Page 6 of Ashton

“Are you doing okay?”

With a tight-lipped smile, I nod. “I’m trying, Ash. I have so many questions, no place to start, and the fact that it’s been pure silence from him. That’s what is eating at me.”

He places the plate on the table and sits beside me. He runs his hand through my hair, pulling me closer to his side. My body relaxes into his side.

“We’ll find him. We won’t let anything happen to you, Jinx. You know that, right?”

I shrug. My brain agrees, but my heart doesn’t. Something deep down is nagging at me; why hasn’t he contacted me yet?

“Eat, Jinx. Then we can talk.” Atticus slides my plate to the edge of the table. “I can’t talk on an empty stomach.”

I grab the plate, rolling my eyes. I’ve seen Atticus talk for hours without eating a bite; I know what he’s trying to do. He’s lucky that I’m letting him get his way. Without another word, I dig into my fried rice. I’m only eating to make him happy. When I look up from my plate, the guys are staring.

“What now?” I wave my fork in the air, getting annoyed.

Maddox smirks and Ashton shrugs. But fuckin’ Atticus stares back. He sure knows how to get under my skin. I forcefully shove another forkful of rice into my mouth, never taking my eyes off Atticus. I can’t help it. I give him the biggest smile in return. If he can’t tell me what he wants, that’s not my problem.

My phone dings from inside my fanny pack, and nobody moves for what feels like an eternity. My bag sits next to me, tormenting me. DidUnknownfinally get tired of waiting around? Placing my plate on the floor, I reach for my phone. My fingers shake as I try to unzip my stupid fanny pack.

“Hold up, Jinx.” Atticus stops me before I can retrieve my phone.

“Why?” I look up at him—his brow furrows when he tries to answer. Ashton moves for my pack, grabbing my phone. I hold my breath, waiting for disaster to strike.

Then Ashton laughs.

“How well do you know your friend, Spencer?” he asks.

“Pretty good. Why?” I try to reach the phone, but he holds it over his head.

“He sent you a selfie, and I’m unsure how to feel about it.”

Oh, dear God. It could be anything from Spence. I wouldn’t put it past him to send a dick pic just to get a reaction out of me and for me to storm down and talk to him. I grab the phone and stare at the screen.

I’m greeted with a picture of Spence sitting on the toilet with his pants down. He holds an empty toilet roll, pouting and giving me puppy dog eyes.

Pencil: I’m out. Got any up in the tower?

Me: Are you kidding? A selfie! You could’ve just asked for TP!

Pencil: Yeah, but this way, you can see my face. Haven’t you missed me?

I look back at Ashton, and he quirks a brow. “I need to go visit Spence. Are you guys fine here?”

“Seriously? We were in the middle of supper?” Atticus snaps.

I grip my fork tight. “And I’m going to see my friend. You can’t expect me to always hang out with you three. I did have a life before you all started here.”

Maddox stands, heading to where I’m standing, and reaches for me. “I’ll walk her down. Calm yourself, Ace. She won’t be alone.”

Atticus rolls his eyes and goes back to eating. Whatever, I don’t have time for his mini meltdown. Atticus should remember this next time he runs out of toilet paper and texts me. Maybe I’ll be too busy to deliver. Taking Maddox’s hand, he lifts me off the floor with ease. I make my way to the bathroom and grab Spence a couple of rolls. Dickhead should go shopping if he ran out this fast.

Maddox doesn’t speak until we’re in the stairwell.

“Does Spencer usually send you bathroom selfies?”

I can’t help but laugh. “Regarding Spence, you can’t let your guard down. He’s unpredictable. In a good way, don’t get me wrong. Do you know what I mean? You have the twins and would do anything for them, even if it’s stupid. Like, deliver toilet paper.”

Maddox rubs my back, chuckling. “Yeah, you’re right. But I don’t think I would send a selfie.”

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