Page 41 of Harmony Island Gazette
What if it turned out to be nothing? Was I willing to give up years of friendship with Asher for a potential story?
“You have to make sure there’s something there before you blow everything up,” I told my reflection, pointing my finger at myself so I knew to take myself seriously.
I’d always been so good at trusting my intuition. And Asher had always been so good at encouraging me to trust my intuition. This was the first time he’d asked me to stay away.
This was the first time my journalistic nature might hurt someone I loved. And I didn’t know how to juggle both things. I wanted to protect Asher, but also reveal the wrongdoings of someone closely tied to him. Thinking about it was causing knots to form in my stomach.
I shook my head. “The solution is to stop thinking about it,” I mumbled under my breath as I flipped open my makeup bag and pulled out my foundation.
I went with a simple face today. After I blow-dried my hair, I turned off the bathroom light and made my way into my bedroom. I settled on a white shirt to go with my skirt. I dressed before I went back into the bathroom to curl my hair now that it had cooled.
I was finished and heading into the kitchen when my phone chimed.
Asher:You up?
I smiled even though his message made my stomach twist.
Me:Of course. Up and dressed.
Asher:Heading to the farmers’ market?
I shook my head.
Me:You know me too well.
I set my phone down on the counter and busied myself with making some coffee. I grabbed a mug and a pod, and situated everything before I turned the machine on. Then I yawned as I rested my hip against the counter and waited.
Asher:Do you mind if your lifelong friend joins you?
I tapped the edge of my phone as I read his words. Normally, I’d love for him to come. But things were strained between us. Asher didn’t feel any different—his text was proof of that—but I did. But if I rejected his request, he was going to ask me why. Did I really want to answer that?
“Ugh.” I sighed as I rested my hands on the counter, dropped my head, and stretched out, closing my eyes. “Why is this so hard?” I moaned.
The coffee machine turned off. I straightened and removed my mug. I held it in both of my hands as I took a few sips. Maybe after I was sufficiently caffeinated, I would feel better. The answer to all of my problems would be made known.
After I’d drank half of my cup, I still felt conflicted. I glared at my phone like it was the problem before I picked it up and swiped it on. Asher’s latest text stared back at me as if daring me to respond. I knew I couldn’t leave him onread. I was going to have to respond at some point.
Right now was as good of a time as any.
Me:Sure! Sorry that took so long. I needed some caffeine.
I paused.
Me:Meet me in thirty?
Asher sent back a thumbs-up emoji. I clicked my phone off and set it back down on the counter. I drank the rest of my coffee and then rinsed the mug out in the sink. I dried my hands, grabbed my phone and my purse that was hanging on the wall. I pulled the strap up onto my shoulder as I pulled my keys from inside. Then I opened my apartment door and stepped outside.
The sun was shining and wind blew around me, smelling like salt and relaxation. I turned and locked the door before I headed down the stairs to the parking lot. I was so grateful when Asher found me this apartment. It was close to the water and the view was picturesque every time I stepped outside.
I climbed into my car and turned the engine on. Fifteen minutes later, I pulled into the town square and found a parking spot down one of the narrow streets. Just as I slammed the driver’s door and moved to open the back so I could grab my shopping bag, I heard Asher’s familiar voice. “Hey, Ella.”
My insides twisted from the familiar cadence of him speaking my name. I felt guilty and annoyed at the same time. I forced a smile and straightened. “Hey,” I breathed out as I found the strap to my bag and threaded my arm through it. “Have you been waiting long?”
Asher was wearing a pair of shorts and a black t-shirt. He looked so relaxed compared to his normal suit and tie. He shoved his hands into his front pockets and shook his head. “Nope. Just got here.” He nodded toward his truck that was parked on the opposite side of the road.
I let my gaze roam over him before I frowned. “You don’t have a bag.” I narrowed my eyes. “If you think you’re going to be using mine, you’re sorely mistaken.”
He chuckled as he shook his head. “Don’t worry, I would never imagine asking you to share your bag with me.” He shrugged. “I’m just here to spend some time with you.” His half smile made me feel even more guilty for how I’d been acting.
