You don't agree to let him teach you-
When I do glance up again, it's only for a second - long enough to register what everyone else always does.
Asher Hudson has always been... noticeable.
Tall in a way that makes rooms feel smaller. Broad shoulders, dark hair, that easy confidence that drew people in without him ever trying. He's the kind of guy girls used to orbit in high school, trailing after him in packs, suddenly very interested in being Charlottes best friend the moment they realised who her brother was.
It never lasted.
As soon as Asher made it clear he wasn't interested, they'd disappear just as quickly, leaving Charlotte hurt and confused and wondering what she'd done wrong. I'd seen it happen more than once - friendships fizzling out the moment they realised proximity to him didn't mean access.
It made it really hard to make friends in school, wondering who was there for Charlotte and who was there for her brother - or mine.
That's why Charlie and I tended to just stick together. Having one true friend was better than having many fake friends.
What Asher proposed-
It doesn't seem that easy, but he spoke like it was. When I really think about it, I guess it is. I don't see Charlie's brother as anyone except - well Charlie's brother.
It's not like I have a crush on him or any feelings to develop. I've known him my whole life, I doubt a few more conversations - even if they are a little bit R-rated, will change anything.
His blue eyes settle on me now, and I stumble, almost crashing it Charlotte.
She rights me, arms on my shoulder.
"Are you okay? You're quiet."
I nod, forcing myself to ignore the man shooting picks in the corner of the rink and focus on Charlie.
"Is this about Dain the dickless donkey?" I almost grin at her nickname for him.
I shake my head. "I'm fine." I focus of my edges.
Left. Right. Cross. Breathe.
Charlotte glides beside me, her eyes perceptive. "You're distracted."
"I'm not."
"You just nearly clipped the boards."
"I did not."
She narrows her eyes.
I push harder, forcing myself into rhythm.
Charlotte skates up beside me, nudging my shoulder. "Soo."
I groan immediately. "No."
She laughs. "You can't pre-no me."
"I absolutely can."
She grins wickedly. "Any updates on what we talked about yesterday?"
My stomach tightens.
