Chapter 70
ASHTON
Demi stands in front of a mannequin with different shades of fabric loosely wrapped around it and secured with a pin. She inclines her head as she tries to imagine what Ashley must have been envisioning for the dress.
I am seated on a couch behind her, raking the opulent space. Demi was right, pulling off Ashley Rollins now runs beyond spiffy clothes and a similar face. He has managed to create a whole world of his own. I can’t even bring myself to feel at home on his desk. Even from the chair, I continue to twitch with discomfort.
His space is more cluttered than I prefer. Yet, everything is very organized. His walls are a source of inspiration for his genius. Instead of the award plaques to festoon his shelves and walls, he has the portraits of every fashion icon he admires and some upbeat quotes to keep him motivated.
I have been over here quite a few times but I never really pay attention to his impeccable décor and organization. I usually stroll in to pull Ashley away from work to go out with me. Being here now without him to distract me, I am getting a fresh glimpse of his world and the way he thinks. THIS is intimidating.
"What was that?" Demi asks, turning.
I didn’t realize I said that last bit out loud. I lean back on the couch. "Everything here. How can one person make a place so chaotically organized?"
It’s hard to fault it. His office is a study of complication and beauty. A lot of people could never pull it off. Is this how Ashley’s head is? Is this why he is able to pull himself up despite the storms that threaten to upend his peaceful life? He knows which pins to pull and the dress on the mannequin will take form or fall apart, depending on what he wants.
Demi chuckles. "You brothers say the nicest things about one another mostly when the person being spoken about is absent. Ashley will give his limbs to hear you admit you find him intimidating." She continues to his desk and eases a hip on it. "The night we discovered the box, he admitted that you intimidate him because of how consistent you are at being your unapologetic self. He finds it annoying sometimes, especially when you still don’t budge at your father’s presence or orders."
"So, you guys did discuss me."
"We were playing a game." She comes to sit next to me. "I asked him his favorite and least favorite brothers. He asked me right back. I can’t tell you Ashley’s responses but would you like to know what my answers were?"