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Oh.
Screwing up his face, Asher closed his eyes tightly as a low groan escaped from the edge of his mouth.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” His mom grinned, and the corners at her eyes crinkled.
“I’m guessing you saw…”I can’t bring myself to see it.
“I’m afraid I did. Not that I disapprove! If I’m being honest, I’ve been waiting for this for years, and so has Meredith.” The delight in Jean’s voice made Asher’s shoulders drop even lower.
“Sorry, but I don’t think you’re going to get your wish. And I’m not going to get mine.”So much for not telling her anything.
The smile vanished from his mom’s expression. “Why? What happened?”
“Before you ask, I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t really do anything at all! I don’t really understand what’s going on.” Giving his mom a half-shrug, he tried to smile, but it cracked quickly. “I didn’t get a chance to speak to her yesterday, but I never thought she’d end up telling me she just wanted to be friends.”
“She said that?”
He nodded, his heart twisting painfully. “I got a text yesterday around lunchtime. She was at home but busy working for the rest of the day, and then she went to bed without even speaking to me.” His shoulders lifted as though he didn’t really feel the pain that sliced through him. “Then this morning, I got up and came here, and she was still in her bedroom. We haven’t talked, not one word. I don’t think she wants me to talk to her, either.”
Jean took in a deep breath, considering for a few seconds. “One thing’s for sure, Asher. You’re not going to get any answers talking to me. This is hurting you, and carrying it around on your shoulders won’t help anyone.” Smiling, she stepped back and put one hand out to the side, gesturing for him to leave. “So why don’t you go find her? Even if she doesn’t want to talk, you can’t leave things like this. They’ll only fester until there’s nothing of the friendship you have left.”
Asher shook his head. “I’m needed here.”
“We can do without you for a few hours. Besides, most of the guests are at the Tomato and Rhubarb Festival. It’ll be good for them to see you there. It’ll show them that we’re a real community.”
“That’s the worst excuse I’ve ever heard”
“That’s because I’m trying to get rid of you.”
Despite himself, Asher laughed, raking one hand over his hair. “Okay, okay. I’ll go to the festival.”
“Good.” A slightly triumphant smile lifted his mom’s expression. “Whatever is going on between you and Willow, your friendship is too important to ignore it. You’ll end up ruining things between you if you hide here and she hides in her room. And deep down, I know you don’t want that.”
“No, I don’t.” Letting out a heavy sigh, Asher dropped a kiss to Jean’s cheek. “I guess I’ll see you later.”
* * *
I hate this.
Asher rubbed his hands together, hating that he was sweaty and nervous. He couldn’t remember the last time he had ever felt this way, and he had certainly never felt like this around Willow. It was hot, and the air filled with conversation and laughter, but none of it made Asher smile.
Meredith’s party had been one of the most incredible moments of his life, but yesterday, Willow had taken everything away in a single second. He didn’t understand it. They had been on the cusp of something amazing, something incredible—and now it seemed as though he was only going to get a taste before it was snatched away. A grimace pulled at the corners of his mouth, and his eyebrows dropped low.
Maybe this is the end of our friendship. Maybe that kiss is going to change everything.
“If you keep walking around like that, then you’re going to give the Tomato and Rhubarb Festival a bad name.”
Asher glanced up, trying to pull himself out of his thoughts. “Good morning, Meredith.”At least try and smile.“I see you’ve got your booth set up as usual.”
“I have—and some of my essential oil blends are really popular this year. I’m glad I made extra!” Pointing to one of the crystals on the table, she gave him a knowing look. “From the looks of you, I’d say you need this one.”
Indulging her, Asher picked up the turquoise-colored crystal. “Really? Why?”
Meredith put both hands on her hips. “This is an aqua aura quartz. Crystals with these colors can help bring peaceandhelp there to be harmony between you and those you love.”
A knot tied itself in Asher’s heart, and he swallowed hard, putting the crystal down on the table.
“Thanks, Meredith, but I think I’m okay on that count.”
