Page 85 of Love is Strange
EMBER
Sometimes it makesme ache when I hear Casey and Ash teasing each other and the easy banter they share as siblings. I’m an only child, which means it was lonely growing up. I always wished for a brother or sister, and I found that in Casey. She's my best friend, and my sister in every way but blood, so it hurts me that I have any kind of feelings for Ash.
I’m determined not to let him ruin our friendship. Even if I were old enough to be with him, it would only end in disaster, and I won’t risk losing Casey because of it. I mentally shake myself and promise not to let him affect me, as hard as it may be. After this weekend I won't let Ash confuse my feelings any more than he already has.
“You two are crazy,” I laugh, letting their light hearted teasing, calm my nerves.
Casey shrugs and smiles. “Yeah, but growing up we practically tore each other’s hair out. This is just a bit of fun compared to back then. We drove our mom mad.”
Lying down on one of the two small couches in the living room to watch a movie, I say to her, “Must have been nice to have someone there with you.”
Casey sits up and looks at me. “It’s not always as enjoyable as it seems.”
We sit quietly for a while after that, eating popcorn and watching the movie. That is until Casey throws a handful at me.
“Hey!” I say, giggling and throwing a handful back at her.
Later, Casey turns to look at me, “I miss him when he’s gone, Em. He might drive me mad, especially when he's acting like an ass, but I still miss having him around. If it weren't for you, I’d be alone a lot more. I’m so glad you’re here.”
I give her a hug. “Me too, Case. I’m glad I’m here too.”
The next morning, we’re sitting at the kitchen table having breakfast when my phone lights up with a message, which I pick up and read. Frowning at the contents, I turn to show the screen to my friend. “Casey, look at this.”
She reaches out and takes the phone from my hand and laughs, “Oh my God! I can’t believe Ollie is asking you out. “
I shake my head. “I know right! But I think I’m going to tell him no.”
Casey frowns. “You shouldn’t; you should make plans with him.”
I know why she's saying this, and a part of me agrees. I should listen to her and say yes. However, the silly part of me with hearts in her eyes doesn’t want to give up on Ash. I chew my lip, considering, before typing out YES. I feel kind of strange after sending my reply, but I try not to think too hard about the reason why.
I smile shyly at Casey, trying to shake off the weird feeling. “I told him yes.”
She jumps up, squealing. “I'll make you look awesome when you do go on a date with him! You need this, Em. Even if it's just a movie or dinner, you need to go out and have some fun.”
I feel eyes on my back at that moment, and turn my head just enough to see Ash standing there with a dark look on his handsome face. I have to stifle a moan when he slowly sucks those metal rings into his mouth.
I can’t deal with him right now. I could barely face Casey last night after he practically devoured me with his mouth. I shove the memory away, but I still squirm slightly in my seat, making a point of ignoring him while I carry on talking to my friend.
“What should I wear? Have you got anything I can borrow?” I ask her, giving him my back again.
“Ooooh, I have an adorable top that’ll look great with your skinny jeans, and you have got to let me do your hair and makeup. Even if it doesn’t go anywhere, you should still look gorgeous.” Casey babbles so fast her words are almost running into one another.
“Breathe, Case. Slow down before you turn blue.” I laugh at her enthusiasm, which is more than I can muster although it's rubbing off on me a little bit.
The tiniest bubble of excitement is forming in my stomach, and a night out with Ollie is sounding more and more appealing by the minute. Even with Ash burning a hole in my back with his glare from the doorway.
Casey stops, spotting him standing there. “Hey, Ash. Sleep well?”
Ash nods and goes over to the coffee machine to make a drink. I’m not sure if Casey senses it or if I’m just on edge, but the tension in the room just shot way up. I know he heard Casey talking about the date with Ollie, but I can’t find the will to care. I’m too wrapped up in the way his eyes sweep over me from across the kitchen, and I wonder if I’m making a terrible mistake.
Chapter Twelve
ASH
I’m slowly losingmy mind with this girl. She's pulling on every thread of patience I possess, and it’s only a matter of time before the last one snaps. I’m not sure what to do, but I know I need to stop this ‘date’ from happening.
I shoot Casey a death glare when Ember isn’t looking, and the little brat smirks at me. She doesn’t want Ember to be with me, but whatever her reasons, I can’t find it in me to care about any of them. Her thoughts on it don’t matter because I will have Ember in the end.
