Chapter 21
Round – a phase of competition put into motion by a bunch of nosy sisters
The bathroom door flies open, and I jump to my feet before whirling around to confront Rowan. My shoulders fall when I realize he’s not here. It’s my sisters. I should have known. Rowan’s too busy dealing with his wife to worry about me.
“The door was locked,” I snarl.
Aspen snorts. “As if a locked door can keep us out.”
True. I do know better.
“Why are you hiding in the bathroom?” Lilac asks as she studies the room. “Although it is a lovely bathroom.”
“This bathtub is big enough for me and Bark Twain and Indiana Bones.” Juniper climbs straight into the soaking tub, clothes and all. She sighs as she gets all comfy. “I could live in here.”
“Personally, I love how the toilet is in a separate room. Helps with smells if you know what I mean.” Ellery’s nose bunches up as she nods to the toilet room.
Aspen plants her hands on her hips. “Can we get to the matter at hand or does everyone need more time to evaluate Rowan’s bathroom?”
“I need more time,” Lilac shouts from the toilet room. “There’s a Japanese toilet in here.” She shuts the door. “Don’t mind me. I’ve always wanted to try one of these.”
“Is she peeing?” Juniper asks from her position in the bathtub. “I can’t hear it and I’m practically sitting next to her. How cool!”
“Why were you on the floor crying?” Ellery asks from the shower. “If you’re going to cry in the bathroom, you might as well enjoy six jets of pulsating water.” She caresses the jets as if she’s touching a lover.
“Are you finished now?” Aspen yells.
The toilet flushes and Lilac appears. “I’m done, and I highly recommend the toilet. No need for a BOB with that toilet.” She looks pointedly at Ellery who snorts in response.
“Trust me. BOB is gathering dust in my bedside table.”
“Really? Why?” Juniper asks. “You couldn’t gush enough about him at last month’s book club.”
“It’s like herding cats,” Aspen mumbles under her breath before clearing her throat. “We’re not here to evaluate Rowan’s bathroom.”
“Maybe not. But I rate this bathtub a five out of five. Highly recommend.” Juniper gives a thumbs-up.
“Get out of there!” Aspen orders. “We’re here to cheer Ashlyn up since Rowan’s wife showed up.”
“Why?” Lilac frowns. “Ashlyn and Rowan aren’t involved. The arrival of Rowan’s ex-wife shouldn’t affect her.”
“Beep! Wrong!” Juniper indicates my face with a sweep of her hand. “She’s been crying in the bathroom.”
Ellery rolls her eyes. “Of course, she has. She’s been pining away for Rowan forever. Even if the two aren’t involved, being confronted with his former wife will be emotional for her.”
Aren’t involved? Are we not involved? We had sex. When I have sex with a man, I’m involved. Was last night a one night stand kind of thing for Rowan? Shit. I should have never let him sleep in the same bed as me. I knew I was asking for trouble, but I did it anyway. At some point in my life, I’m going to learn to walk away from trouble. Too bad that point wasn’t last night.
“Ashlyn’s being awful quiet.” Aspen taps her chin as she contemplates me.
“What? What are you looking at?” I don’t still have sex hair, do I? I pat at my hair.
Juniper rolls out of the bathtub and rushes to me. “I know this face.” She squishes my cheeks between her hands. “Ashlyn had sex!”
“Can you keep it down? Ms. Perfect doesn’t need to know I slept with her husband.”
She releases me to punch a fist in the air. “Yes! I win the bet.” She dances around the bathroom while humming the Rocky theme. Unfortunately, the bathroom is actually large enough for her to dance around in despite there being five of us in here so there’s nothing to stop her.
“Keep it down!” I yell at her.