Page 33 of Falling Hard
"How about hero sandwiches at Aspen House?"
It was another one of our favorite places to eat, so I nodded. After crossing the street, we headed down the block. The walk was long enough to burn off the hot dog. I was starving and could picture a fresh brioche roll slathered with mayonnaise, topped with smoked Gouda cheese, thinly sliced honey maple turkey, shredded lettuce, and oil and vinegar.
"What the hell?"
Luke's words jolted me, and I followed where he was looking. In the window of Aspen House was a closed sign. We weren't too early or late; they were gone for good, hence the words “permanently” written on the sign.
Luke pressed his face against the window. "When did they go out of business?"
"I don't know."
This was another thing that caught me by surprise, and I didn't like it.
"I guess everything must come to an end," Luke mumbled.
My stomach twisted. He meant Aspen House, but all I heard wasus.
We stood there for a while, taking in the darkened windows.
"Just like that, it's gone." Since we were kids, our families used to come here to pick up sandwiches. They’d been a staple of our diets since we could eat solid foods.
Luke stared at me awkwardly. "Liv, I've never seen you so emotional over food."
It took a while, longer than usual, but I fixed my poker face. "I just didn't expect it."
"Spill it. Is there something you haven't told me?" he demanded.
Furrowing a brow at Luke, I spoke flatly. "We have no secrets. Remember, that's the first rule we agreed on when we said we were going to be best friends forever back in elementary school."
Luke smiled, and then to my surprise, seemed to get over Aspen house closing very quickly. "Let's go get some pizza instead."
The place we'd frequented for years was gone, and not only did he still have the stomach to eat, but Luke walked carefree like it was just a blip in his day. First, the sandwich shop. Next, possibly me. His mention of NEVER leaving me behind earlier now bore less weight. I was still in front of Aspen House, devastated, and Luke didn't seem to realize that, for a brief moment, I wasn't beside him.
"Liv, come on."
11
ANGEL IN DISGUISE
I scanned the room.Tailored suits, high heels, and expensive fabrics were on display wherever I turned. The partygoers were having a good time, some laughing while others attempted to talk over the loud music. It was Alex's big night. Not only was she turning twenty-four, but we were also celebrating the beta launch of her dating app. Beside the birthday girl and the other bitches, I shook my ass to the music.
"Incoming," Mei whispered into my ear.
I braced myself; it had to be Luke. No one else warranted that sort of warning.
When I felt an arm around my waist, I didn't even look back.
"Hi."
His lips brushed my cheek. "You ladies look smoking hot." Before I could let his words go to my head, he added, "Especially the birthday girl."
I watched him kiss Alex just as he did me.
"Where's Solenne tonight?" she asked.
"She can't drink and decided to stay home."
Can't drink? What? Was she better than the rest of us, raw dogging life and all its difficulties?
