Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 129110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
"Yeah, wow." I bite my lip, my breathing slowing. He takes my cheeks in his hands as I swallow the lump in my throat. "I guess I’ll see you in a few weeks?"
He starts shaking his head. "Next weekend. I’ll make it happen."
A second later Asher's phone rings, followed by more knocking.
"Jesus," he mumbles.
"One minute!" I shout, my voice far too airy, wincing as Asher pulls back and gets dressed. I pick up my shorts and do the same.
Then he takes my hand before opening the door and pausing. "Next weekend."
I nod as we share a smile.
The following morning, as I'm about to leave for work, a black sedan pulls into the driveway blocking my car and a man in a suit steps out. "Miss. Harris?"
"Uh, yeah?"
"Name's Smith," he extends his hand. Then opens the backseat door. "I'll be your driver."
"My what?"
"Driver." He looks confused. "I was hired to take you to and from work. Avenue of the America's. Manhattan?"
"I know where work is," I narrow my stare. Asher. "Excuse me one second."
I take out my phone and immediately text Asher.
Me: No.
The Nicest Man Ever: Well good morning, New York.
The Nicest Man Ever: You know I love a good... 2:30 in the morning wakeup.
Me: Crap. Time change, right. Sorry.
The Nicest Man Ever: I've been wanting to do this for weeks.
Me: I can't accept.
The Nicest Man Ever: See the cool thing about you being my girlfriend is I can do stuff like this and blame it on that.
Me: Sounds like you're abusing titles.
The Nicest Man Ever: Call it a belated birthday gift then?
Me: Try again.
The Nicest Man Ever: How about I'd like to talk to my girlfriend at the end of her work day without her falling asleep on me?
Me: Warmer.
The Nicest Man Ever: Smith will drive you to and from work and wherever else you need. You rest. More time to talk to me later. Your parents loved the idea.
Me: STOP TALKING TO MY PARENTS!!!
The Nicest Man Ever: LOL. Talk to you later, babe. Smith has strict orders. I suggest you get in the car.
Me: Hate you and thank you.
The Nicest Man Ever: You don't and you're welcome.
October
I was so used to Travis only doing nice things to make up for bad things that Asher's efforts surprise me.
He makes frequent trips to New York for no other reason than to hang out. He's consistent, visiting nearly every week.
I know it won't always be like this. He's going to get busy with his movie, and album, and tour. That's why I first suggested going to see him in LA.
He says he likes coming here.
He loves the normalcy and freedom of being in a small town. He hasn't said that to me per say, but it's obvious. And I guess that's why I haven't pushed going to him. And why he's in no rush to move out of Brad's.
I don't think he wants a permanent place in LA, even though it makes sense for him to have one.
I don't question it, or bring it up.
The second time I mention going to LA is when Brad shows up in the background of one of our video chats. We say hi and make small talk. Brad invites me over. Brad. Seeing Asher's expression I respond with the ever diplomatic, yeah it's been a while. Asher says the same thing about Jess, which reminds me that I need to text her. We joke about how we've been ignoring our best friends whenever we're together, and that was that.
I notice that slowly, after each visit, the draws in the guestroom fill a little more, and after he leaves his stuff stays.
I can tell this house feels like home to him.
Family meals. Movie nights. Games.
He takes on chores with an eager smile. He loves home cooked dinners. He helps Dad fix things. He plays video games with Ben. He puts on a hat and sunglasses and goes to the grocery store.
I see things differently through his eyes as he experiences things he's always wanted to through mine.
Like dressing up for Halloween.
He's never been trick-or-treating before.
"You look ridiculous," I laugh at his wig. "This is going to be fun."
"You too," he takes my entire look in with a satisfied smile.
We spent two hours at the Halloween store last weekend until we settled on these costumes.
It was worth it.
He's an evil scientist. I'm his creepy assistant.
Tonight his happiness is transparent.
This is the true Asher.
Yet no matter how ridiculous it may sound there are still those thoughts in the back of my mind.
This - his time here - isn't his whole life.
And no matter how great and wonderful it is, he has that other part of him over in Hollywood that he ignores while he's here. And that Hollywood side? I'm not a part of that. Not even a little.
Mostly because he doesn't want me there.