Page 57 of Tobias

Glancing at Max, he just shrugs and focuses his attention on the computer, tapping away on the keyboard.Thanks for the help.

“I guess… Follow me.”

I lead him down a few halls, to the employee lounge, which is sizable enough that we can talk at one end and not worry about others overhearing our conversation. There are always people in here, since it’s the only lounge and this place has a couple floors with plenty of employees.

I take a seat at the round table toward the back, and once he does the same, I ask, “What is this about?”

“Theo.”

“Theo?” I blurt out. “How do you know Theo?”

“He’s my best friend. Has been forever.”

This is weird.

“Okay… Is he okay?”

Why else would he be here talking to me about Theo? And how does he even know I know Theo? Does Theo know he’s here? And does Theo know that Asher tried hooking up with me? What kind of twisted small world is this?

“Yeah, he’s okay. As okay as he can be, anyway.”

“What does that mean?” I ask carefully.

“Physically, he’s fine. He wasn’t in an accident or anything.”

I stare at him for a moment, trying to figure out what’s going on.

“So, why are you here?”

He clears his throat, folding his hands on the table. “I’m worried about him.”

“And you’re coming to me, why? You just saidyou’rehis best friend.”

I hope I didn’t get Theo wrong. I hope he isn’t some psycho stalker who told all his friends we’re dating or something. I don’t need to deal with that shit. That doesn’t seem like Theo, but I’ve been wrong about people before—perfect example, Brandon.

“I am, but you guys have been hanging out. As friends.” He adds the last part slowly, holding eye contact. “I only came here to ask that you keep an eye on him and let me know if you notice anything off.”

“I’m so confused…”

Asher sighs, shifting in his seat. “Look… Theo is a great guy, but he’s dealing with a lot. Things you’re aware of. I just want to make sure my friend is okay because he doesn’t always come to me with his problems. I get that part is my fault, but still.”

“Your fault, how?” I ask.

“Doesn’t matter.” He waves me off. “The point is I’m worried about him and just want to know that he’s okay. So, can you please just reach out to me if you think something is wrong?”

I’m relieved that this is what he’s here for. That I wasn’t wrong about Theo, and Asher is just a concerned friend. There’s nothing wrong with what he’s doing, and in a way itmakes me feel like shit because I don’t have anyone to do this for me.

“Sure, I can do that,” I finally say. “I’ll get your number from Max?”

“That would be great, thank you.” We both get up and head out of the lounge.

“You came all the way here just to say this?” I ask. “You could have got my number or something.”

“I knew Max wouldn’t give it to me, and he only let you know I was here today because I threatened to put gum in his hair.”

I bark out a laugh, shaking my head. “You’re a good friend." I pause a moment, then add, "Shitty brother though."

He grins at me, and we part ways. He heads toward the exit, and I go back to work. All shift, all I can think about is how much I wish I had a friend like Asher. How Brandon ruined everything for me. How Brandon ruinedme.

---