“Well, I think that’s a good plan.” She told him, touching his arm and squeezing gently. “I’m proud of you, Nate.” Ashleigh felt the tears prick her eyes.
He didn’t respond, just smiled back at her.
“Where’s that young man I saw you talking to earlier?” Ashleigh asked, turning her attention to the others in the room to keep from sobbing like a baby. Her nephew didn’t want her to get all emotional. It would likely cramp his style.
“Jake?” Nate asked with a hint of interest in his tone. “He had to go take care of something.”
Ashleigh heard the disappointment, and she wondered for a brief moment what their relationship was. Not that she would ask because quite frankly it was none of her business. But hope sprung up like a spring flower. For the last few months, Nate had come into his own, and she was so proud of him. Both for graduating high school and becoming the man he is.
Having a nephew who was so strong, so true to himself was refreshing. Especially considering the hardships he would likely have to endure for the rest of his life. Ashleigh couldn’t imagine that being openly gay was easy, but he was a confident, self-assured young man and her pride swelled up just looking at him.
“Well, if I see Alex, I’ll let him know you’re looking for him.” Ashleigh told Nate. “Now, go talk to the others before they start hounding me about monopolizing your time.” Reaching for him, Ashleigh gave him another hug before whispering in his ear. “I’m so proud of you, kiddo. So very proud.”
When he pulled back, Ashleigh saw his own tears welling up, and she turned away quickly. He knew what she was referring to, the same as he knew she would always stand behind him. Whatever he chose to do, that boy was going to go far.
“Baby girl, come here.” Pops called out to her when Ashleigh turned to go into the vast kitchen of her grandfather’s massive home.
“Hey, Pops.” She greeted, giving him a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. “What’s up?”
“Nothing, besides my favorite granddaughter doesn’t seem to have enough time to come visit her old grandpa these days.” Xavier said good-naturedly.
“What are you talking about?” Ashleigh laughed. “I stop by at least once a week.”
“Like I said, not nearly enough.” He grinned. “Where’s Alex?”
Ashleigh tried to read her grandfather’s expression, but couldn’t tell what he might be up to. He was the second person who had asked her where Alex was and if she wasn’t mistaken, her family had come to realize that the two of them had become nearly inseparable.
“He’ll be here shortly.” She told him. “Why? What’s up? You aren’t going to talk about work, are you?” She teased.
“Don’t I always?” Xavier said with a smile.
“Of course you do. If you didn’t, we’d think something was wrong.”
Xavier chuckled, but then his eyes turned serious. “Have you seen your brother?”
Ashleigh hadn’t seen Dylan since the graduation ceremony. She expected him to show up at any time, but they hadn’t had a chance to talk, so she wasn’t sure. “No, I haven’t.”
“Well, if you see him, tell him that I’m looking for him.” Xavier glanced behind Ashleigh, smiled. “And don’t run off without saying goodbye. I’ve got something I want to tell you.”
Ashleigh glanced behind her to see Veronica Sellers, Xavier’s exotically beautiful administrative assistant, as well as Sierra’s mother, walking their way. If she wasn’t mistaken, the woman was glowing.
“Hi.” Veronica greeted Ashleigh when she came closer, keeping a couple of feet between herself and Xavier.
Ashleigh grinned. Those two were up to something. “Hi.” she returned the greeting and turned back to Pops. “I’ve got to go talk to a couple of people, but I’ll make sure to check in before I leave.”
Ashleigh hugged her grandfather again before she left the kitchen. She heard hushed whispers behind her before Pops laughed again and she had the sneaking suspicion that they were about to get some really good news.
A half hour later, Ashleigh was wandering through the house until she caught a glimpse of her brother standing on the veranda. Before anyone could stop and talk to her, she snuck out the door and joined Dylan standing by the railing.
The skies were gray, lined with black clouds rolling in from afar, a few flares of lightening off in the distance. An early summer storm rolling in on the horizon.
“Hey.” He greeted in that intense drawl he had.
“Hey, old man.” Something was bothering him, she could tell, and she was pretty sure it wasn’t the weather he was worried about. “How does it feel to have both kids now out of high school?”