Page 8 of The Backup

I watch him walk back to the beer pong table, wrapping an arm around the girl and laughing like he doesn’t have a care in the world.

And in that moment, I know we’re done.

Jacklyn, Asher, and I exchange a glance—a silent acknowledgment of the awkwardness Joe just left in his wake.

“Asher…maybe we could just chill in your room?” Jacklyn suggests, breaking the tension. “Not sure if this is our scene tonight.”

“Absolutely. Let’s head upstairs,” Asher says smoothly.

We follow him up to the third floor, past Joe’s room—which I know all too well—and into Asher’s.

It’s next door to Joe’s, but the vibe couldn’t be more different. Asher’s room is tidy and organized, with a twin bed neatly made, a desk against the wall, and a surprisingly comfortable-looking two-seater couch.

“Welcome to my humble abode,” he says with a grin, opening his laptop. He queues up some Morgan Wallen, the soft twang of country music filling the space. The lights dim slightly, casting a warm glow, as he hands each of us another beer.

“So…” Asher leans against the desk, his smile playful. “Should we play a drinking game?”

“Absolutely,” Jacklyn nods enthusiastically. “Anything you have in mind?”

“Drink every time your boyfriend is an asshole?” Asher quips, raising an eyebrow before immediately shaking his head. “Sorry. That was out of line. Forget I said that.”

“Pssh. We’d be so drunk we couldn’t walk home,” Jacklyn says with a laugh, her wit cutting through the awkwardness.

“Yeah…can we just not talk about that for a bit?” I ask, my voice soft but firm.

“Of course,” Asher says, his tone gentler now. “How about King’s Cup? Do you know the rules?”

“Ace is a waterfall,” I begin, ticking them off on my fingers. “Two is for you. Three is for me. Four is floor—last person to touch the floor drinks.”

Asher’s grin widens. “You’re familiar. I knew I liked your vibe, Sloane. This is the pre-game, after all. The best part of the night.”

An hour or so later, I’m not going to lie—I’m pretty buzzed. My emotions are a confusing stew, and I’m not sure if drinking is helping me process them or just making everything blurrier.

Asher draws a six. “Six is for chicks. Drink,” he says with a mischievous grin.

Jacklyn draws a five. “Five is for the guys. Your turn.”

I draw a two. “Me, again?!” I laugh, taking another pull of my beer.

“Oh, y’all. Brian just texted me,” Jacklyn says, glancing at her phone. “He just finished his late lab and…he wants me to come over.”

“Booty call,” Asher teases, sticking his tongue out.

“It’s not like that,” she protests, blushing. “Okay, maybe it’s a little like that. He’s my boyfriend, though.”

“Well, go get some,” Asher jokes. “At least one of us is getting laid tonight.”

Jacklyn stands, grabbing her bag. “He’s been so busy this week. These senior chem classes are stressing him out. I plan to offer him a little…relaxation tonight.”

We both laugh, and she leans down to hug me. “What do you want to do, Sloane? I don’t want to abandon you.”

“I’m having fun. I’ll stay.”

“Fine with me if it’s okay with you. Will you take care of her, Ash?”

“Sure will,” he says with an exaggerated salute.

“Okay. I’m out,” Jacklyn says, slinging her bag over her shoulder. She gives me a sly grin on her way out. “Have fun.” There’s a playful, sing-song lilt to her voice that makes me roll my eyes.

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