Chapter 23
2112words
Three days when by like this. By Tutor, on Friday, I was hanging by a hairs thread. I hadn't been sleeping, my appetite was significantly reduced, and I felt just generally down. My life lacking meaning and joy. It didn't help that I saw Loki at least three times a day and he would flat out ignore me. And Tutor was no different. Loki had taken to sitting at the back of the room while Asher and I were near the front.
Asher had been speaking to me, but my mind had already drifted to other things. He looked at me expectantly, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“Sorry Ash, I wasn't listening,” I admit, giving him a lopsided smile.
“You need a break. You look burnt out and ready to stab me with a pencil if I look at you funny,” he teases, leaning back on his chair. I groan.
“I don't really have time for a break; Storm is in terrible shape,” I admit, rubbing at my temple. fuck, I was so goddam tired.
“That is exactly why you need a break. I love Storm; you know that. But this isn't healthy. It would be best if you took some time for yourself so that you can be a positive influence on her. Otherwise, you’re both going to crumble and then what?” He debates. He wasn't wrong. I knew that my mindset affected Storm, but it's so hard to step back sometimes. When you see someone drowning, you jump in; you don't stand there and watch.
“What do you suggest?” I consider. His smile widens.
“How about you and I go out for lunch today. That way, you can still see her after school,” he suggests, his amber eyes sparkling with glee.
“Fine. But you’re paying,” I agree, Sitting back in my chair.
“I wouldn't have it any other way,” He winked. Oh god, I was so going to regret this. I sent Storm a quick text to tell her I wouldn't be coming at lunchtime but would be there after school instead when the bell rang, signalling lunch. Asher was already jumping out of his chair, looking at me excitedly.
“This isn't a date. You know that, right?” I question, raising an eyebrow at him. He laughed.
“Such a heartbreaker!” Asher teased, holding out his arm for me. I walked past it. Shaking my head at him, a smile tugging on my lips. Loki, who was usually already gone by now, glanced between us before slowly rising out of his chair. Clearly, he had been watching our exchange. Fantastic.
I walked by in silence, keeping my eyes glued to the floor. Asher walked beside me, a big fuck of smile on his face. Gods sake. At least he wasn't talking in front of Loki because that would go well. I hurry my pace, Asher easily keeping up with me with his long legs. I didn't need to look behind me to know that Loki was watching us. His piercing black eyes, drilling holes into the back of my skull.
I still felt his eyes on me as we got into the parking lot. Was he fucking following me? Loki was the one who had been ignoring me for the past five days. Not me. Even if I had hurt him, he needed to grow up. I wanted to laugh. Was he so possessive that if he couldn't have me, nobody could? Asher was a friend, for fuck sake. Not a potential screw; unlike him, I wasn't like that anymore. We walked over to Asher land rover, and I quickly got into the passenger seat. Sliding down in the seat as far as humanly possible, peering into the rear-view mirror. Sure enough, Loki was standing in the parking lot a few cars back, looking pissed as hell. Great. Just great.
“Do I even want to know?” Asher snickered, peering at me.
“Drive,” I order, covering my eyes with my hand. He laughed.
“Yes, Ma'am,” Asher grinned, pressing the button to turn on the engine and put the car into reverse. His arm coming over the back of my seat as he looks out the back window to reverse. Only after we were safely out of the sighs of prying eyes did I let out the breath I'd been holding. Sitting up in the leather seats. Asher grinned, peering at me at the corner of his eye. “Do I need to start watching my back?” He asked, an amused glint in his eyes.
“Why would you ask that?” I question, a little too defensively.
“I don’t know. Maybe you didn't notice the daggers Loki was throwing our way,” He remarked, seeming highly amused. “Didn't know you were spoken for.”
“I'm not”, I sigh, trying to find a way to get Asher to stop asking questions “it's complicated...”
“Awh. So you rejected him too?” He teased, a knowing look in his eyes. “Like I said, heart breaker.”
“Shut up!” I protest, crossing my arms over my chest. “You better keep this conversation to yourself, or you have more than me to deal with,” He laughed.
“Understood. Everything you say is in complete confidentiality,” he proposes, before quickly adding, “You know I like being the one to hold all you’re secret’s. It makes me feel important.”
“Don't get used to it”, I teased, sticking my tongue out at him. He laughs, shaking his head at me.
We turn off the main road, pulling into the dinner on Blossom Lake’s high street. Asher gets out quickly runs around the side of the car, opening it for me and offering his hand. I burst out laughing.
“What?” He grins.
“You are such a nerd”, I taunt, taking his hand and allowing him to help me out of the car. I couldn't help myself; I felt like a well-established Lady from the nineteen hundreds and Asher a fine gentleman accompanying me to dine. When I get out of the car, I curtsy to him. “Well, thank you, Mr Whiteforn, it’s a true honour to have you accompany me, on such a fine occasion, such as this,” I exclaim, putting on my finest courtly voice. I extend my hand to him. Asher didn't hesitate for a second. “Awh, well, of course, Lady Winters. There is no finer company to keep,” He responses, putting on his own gentlemanly voice. He takes my hand, making me rise to my feet before interlinking my arm with his arm. “Shall we?” he offers.
“Indeed we shall,” I reply.
People in the street were watching us like we had gone mad. I laughed so hard it made my stomach hurt as we walked inside the diner, still arm in arm. I didn't know how, but Asher had managed to cheer me up and forget all my problems. I really enjoyed his company. He knew how to make me laugh and was also so chilled out, and it made me feel it too. He could reflect my awkward, weird side to a tee and took all the banter I threw at him, sending it back just as hard. I didn't know why I'd never considered him more than just Adam's friend before. He'd proven to me to be much more than just one of the jocks he hung around with.
Lunch was over way too quickly; we reluctantly piled back into the car and drove back to school. Thankfully Loki wasn't still lurking in the car park, nor was Adam anywhere to be seen. Thank god. I couldn't be bothered to deal with their drama. Asher tried to open the door again for me, but I got there first, waving him off.
“It was cute the first time Ash, don't push it,” I giggle, closing the door behind me.
“Can't blame a guy for trying. Can I at least walk you to your next class?” He offered, his amber eyes filled with hope. I couldn't say no without feeling like a total arse. I roll my eyes.
“Fine. But quit being so nice,” I retort, letting him walk beside me as we head back inside. I notice the other students eyeing us as we walk through the halls. It was a different kind of look to when I was with Loki; people were smiling at us and seemed generally happy to see us together. It was a little disconcerting. I looked to Asher, who had been quietly thinking while we walked, his hands in his pockets.
“What?” I ask him, my tone a little harsh.
“I was just thinking, I had a really good time with you today,” He remarked, a cute half-smile tugging at his lips. Was he... nervous? I let my eyes soften and offered him a small smile.
“Yeah, you’re not quite what I expected,” I admit, as close to a compliment as I would give him.
“In a good way, I hope?” I looked away from him, focusing on the hall in front; I didn't know why I felt guilty. I knew he liked me, had made it clear he had been crushing on me since I was sixteen. Yet this felt different. I had never gone out with him, just the two of us before. Letting him buy me lunch and milkshakes. We had laughed; it had really been fun. But... did I like him in that way? He was probably the sweetest guy I had ever met. He was a good listener, funny, cute and had really nice eyes.
“Oh god!” Asher stopped walking, turning to me “what did I do?” he asked, puzzled.
“Nothing, you were perfect,” I insist, giving him a reassuring smile “, but...this wasn't a date,” I remind him, trying to keep my voice soft, kind.
“I know that,” He shrugged, his eyes meeting mine. “You know how I feel about you. I'm never going to pretend that it is any other way. I enjoy spending time with you, and I'll always be your friend Scarlett. No matter what, that will never change.” he pauses, taking a deep breath. His amber eyes were vulnerable as he finally counties. “I just want you to consider exploring the possibility that maybe we could be more than that. All you got to do is say the word, and I'll take you on a proper date. If you don't feel anything, then it’s fair enough. But we will never know unless you give me a chance.” I take a deep breath considering his request.
It was not the first time I had considered dating Asher Whiteforn. He was the prince charming of men, the one that opens doors for you, would text to make sure you got home safe. He would kiss you, not because he wanted to get into your pants, but because he wanted to be with you. The kind of guy you date in high school and end up marrying and having three kids with. He was the obvious choice—the safe option.
“I'll consider it,” I finally answer, letting a shy smile tug at my lips. Asher's face lit up like he had just won the lottery. It was a really infectious smile. “Come on, nerd, we need to get to class,” I chuckle, nudging him with my shoulder.
“Yes, ma'am,” Asher replies, giving me a bow. I laugh, shaking my head at him.
We walk to the end of the hallway, then turn right toward the English block and toward my classroom. Asher stopping just outside, a big smile on his face. “Hug?” He offered, holding his hands out. I give him a quick hug, having to go up on my tiptoes to reach his broad shoulders. Guys started whistling at us down the other end of the hall. Followed by a few shouts.
“Whiteforn!” One of the guys shouted.
“Get in there!” Another said.
“Finally!” I Heard a family voice; I recognised it as Shawn. “About bloody time!” he said, followed by a loud laugh. We quickly pulled away.
“Shut up!” Asher shouts back, shaking his head at them. They didn't move but thankfully kept their dam mouths shut. He turned back to me with an apologetic look in his eyes. “Sorry about them; I honestly didn't realise they were there. Forgive me?”
“It's okay, just set them straight. Okay?” I ask him, my eyes darting back to them.
“Of course, have a good one,” He nods, walking backwards towards his friends. “Oh, and text me!” he winks, giving me a small wave before turning away. I watch as he joins his friends. The guys cheering, Shawn puts his arm around Asher's shoulders, patting him on the back. Fuck my life.
