“Kade, you did well, son,” he says with a cheeky grin. “Steele men always have good taste.”
Lucy giggles at the compliment. Ashley walks in and my mood dampens slightly. I look over at Kade and glare at him. I had no idea he had invited her. As usual I'm the last to know. Lucy glances between Kade and me, taking in my sudden change in expression. She gives me a curious look and asks to speak with me privately. She invites my mum to come along with us.
We go out onto the patio and Lucy goes right in, “What’s going on with you and Ashley?”
I sigh. “It’s a long story. Kade doesn’t believe me, so you're obviously going to take his side,” I tell her frankly.
My mum steps in, “Nikki is many things, but she would never lie.”
“Come on, tell me what’s going on. I won’t judge,” Lucy adds.
“Tell her, Nikki,” my mum encourages.
I look at her, nod, then turn to Lucy, and spill all about the Ashley stuff. “You’re the one that gave her the fat lip and black eye?” I nod, and she shakes her head. “That girl has changed so much since Damon died.” Who is Damon? I don’t get a chance to ask before she continues, “Then that bitch of a mother passed away. What did Kade say about this?”
“Just that I like drama and he can’t believe Ashley would say the things she’s said to me,” I tell her, staring at the ground.
Lucy sighs, “He’s always had a soft spot for Ashley, can’t seem to find any fault in her. I don’t think he’s completely oblivious, but I guess in time he’ll see. Ashley can’t keep up her fake attitude around him forever. Eventually she’ll slip up. And I’ll feel for Kade. Even I’m upset, I’ve looked at Ashley like a daughter for years.”
She gives me a hug and we walk back into the house.
We go back into the kitchen, Lucy, mum, and I all putter around, getting everything set up and all the food served. There is so much food, there's going to be lots of leftovers, that’s for sure. My dad finally makes it, and is in the living room chatting animatedly with Kade’s dad. Mum calls out to everyone that dinner is ready, and everyone comes to the table. I sit by Kade, and his mum takes the other seat next to him, pointedly looking at Ashley, who looks pissed she didn’t get to sit by him. We’re all making small talk when mum pipes up.
“So, Kade, I want some grandbabies. When are you going to stop using the rubbers?” Fucking hell.
Everyone at the table bursts out laughing. Ashley just glares at everyone.
“I think I would like to get a ring on her finger before that happens,” Kade says, amused.
“Pfft, it's 2013, get with the times,” she says with a laugh. She really is nuts.
“Sorry, Lucy, mum is always like this.” I go on and tell everyone about the time mum came over, and Kade burst out of the room naked.
Lucy looks up at mum. “I love you,” she says bizarrely, out of nowhere, and then starts laughing again.
Glad my embarrassment amuses people. We chat some more, the food is great, and the company even greater. I ignore Ashley, and enjoy the time with my family.
After dinner we’re all cleaning up, and Ashley stalks over. “Hope you're enjoying this family thing while it lasts.” She goes to turn away, but makes one last parting shot before she does. “By the way, your mother is disgusting and has no class. What woman talks like that? Who would want her daughter to be unmarried and knocked up? She's trash.” I walk straight up to her. No one f**king says that shit about my mother.
I shove her into the wall and punch her right in the eye. She screams, and hands are instantly on my waist, pulling be back. I turn to look up, and it’s Kade. Everyone comes into the kitchen to see what's going on.
“That f**king bitch! No one f**king talks about my mother that way!” I’m shaking at this point. Before Kade says anything it’s Lucy that speaks up. “Ashley, you need to leave. I’m ashamed of you,” she says softly, but with strength in her tone. Ashley starts crying and runs out the door.
Kade is mad. He looks at me and demands, “Nikki, seriously, why the f**k can’t you two just get along?”
I don’t say anything, my mum does. “Kade, this isn’t Nikki’s fault, she was just sticking up for me.”
“No disrespect, Mrs. Heath, but Ashley is my best friend, and I can’t have my two girls constantly fighting.”
I shake my head, and walk off. I don’t need this right now. Everyone enjoys the rest of the day, trying to ignore the awkward vibe between Kade and me. When everyone heads home, I get a few sympathetic glances from my mother. Kade tries to talk to me, but I just have a shower and go to bed.
The next morning he acts like nothing happened.
Chapter Thirty Seven
Kade and I have officially been a couple for nine months. For someone that has never been in a long term relationship, he's scary good at it. We have our ups and downs, but we're getting there.
Kade and I have been talking lately about traveling to Canada for a visit. I have some family that lives in Alberta, plus, I want him to finally eat a poutine, and see what my life was like before I moved to Australia. So we decide to take off for a week. Luckily I'm on break from my internship, so I didn’t have to ask for time off.
We land at the Edmonton Airport and make our way to the nearest hotel. After we unpack, shower, and change, we head out to explore.
First stop is Dairy Queen.