Page 94 of The Last Time

“You picked a good spot. Between here and the rest of the stores on this strip, we can do some serious damage.”

“That’s what I’m hoping,” I tell her. “I’m super excited to make the place my own.”

As we walk around the store, picking things out, Layla awkwardly turns to me. I can tell she isn’t sure how to say whatever she’s going to say. And I’m pretty sure I know who it’s about.

“So, have you told my brother that you’re staying?” she finally asks.

“No,” I let out a breath of frustration. “I can’t deal with him right now. I need to make these decisions for myself. I’ve spent enough nights crying myself to sleep over him. If he wants to talk to me, he can call me.”

“Ugh, he pisses me off.” Her annoyance is evident. “I told him off the other day. He needs to get his head out of his ass and get some help.”

I stop in my tracks in between furniture to look at her. “You said that to him?”

“Yes. I’m just so frustrated. I can’t sit back and watch him crumble without speaking up. He’s done it long enough, and he needs to hear it.”

I know I should be glad that people are trying to make him get help, but I’m also a little worried. I love him, and I don’t want him to be pushed too far if he’s not ready.

“I hope he’s okay. Do you think someone should be checking on him?” I ask.

“He sees my parents every day. He’s tough, I know he can survive it all, but I just want him to do more than survive life. You know?”

“I get it.”

I do get it. No one wants to see him live life in pain. Brie deserves more than that. He deserves more than that.

I hate thinking about them. It just brings back the empty part of me that I’ve felt since the fight. I didn’t expect to fall in love with Brie so quickly, but it happened.

There was this instant connection I felt with her. Like her and I were meant to be in each other’s lives.

But I can’t force him to come to me and be ready to open up, and I’m standing my ground. I can’t be with someone who won’t open their heart to me.

“Let’s not talk about my brother anymore. Today is about celebrating. We are going to find you the perfect furniture and make your house everything you want it to be. Then, we’re going to go out and celebrate tonight. How does that sound?”

I smile at her. “I love the sound of that. Where do you think we should go tonight?”

“I’ll have to think about that. Oh, look at this bedroom set,” she says, completely distracted.

A night out is exactly what I need. I’ve been wallowing at night without Asher, and it’s time I put a stop to that. It’s not healthy for me to stare at my phone, willing it to ring. It’s been weeks, and he hasn’t called. I need to move on with my life because I can’t sit around waiting for him if he isn’t ready. Who knows if he will ever be.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Asher

IjustputBriein bed about thirty minutes ago. It’s been a hell of a day. She refused her nap this afternoon and has been hell on wheels ever since.

Everything I said or did seemed to piss her off. It was like walking on eggshells around her, not knowing what was going to create another tantrum.

Luckily, she was out before I even left the room. She rarely falls asleep during story time, but she couldn’t keep her eyes open.

I finally find a good movie to watch when my phone buzzes next to me.

Josh: Out for the night. Layla wanted to celebrate the good news about Charlotte. We’re at Social Club if you want to join.

I want to ask what news he’s talking about, but I hesitate. Why are they celebrating? Did she sell the house already?

A knot forms in the pit of my stomach. I knew it was coming. I just didn’t know it would happen so fast.

What if I went after her? I could’ve changed her mind and made her stay.

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