Page 33 of Penalized Love

“Definitely.” He chuckles softly. “Look at us, being all mature and shit.”

“Yeah, who would have thought?” I say with a small smile. The tension between us has eased a bit but is still very much present.

Asher’s gaze lingers on me for a moment before he speaks. “Now that we’ve mostly gotten that out of the way…how have you been? Besides the whole photographer gig.”

I shrug, tracing my finger along the rim of my mug. “Oh, you know, just living the glamorous life of a college student. Classes, homework, existential crises. The usual.”

He laughs at that, a genuine sound that brings back memories. “Sounds about right.”

I chuckle along with him. Relief is the only emotion I feel as we shift the conversation to something lighter after… that. “And what about you? How’s the life of a hockey superstar treating you?”

Asher shakes his head. “I don’t know about superstar, but it’s been good. Busy, but good. The team’s coming together this year.”

“I can tell. You guys looked great out there last night.”

Asher’s eyes light up at the mention of the game. “Thanks. It felt good to get that win, and hopefully, it’s a sign of good things to come this season.”

“I have a feeling it will be. You guys have a lot of talent, obviously. Made it easy to get some excellent shots.”

“I saw the ones posted on our social media pages. You did an excellent job.”

I shake my head, willing myself not to blush. “Only a few of those were mine.”

“My point still stands.”

“Well, I appreciate the compliment,” I say, trying to keep my tone casual. “I’m just happy to be a part of the team.”

“Do you still love Skittles? I know you used to eat them sometimes when you were shooting.”

My head jerks back. “You remember that?”

“Of course I do.” His gaze softens. “I remember a lot of things about you, Isla.”

The way he says my name makes my heart ache. I take a long breath before trying to steer the conversation back to safer ground. “Well, that was a long time ago. Things change.”

“Some things, maybe. But not everything.”

There’s an intensity to his gaze that makes me want to look away, but I force myself to hold steady. “Asher, don’t. We can’t go down that road again.”

He sighs, leaning back in his chair. “I know, and I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make this weird.”

“It’s okay.” I manage a small smile. “We’re both still figuring out how to navigate this new…thing.”

“That we are, sunshine. That we are.”

I look back up at him, startled by the words he’s just said. However, it’s as if he doesn’t realize he’s said them. The nickname he gave me years ago rolls off his tongue as if he’s been saying it all of this time.

I debate whether I want to point out what he’s done, but quickly decide against it. I have to put an end to this. “Listen, I need to go, but it was great to get all of this out in the open.” I gesture to the two of us.

As I stand up from the table, Asher does the same. “Thanks again for meeting with me. I know it wasn’t easy.”

I nod, adjusting my book bag on my shoulder. “It needed to happen. For both of us.”

“Agreed.” He hesitates a moment before adding, “I really am sorry, Isla. For everything.”

“Thank you. Hopefully, this will be a step forward and go in the right direction.”

Asher gives me a quick nod. “It is, and maybe if you’re okay with it, we can be friends again someday.”

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