Page 3 of From Asher, With Love

For now, my life remains the same. I pluck a wild daisy growing near the roots of my favorite tree, and rub the soft petals between my fingers. At least I have nature to keep me grounded, reminding me four words never change anything.

Ever.

TWO

CHARLEIGH

Present Day

Nothing makes me question my life choices more than standing on the street in the bitter cold, bared legged in only a mini skirt and high heels. I wrap my arms around my middle and tighten my peacoat around my body, hoping it will ward off the permanent chill that has embed itself beneath my skin. I can practically feel my hardened nipples cutting through my silk blouse, too. I sigh, breathing in the intensely cold New York air, feeling it prick its way down the back of my throat. The street is busy tonight. People of all types pass me in a hurry as I stand outside the bar Julianna picked for us to meet at. Nerves bundle inside my stomach, weaving themselves into a tighter knot. My uncertainty still lingers when I think about why she wanted us to get together tonight.

“What am I doing here?” I mutter under my breath. The brisk, late-March wind floats across my cheeks as I glance down the sidewalk in both directions, hoping to catch a glimpse of my best friend. I stamp the bottom of my stiletto onto the concrete and tug my phone from the front pocket of my coat just as I seeJulianna’s name flash across the screen. I quickly slide the green button and press the warm device to my icy cheek.

“Julianna—thank God. Are you almost here?” My chin quivers against the cold breeze as I tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

“Hey, Charleigh. Are you already at the bar?” Her voice sounds weak and distant.

Why does she sound like she’s anywhere else but here?

“I’ve been standing out here for the past ten minutes. Are you inside?” I spin on my heel, and peer through the window, searching the crowd. “I don’t see you.”

The bar is small, each wall covered in faded red bricks that must be as old as New York City itself. Despite its rough appearance, I’m impressed. String lights are strung across the ceiling, giving the bar a warm, cozy glow. Just like the sidewalk where I’m standing, the bar is packed to the brim with patrons both seated at the small tables in the middle and at the long, glossed walnut bar that runs the length of the building. The wall-to-wall packed bar is the reason I happen to be standing outside instead of enjoying what I’m sure is the opposite of this frigid weather.

“This place is insanely packed,” I tell her. “What are you wearing?” I narrow my eyes even more, trying to get a better view of who is inside and catch a glimpse of Julianna’s signature fire-red hair. Perhaps I missed her as she walked in, or maybe she’s sitting at a table in the back.

“I’m not there,” Julianna finally answers, her voice growing smaller and shakier. “I think I came down with a bad case of food poisoning.”

“What?” I ask, breathless as a white cloud of hot air bursts from my mouth. Seriously, it’s ridiculous how cold it is in March. However, I’m used to this Northeast weather. I already know it doesn’t truly feel like spring until the end of April here.

“Yeah,” she gulps. “I’ve been throwing up in the toilet for the past three hours.”

“How long have you been feeling like this?”

“My stomach has felt off since last night after I left dinner.” She sighs. “Taron and I tried that new Italian place in Uptown.”

“Oh.” I scrunch my nose. “Do you want me to come over? Do you need anything?”

“No.” Julianna swallows. The flushing sound from the toilet echoes through the phone. I picture her slipping to the bathroom floor, refusing to leave her safe spot in front of the toilet. “Taron’s coming by later to bring me crackers and ginger ale.”

My teeth cut through the tip of my tongue, holding back my reaction to my best friend’s shitty boyfriend offering to come over and help. Over the years, I’ve voiced my opinion about Julianna’s on and off again relationship with Taron to no avail. Why Julianna has put up with him is beyond me. I don’t trust Taron to follow through on his promise to come over, but I can’t say much. I’ve learned it’s best to stay out of it. At least for tonight.

“I’m not sure crackers and ginger ale are what you need right now,” I mutter, bitterness souring the tip of my tongue.

“I don’t know, either.” She sighs. “I haven’t Googled food poisoning remedies, but it’s the thought that counts, right? At least Taron is trying.”

I don’t know why my best friend feels this is the type of love she deserves.

“Are you sure I can’t come by?” I offer once again, keeping my thoughts to myself.

“You need this meeting, Charleigh,” Julianna insists. “I’ll be fine.”

I close my mouth and nod. She’s right; I do need this meeting, but is it so pressing that we couldn’t possibly reschedule?

“You’re right.” I mutter.

Julianna sighs again, the lightness in her voice waning. “I’m really sorry I can’t make it.”

“It’s okay. I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well.” I know if she could be here she would. My best friend has never abandoned me when I need her the most.

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