Guarded Heart (The GH Series)

Chapter Thirty

I high tailed it out of the hydro with Sarah close behind me. Once we were outside, feeling the cold air hit my face, it was then I realised how bloody hot it is in there with thousands of people. Now, it is time to wait for Ashley to come out of the hydro. I knew she would have a little more difficulty leaving since they were near the front.

"I'm going to wait over there by the railings. Will you let Ashley know for me?"

"I will do babe, good luck, again!" Sarah's smile beamed at me and I think she is more excited than I am. I made my way over to the River Clyde to wait on Ashley.

***

Fifteen minutes later, outside the hydro

"I don't know where they are Ashley or if they have made it out of the building yet."

Hearing Fiona speak made Sarah turn around and face the two women. "Fiona?"

"Sarah! Good to see you in person again, well in better lighting." Fiona engulfed Sarah into a hug.

"Hello Ashley..."

This is the first time that Sarah and Ashley have met, and Ashley held out her hand to Sarah. "Nice to meet you, Sarah." Sarah took Ashley's hand and pulled her into a hug. "Well, I wasn't expecting that..." Ashley chuckled.

"Ashley, believe it or not, Cal thinks the world of you. Yes, initially I never got a good impression of you, but you have really stepped up."

Ashley smiled broadly and with a nod of a head in a small way of thanks. "Thank you, Sarah, that means a lot. No offence, but which direction is she in?"

Sarah pointed in the direction she last seen Callie walk towards. "Callie is over that way."

"Good luck Ashley." Fiona patted her on the should and they watched her walk in the direction Sarah had seen Callie walk in.

"Do you want me to walk you back to your car?" Sarah knew that Fiona's anxiety was starting to bubble with her constant hand movements.

"You don't mind?" Relief flooded over Fiona's face.

"Nah. I need to get some air about myself. It was quite warm in there."

"Thank you, Sarah. Just looking at the crowd walking just now, it's a bit...much."

"No problem. Let's go. Lead the way."

***

Ashley

I only had to walk a few minutes and Callie is leaning on the fence looking over the lights shimmering down the River Clyde. "Hello Jack..."

My heart then stopped at the sight of Callie turning around. Seeing her again after all this time. "How did you know...? I never told anyone my real name." My face fell. "Relax! I am kidding you on. I know you are quoting your favourite film, Titanic."

"Callie!! My heart was in my throat there, you wind up merchant!!" Callie gave me a grin that I love so much, and she started to walk towards me.

"Why change a habit of a lifetime?" Callie pulled me in to her arms and held on to me tight. "I've missed you. So damn much." I wriggled free from our embrace.

"You are lucky. I was about to slap you in there. I thought Fiona was trying it on in there, until you spoke."

Callie laughed and I swear it was of my favourite sounds ever. "I never thought of that." She then held out her hand which I gladly took. "Do you want to walk with me?"