20

"Do you remember the time we fell in love?"

Asher

I watched as she ran her fingers along the spines of the books, her brows furrowed in concentration as she scanned the titles. I wanted to say something to her, to bridge the gap between us. Things have been strained since I was rude to her, and I never apologized for it.

I struggled to come up with something witty to say, but my thoughts needed to be more cohesive. I had never possessed the gift of apologizing or expressing my feelings in words. However, she didn't deserve to be on the receiving end of my anger. It was best to bite the bullet and cast away my pride.

"So, the night I yelled at you," I said, wanting to punch myself for the lack of tact. "I wanted to apologize."

She clutched the book in her hand to her chest as she avoided any eye contact with me. Her weight shifted from foot to foot. She fidgeted with the hem of her sweater.

"We all have our moments." She said. "I shouldn't have intervened."

I shook my head.

"I appreciated your concern, even if I didn't show it."

Her expression softened as a delicate smile graced her face.

"I understand, and I forgive you." She said. "I'd like for us to be friends."

I felt a pang of disappointment course through my veins at her words. Friends. I wanted so desperately to tell her I wanted something more, but I didn't want to ruin what she had going on with my brother. She seemed happy. I forced myself to nod and smile, masking my true feelings.

"I'd love that."

I watched as she returned to grabbing armfuls of books, joy radiating on her face. I doubted whether I'd be able to stick to our agreement, but for now, it would have to be enough.

??

The radio, accompanied by the gentle hum of the engine, played my Blink-182, Spotify playlist. I kept stealing glances at Sawyer. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, but she kept a smile on her face despite the weariness in her eyes. She clutched her necklace in her hand, swinging it from side to side on her chain. I'd noticed she did it often, especially when she was deep in thought.

"I like your necklace."

She jumped as if she'd forgotten she had company. She pulled the pendant into her view.

"Thanks." She said. "It was my grandmother's. I never take it off."

Her cheeks flushed as her eyes shone with happiness at the thought of her grandmother. I smiled. My gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before turning back to the road.

Tension cackled in the air once I pulled into the school parking lot. Joshua stood before us with a thunderous expression. He crossed his arms and clenched his jaw with poorly restrained rage.

"What is your problem, Asher?" He exclaimed once we exited the vehicle.

I couldn't help but find humour in his anger, especially with the tiny vein bulging in his forehead.

"Look-"

"And you dragged Sawyer into this?" He interrupted me before I could muster an excuse. "You need to catch a grip. She ditched class, which is unlike her."

"She's not a child," I said with a scoff. "Her decisions are her decisions."

Josh reached over to grab her hand as he pulled her into his chest, as if trying to shield her from me. I rolled my eyes at his clear insecurity.

"Where were you, Sawyer?"

Great, now Noah's joined the party.

"Asher convinced her to skip class." Josh chimed in before anyone else could.

"Excuse me?" Noah's head whipped in my direction.

"Stop it." Sawyer said, as things escalated.

"What were you thinking?" Noah's tone was sharp and commanding. "With him?"

I tucked my hands in my front pockets.

"Now, that's just rude." I said, knowing my words would add fuel to the flames. "I'd like to think I'm enjoyable company."

"Now isn't the time for your quips, Asher," Josh reprimanded. "I was on the verge of calling the cops when I noticed my car was missing."

"Why didn't you?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Don't act like you forgot about the note you left in my locker."

I bit my lip and dropped my head so he wouldn't see me holding back laughter.

"I thought it would be rude to take your car without leaving a note." I said. "Sorry for having manners."

Despite the seriousness of the situation, I couldn't help but find amusement in setting Noah and Josh off. As Josh's voice rose in frustration, I bit down on my lip to stifle another round of laughter. There was something comical about Josh's furrowed brow and tiny protruding vein. I reached into my back pocket for a cigarette and held it between my lips. I would not light it just yet. Smoking in animosity has never been my style.

"Let's go home, Sawyer." Noah said, grabbing her wrist, but she yanked it out of his hold.

"No, stop treating me like a little kid."

They wrestled back and forth like a tug of war until Josh stepped between them.

"I'll take her home." He said to Noah. "You need time to cool off."

He ran his fingers through his hair and nodded. I watched in glee as he stormed off like a toddler experiencing a tantrum. Josh leaned down to whisper something into Sawyer's ear. I only caught the end where he's dragging her to his car.

"I had fun today, Ms. Bennet." I called out with an arrogant grin. "Until next time."

I felt proud as Josh's shoulders stiffened, but even prouder as she looked at me over her shoulder with a beaming smile.

??

After an intense practice session, the tense atmosphere shifted to lightheartedness. We abandoned our instruments and lounged around the practice area. Sebastian leaned back against the amplifier as he looked at me with a wide grin. I ignored him. He continued to stare until I broke.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Stella told me you and Sawyer spent some time together yesterday."

I rolled my eyes at his desire for gossip. There's a reason Gossip Girl had always been his favourite show. His words lured our pair of friends to join us with eager ears.

"We just went to some bookstore in the next town over." I muttered, trying to play it cool.

"What did Josh have to say about that?" Liam asked.

I shrugged.

"He wasn't pleased."

"You can't blame him." Benjamin said. "I saw him freaking out after you stole his car."

Laughter filled the garage as we joked around and caught up, despite having spoken yesterday. I leaned further in the comfortable chair and took a sip of Red Bull before my phone buzzed in my pocket.

Collin.The caller ID read.

"You okay, Asher?" Liam asked, causing the room to fall into silence.

I clicked decline and tucked my phone in my pocket before mustering a smile.

"I'm fantastic." I said, ignoring the insistent buzzing.

He'll get the memo.

??