Even Our Angels Looked Surprised

Chapter 12

Christmas came and went. Ashlyn text Kyle. Ali was back in Germany.

Ashlyn made a phone call, and it took Nikki all of three minutes to grow suspicious. "Ash. I can tell you want something. What's up?"

"Nothing. I just... I've been thinking about making a trip out."

There was only silence on the receiver for a few seconds. "So you want to come visit me?"

"Yeah." Ashlyn did miss Nikki, so she wasn't actually lying.

"OK. Cool."

"Awesome. I was thinking pretty soon tho... really soon, maybe?"

"That's fine. I'll call Ali and see when she can hang in Frankfurt."

"What?"

"Oh, come on Ashlyn. I know why you want to come visit."

Ashlyn smiled. She could tell Nikki wasn't upset. "Sorry... I really do want to see you tho."

"Yeah, whatever. Ya know, you could just say 'hey Nikki I need you to help save my love life.'"

"OK, sure. Next time I'll definitely lead with that."

A half hour later Ashlyn was booking her flight to Germany.

She had no idea what she was going to do, but she figured she could sort that out once she was on the same continent as Ali.
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Ali was a little surprised to hear from Nikki, just because the request to meet in Frankfurt seemed a little odd.

They hung out when their paths crossed, but typically they didn't just plan it out of the blue like this.

They made small talk for a few more minutes before they decided on a restaurant to meet at.

Then, abruptly, Nikki ended the conversation. "OK, well I've gotta go. I guess I'll see you later this week?"

Ali furrowed her brow. Something was up. "Yeah, alright. Sounds good to me."

"Hey, Ali?"

"What?"

"Ash is visiting, so she's gonna be there too, OK?"

"Wait - Ashlyn's coming?"

"Yep. Gotta go. See you soon!"

"Nikki-"

But all she heard in reply was a dial tone.
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Friday night came, and Ali was a nervous wreck. She tried on three different outfits. The dress she tried was too much. She knew Ashlyn and Nikki would be laid back. But she also wanted to look good.

Actually, if she was honest, she just wanted Ashlyn to think she looked good - or, better yet, jaw-dropping.

Finally she settled on a low-cut pink blouse to wear with her black pants. She grabbed her jacket and shot out the door with just enough time that she wouldn't be late.
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"You should have let me stay at the hotel." Nikki sounded bored. They had already gotten a table, because Ashlyn had insisted they come early. But Ashlyn just kept staring at the door, giving half-cognitive answers whenever Nikki asked a question.

"God, no. I couldn't have come alone."
Ashlyn missed the deadpan look Nikki gave her. "I'm sure you two could have managed."

"Ali's here." Ashlyn went a little whiter with her announcement.