Page 22 of Be Your Somebody
Chapter 15
Cassidy
The best friend bootcamp
MyconversationwithAsherhas been playing in my head for weeks, but my brain is still an empty canvas. What does he mean by‘remind her of our friendship’? I needed to prove myself to her through my actions, but I could only think to talk to her. I scrub my face aggressively, irritated that I can't figure it out. I thought about contacting Asher again to get more guidance, but he’s right. I need to figure this shit out on my own.
Feeling suffocated by the walls of my bedroom, I make my way downstairs in desperate need of some air. One of the many pros of rehab is learning to find healthy outlets for our feelings. I found that goingfor a walk or run mixed with some strength training has saved my mental health. Sure, I may have some abs from it, but that wasn’t the end goal. I just want to feel better, and I feel incredible after a workout.
I glance over toward Avery’s house and wonder if she thinks I’ve given up on her. I haven't talked to her since our last conversation. She made her demands, and I can’t go to her now without a plan. She was so hurt the last time I saw her. I keep praying she hasn't given up hope. I let myself take one more glance at her house before I continue.
Something about walking along the water is soothing. My mind is eerily quiet and my body is calm. The dock comes into my line of sight and I pause a moment, allowing happy memories to fill my mind. Instead of continuing down the path, I make my way over to sit down. I stare out at the water and remember all the times Avery and I would sit in this spot whenever we needed a break from life. I laugh as my mind revisits the jumps we would do and the ridiculous names we would come up with while in mid-air.
Other memories are like a blizzard in my brain. I remember Avery and I sneaking out of the house to stargaze, pushing each other on the swings, playing games at the park, having movie marathons, and baking cookies. No matter what we did together, I was always happy. We both were.
Remind her of the friendship you used to have.
The lightbulb in my head goes off. I reach into my pocket for my phone to text Asher before I lose my train of thought.
Me: I’ve figured out what I want to do to win Avery back. Are you busy?
Asher: I’m at work and my buddy is coming to hang out, but you’re welcome to hang out with us.
Me: Be there in thirty.
I like hanging out at Aces. Who knew I could hang out in a bar and not get shit-faced? My friendship with Asher has also been a pleasant surprise. Having someone else in my corner who will be supportive, but also call me out on my bullshit, is something I’ve needed.
Twenty-five minutes later, I’m sitting at one ofAce’s bar stools, hanging out with Asher while he makes drinks for the other patrons. I’m drinkingmy water and minding my business when someone sits on the stool next to me. Whoever it is must be Asher’s friend. I glance up and come face-to-face with the man that was at Avery’s house.Fuck.
“Oh, hey, Cas. Didn’t know you’d be here today,” Max says as he claps me on the back. How is he so chill with me when I was a complete ass to him?
“Yeah. Hey, listen. I’m sorry for being such a dick to you that day at Avery’s house.” I put a smile on my face, hoping he won’t cuss me out.
“I’d be jealous, too, if someone was after my girl.” Max’s face breaks out into a lopsided grin so contagious you can’t help but smile back.
“Thanks, man. Wait, she's not my girl…” is all I manage to say.
“She is,” Asher and Max respond, simultaneously. Asher walks over to us with a drink in his hand for Max.
“She's not. We’re just friends. Well, trying to be, I guess.” I look at them as they glance at each other before bursting into laughter.
“So, this plan is solely for rekindling your friendship and nothing more? I call bullshit,” Asher huffs.
Max looks between the two of us, looking like a lost puppy. “Wait, what am I missing?”
Asher turns toward Max to fill him in while I groan into my glass. “Cas wants to repair his relationship with Avery. He says it’s just to be friends with her again, but after his little jealousy stint when he saw you at Avery’s, I think it’s more than that.” Asher and Max look at me with knowing grins on their faces.
Bastards.
“Wait, you were jealous ofme? You didn’t think Avery and I—” Max starts to ask the question, but my grimace stops him. Then, within seconds, Max is wheezing because of how hard he’s laughing.
“Me and—me and Avery? Dude, no. We kissed once a long time ago, but yeah, that’s—oh God, that's fucking funny.”
“Wow, gee, thanks,” I grumble. But it’s hard to stay irritated. Max is a golden retriever, a child in an adult body.
“Okay, okay. So what plan do you have?” Max genuinely asks. I tell them about my walk and how I thought about everything Avery and I used to do together. Asher takes out a pad of paper and writes down each activity.
