Open Case File [COMPLETED]

A Normal Day

"Donovan?"

Both Carter and Donovan looked over. What they saw made them pause. It was an attractive woman about thirty with golden-brown hair neatly pulled back into a bun. She wore a tailored power suit and couldn't have looked more out of place if she had been wearing a dinosaur onesie. Donovan blinked in surprise.

"Ashley?"

The way he said her name like he hadn't thought about it in years but when he had savored it made Carter instantly aware of her own attire. Ripped jeans, battered Converse, ratty shirt, and her hair thrown into a messy ponytail.

"I thought it was you!" Ashley said, walking forward, her high heels clicking on the floor.

Donovan's face broke out into a wide smile as he stepped forward. Carter's insides twisted and she had the strongest desire to yank him back and put him in an arm lock.

"What are you doing in D.C.," Donovan asked.

Ashley laughed and to Carter's annoyance, it was a soft, flirty sound.

"I own a hotel, we're in the middle of renovating. One of my assistants got sick and so I had to stop by and pick up paint samples. What about you? The last time I saw you was on the beach."

Carter pursed her lips and restrained herself from kicking Donovan at that moment. The way she said beach held a world full of memories. Ones that Carter was not a part of and ones that spoke of more than just passing interactions.

"Yeah, I got offered a job and moved to D.C.."

Ashley stared at him in awe. To Carter's irritation, Ashley reached out and placed a hand on his arm.

"That is amazing. I always wondered where you disappeared to."

Carter glanced at the hammer in the cart and remembered that it could be used as a weapon. She also wondered if this model of a woman would even be missed all that much.

"I'm sorry I never told you, it was sudden, but it was worth it." He turned to Carter. "It's where I met my wife, Carter."

He held out a hand to her. Carter found a decent enough smile to wear, but all she could think was, "too little too late. You're building the stupid bookshelf by yourself cause you don't want me holding a hammer right now."

Donovan grinned as if he knew exactly what she was thinking. After their years of marriage, she wouldn't be surprised if he actually did. Taking his hand, she took the spot by his side. To her credit, Ashley's smile never once changed.

"It's so nice to meet you," she said, shaking Carter's hand. Which gave Carter a good enough view of her flawless manicure. "Look, I can't stay, I have to get back to the hotel, but I would love to have dinner with you both and hear all about what you've been up to. Are you free tonight?"

Carter wanted to say no, just to be mean, but Donovan beat her to the punch.

"Of course. Where do you want to go?"

"How about the Vineyard. At seven?"

"Sounds perfect, we'll see you there."

"Great."

Ashley strode off, confidence oozing out of every step. Beside her, Donovan breathed out a disbelieving 'Woah'. She could have decked him right then and there.

"What a small world," he said.

"It appears so. Why don't you tell me all about it as we build you a bookcase."

To Carter's surprise, Donovan laughed and kissed her nose.

"It's cute to see you jealous, also there's no way I'm letting you handle a hammer right now."