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“Not Phoebe” Ashley turned to Desirae “Make it two slices—one for Phoebe and one for lanced back at Nic and Sylas, who had re on her “And could I have fruit instead of mashed potatoes?”

“That’s a good trade-off, Ash I’ to order a piece of pie, too” Anna was obviously trying to lighten theto work off those extra calories?”

“You’re on See you this evening”

“Ash, don’t forget that you ht”—Desirae winked—“with those two yu men, if you’re lucky”

She grinned “Lady luck has never been fond of me, Des”

“Perhaps she will be now I’ll bring you a glass of tea while you ith your guys”

She didn’t bother to correct Desirae that Nic and Sylas weren’t her guys There was no reason to So instead she took a deep breath and walked over to them

“What are you two doing in Destiny?”

“We have an appointment with Phoebe after lunch” Nic pulled out a chair for her

“But ize to you,” Sylas added

“We were both such assholes, Ashley” Nic sighed “We have no excuse for our behavior”

She sat, and they took their seats, one on each side of her “I knohat I told you must have been a real shock”

“Regardless, sweetheart,” Sylas said “We were extremely rude to you”

“I agree” Nic leaned forward “You opened up to us and we shot you down I hope you can forgive us”

“I do forgive you” If she wasn’t careful with her heart, she knew she would be right back where she left theo—open and vulnerable I can’t e the subject, she said, “I keep Phoebe’s appoint to town to ht it unusual that Phoebe had blocked two hours out of her schedule today A first Those two hours were obviously for herwith Nic and Sylas What could be so important that Phoebe had intentionally kept her in the dark? “Is there soain?”