I had never been more grateful for my job, and the fact that my boss was so understanding, than I was the week after the argument happened. I spent two days hungover, and the last 5 laid up in bed. Too sick to move, other than to crawl to the bathroom, and puking my guts out. I was pretty sure I’d barfed up a lung. Possibly a kidney. And my liver.
By the time I was feeling better, I realized I hadn’t heard from Ash once. The rest of the band had texted and called multiple times. So, had Inna and Juliet.
12 text messages and 5 missed calls from Jinxxy
10 text messages and 4 missed calls from Andy
15 text messages and 3 missed calls from CC
2 missed calls from Jules
4 missed calls from Inna
2 missed calls from Jakers
After reading the messages, I started to panic. Apparently, Ash had been completely M.I.A this whole week. He wasn’t answering his phone at all. I tried calling him but it went straight to voicemail. I dialed Jinxx as I slipped into a pair of yoga pants, planning to go to Ash’s place.
“Jesus Christ, Bella. Where the hell have you been?” he asked when he answered.
“Hungover for two days, puking my guts out for five. Why isn’t Ash answering his phone?” I demanded, hopping into a shoe.
“The fuck if I know. Last I heard from him was you two got into a heated argument and you kicked him out.”
Fuck.
“Yeah, we kinda did. I found Nikki in my house last week and kind of flipped my shit.” I explained, heading to the garage. My car was there, but so was Ash’s bike.
“Jinxx…. I think he’s somewhere in my house.”
“What makes you think that? And why somewhere? Shouldn’t you know where he is, especially if he’s in your house?”
Sighing, I went back inside.
“I just told you, I spent the past five days puking my guts out. I haven’t left my bedroom or bathroom. And I think he’s here because his bike is in the garage. I’ll let you know when I find him.” I said and hung up.
I started in the living room, working my way through the house. He wasn’t anywhere inside, so I moved the search to the backyard. When I didn’t find him there either, I went out front. At first, I didn’t find him. But then I noticed his boot on the front steps.
“Jesus. Ash are you okay?” I asked frantically, running up to him. He lifted his head from his knees.
“Fucking hell. Where have you been?” he asked, just as frantic. He pulled me into a tight hug. So tight I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I hugged him back just as fiercely.
“What do you mean, where have I been?? I’ve been here this entire time, but everyone’s been worried sick about you!” I told him, taking his face in my hands.
