Page 22 of The Backup

Asher: Oh, so we’re dating now? You move quick. Did you plan the wedding before or after I made you messy all over my couch?

I laugh despite myself.

Me: lol I’m serious. You just ignited a gossip bomb. EVERYONE is talking about me and Joe’s breakup and how you stepped in and won the game.

Asher: So…I’m your dirty little secret now? I didn’t plan for last night, but I can’t stop thinking about you. I’m so attracted to you it’s insane.

I sigh, my gut twisting. What is this? Anxiety? Attraction?

It’s everything.

My phone buzzes again.

Asher: What are you doing tonight?

Me: I can’t come to your party.

Asher: Who said anything about parties? You know I don’t like them.

Me: I’m not around tonight.

Asher: Oh? What are you up to?

I hesitate. There’s this thing I do—when good things happen, I somehow find a way to mess them up.

Right now feels no different.

Me: I’m going to my grandmother’s for the weekend.

Asher: Oh, cool. She alright?

Me: Yeah. Just a planned trip.

Lies. Great. I’m a liar now.

“Sloane, you coming in?” Jacklyn asks as she stands in line for the ID check.

I hover awkwardly on the sidewalk.

“I, uh, have to go see my grandmother tonight. I’m taking the train to her place.”

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah! I just forgot I was going.”

“Okay…Why didn’t you mention this before?”

“Gotta go. Bye!”

I give her a quick hug, wave to Brian and the others, then turn on my heel and walk straight to the train station.

six

. . .

Sloane

As I takethe hour-long train ride to my grandmother’s town, I watch the mountains roll by, their peaks dusted with the last traces of snow. Nature is a welcome distraction from the text glowing on my phone.

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