Page 7 of Doesn't Count

Sam turns on the couch to face me, pulling her leg up to rest on the cushion. She holds her summer dress down between her thighs to make sure she’s not flashing anyone, but quickly stops caring when she realizes that it’s long enough to cover her.

“Spill!” She urges, her eyes wide with excitement.

As I begin to tell Sam everything that happened today at work, Issac comes over with my usual; lemon drop martini. It’s certainly more affordable to drink in the city when your best friend works at a bar.

“I’m going to do it.” I tell her. “I’ve already scheduled a meeting with Blane tomorrow.”

“This is your chance to stalk TSwift without being sent to jail.” She chuckles, taking the last sip of her vodka soda.

“Oh, shut up, you’d do it too. I think you forget that you memorized every single song on the Midnights album the day it came out.” I tease.

“Starin' at the ceilin' with you. Oh, you don't ever say too much, and you don't really read into my melancholia...” She starts singing Taylor Swift’sLavender Haze.

Before I can start singing with her, she frowns. “Does this mean I need to find another roommate?”

“Of course not! I’ll only be gone for six months and don’t worry; I will still pay my half of the rent. I'm sure there’s a raise that comes with this project.” I assure her.

Issac comes back with another round of drinks, this time with one for himself.

“Why is there a weird vibe back here?” He asks, combing his hand through his black hair.

“Ash is leaving me.” Sam sighs dramatically, taking a long sip of her new drink.

I roll my eyes, “I’m signing up for this project at work that requires following an artist on tour for six months. I’ll be back before either of you even notice.”

“How wouldn’t I notice? You literally live with me! I rely on you to wake me up in the mornings and cook my breakfast!” Sam cries.

“You know what they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder.” Issac laughs.

“Ugh, for the last time, we are best friends, not lovers. You’d like that too much, creep.” I mutter.

“I mean, I’ve only ever seen you with Sam. You don’t date, at least not men. And you have no intentions of finding your person.”

“I don’t have time to date. Especially now that I’ll be on the road for six months. Maybe after I’ll start looking. I’m still young.”

“You won’t be young forever.” Issac reminds me.

A sadness washes over me, one I haven’t felt in a while. I haven’t been able to bring myself to date anyone or really feel for anyone on a deeper level. Not since...

I refocus, forcing myself to the present, refusing to go back to my past where I’ve lost myself time and time again. It’s a hole too deep to drag myself out of once I'm in.

Suddenly, our attention is brought to the stranger entering the bar, Issac’s cue to go back and greet them. He nods to us, downing the rest of his drink and goes back to work.

“I’ll miss you.” Sam says quietly.

“Miss me when I actually get a spot on this project.” I laugh lightly.

“You will. I have no doubt.” My friend beams at me, her light brown hair flowing over one shoulder and her eyes slightly glossy from the alcohol.

“Thanks.” I smile back at her.

We peel ourselves off the couch, our bare legs sticking to the leather, stinging once we stand. We wave to Issac as we make our way back to our apartment a few blocks over. It’s late now and I still want to write down all the reasons why I deserve a spot on this project. I want to believe Sam is right, that I will absolutely get in, but Justina is that little devil on my shoulder that whispers doubt in my ear. We’ll just have to see.

Chapter Two

Ashton

Ihardly sleep more than a couple hours before the Friday morning sun begins to cast its glow on the city. I’m already awake, but at least it’s now an acceptable time to get out of bed and ready for work.

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