Page 42 (2/2)

The owner of the store, an old erate his frailty as a sales tactic, is badgering her to look at lish – another of his tactics, he speaks as fluently as I do His aim is to make people so embarrassed they can’t refuse, or to pretend he can’t understand them when they do

I srees to look at ht another one But this tiht actually want to intervene Not because I begrudge Jose a sale – but because I’ve so far only seen her froet to know this woman

It see topulls , I’ in the doorway of the store

“Hey, Jose!” I call out, in English for the custo lady keep her money in her pocket”

Jose waves a hand in my direction and rin Then she turns around to look at me, and I catch her eye – and my heart drops into my stomach

Can it be?

I haven’t seen her in so many years, and e lastThe sweep of her nose, her plump lips, just like her mother The eyes like her father’s, the man I kneell My best friend When I lived in the US, ere inseparable; even noe talk so often, even though we only get the chance to meet in person once a year or less

And he stopped bringing his daughter along when she was still only a young girl

But I can see the recognition in her eyes as much as in my own It’s her Ashley I can’t believe it

I can’t believe how hot she grew up Her head has those perfect curls, her beautiful face frae chest straining against the front of her dress, like it wants to burst out Like it knoe should be naked already