurbish, rebrand and rethink the business but that would all take time.

"Has the big lunch happened?" Ash asks Marie.

"What big lunch?"

"Stefan's lunch with Alan."

"Oh yes, they were here today with Angel. It was lovely to see them."

"Did they tell you what happened?"

"About Phoenix?"

"Yes. What did they tell you?"

"I don't know if I can say." Marie smiles.

"Oh come on! Please? I won't be able to call Stefan until later."

"Alan is open to speaking with Phoenix about her offering some make-up tutorials or having makeover time for the kids."

Ash claps his hands together, "Yes! That's brilliant. I haven't said anything to Smiler, he's been in a gross state since the weekend."

"Gross? Is everything okay? I thought Phoenix was staying at your place?"

"Yeah, Kookie Monster gross."

"Oh! I see. You mean that Smiler is in love?"

"I don't know if he's dropping the L bomb yet but he's definitely gross."

"You're all gross in that case."

"Hey! I'm not gross." Ash protests.

"What would Jungkook say if he was here?"

"He's not so let's not worry about that. He's busy on a secluded tropical island being a gross husband."

"Have you heard from him?"

"No, have you?"

"No, only a message about the surprises I booked for Taehyung. We did tell him that he wasn't to contact us."

"I know but I wanted to make sure that he listened. He never follows advice."

"I think he will be too busy to be thinking about us." Marie grins.

"KTH would definitely be coming home pregnant." Ash laughs.

"Ash, really?"

"Just stating facts, Marie."

"How is Heeju?"

"A bit stressed with work and finishing her studies. The transfer back here means she's had some assignments to do or something like that."

"Does she know if she has to return to America?"

Ash pulls his phone from his pocket and checks the time, "Is Sukmin upstairs?"

Marie puts her hands on her hips, "Avoiding the subject won't help you deal with it, Ash. Yes, Sukmin is upstairs."

"How's he been? Is the blanket still a thing?"

Marie sighs, she's been trying to get Ash to open up when she sees him. She knows that there are some decisions due to be made, Ara has discussed it with her but it seems that Ash is choosing avoidance instead of dealing with it.

"He loves the blanket. He helped Billy in the kitchen yesterday so he has some money today if he wants to buy himself something. I don't want him worrying about anything so if he wants something please get it for him and we will reimburse you."