I really am just being silly.
Another ten minutes pass, and I click my fingernails on the countertop. My glass is empty; I already used the restroom. I walk over to the window, peering down at the road. There is no sign of his Mustang. Maybe traffic is bad, or he forgot something and had to go back.
Maybe he forgot.
Maybe he doesn’t want to come.
Maybe Jaylen figured it out, and he feels so bad, he’s ghosting me.
Maybe Jaylen killed him.
My phone buzzes, and I jump out of my skin.
“Jesus, girl, get your shit together,” I scold myself and check my phone. It’s a text from him.
Asher: I’m really sorry. Something came up, and I’m not going to be able to make it.
My stomach drops as I read the text again, just to be sure. He’s not coming. My shoulders slump, and I find myself worrying. The what-ifs filling my head aren’t what ifs about me. I’m worried that something is wrong.
Chapter 32
Asher
Ifeel bad. Obviously.
I’m aware I should have given her a reason, not just a vague text. I probably should have called, but the reason I didn’t was because I was on the phone. There was an emergency, and I had to handle it. I’m sure she will understand. At least, that’s what I am hoping.
When I get to work the next day, Harper is already there. I stop in the threshold of my door. She’s moving around my desk, organizing papers. There’s a coffee from my favorite shop sitting on my desk as well, and I feel like shit.
“Hey,” I say as I walk in, setting my things down.
“Hey,” she says without looking at me. Which is a shame. She looks gorgeous as usual, but somehow that makes this even worse. Probably because her green eyes are brimming with worry.
“Listen, Harper, about last night,” I start in, but she cuts me off.
“Something came up. I understand. You’re a busy man,” she says, rearranging the papers again.
“No. It’s not that. I know that’s not an acceptable excuse. I should have called, but something came up and I was…panicking.”
I sound like an idiot. Vague and insincere. I also sound secretive, which I hate.
“Okay,” she says. It falls flat, and I’m not okay with it at all. Then she adds, “You know, Ash. You can tell me anything. Whatever the reason is, if you say it was a good reason–”
“It was,” I say.
“Then I’ll believe you, but I can’t believe what I don’t know.”
I take in a deep breath and hold it. After a long moment, a moment where I have to do a bit of not so fun deconstruction on my heart, I let the breath out.
“Grab your purse and your coat,” I tell her, picking up the coffee she got for me.
“What?” she asks.
“It’s cold out. You’re going to need your coat. I’m going to show you something,” I say.
“Okay. What is it?” she asks as she follows me out of my office.
“The only reason I would blow off our date,” I tell her.
