Page 83 of We Finished Here

“Yeah, I live for it, so do all the guys. Right, Taylor?”

“Totally.” He nods, tearing his eyes away from me for a moment. “But a break would be nice.”

“You took a bit of a hit last night,” I say to Taylor.

“Yeah.” He chagrins. “Still hurts.”

That sends the chatter into all the broken bones and injuries they’ve had over the years, and Maddie and I learn real quick how crazy it can be.

When we finish up our drinks, we all head out.

Maddie and Ashton walk ahead, never breaking their conversation.

“They seem to be getting along well,” I muse.

“Yeah, a little too well.” He laughs.

“You better keep tabs on Ashton. I don’t want him breaking my best friend's heart.”

Taylor shakes his head. “He’s a big softie.”

“I guess he is, from what I remember.” I’ve always liked Ashton and I always thought he was a pretty decent guy.

The boys walk us to my mom’s car that we’ve been using all week.

“Hey, I could show you around the stadium tomorrow after the meeting?” I hear Ashton saying to Maddie as we say goodbye.

“That would be great,” Maddie gushes.

I raise my eyebrows at Taylor. This is all totally his fault.

He laughs behind his fist. “I’m sorry in advance,” he offers with a shrug.

“Like you said, he’s a nice guy.” I’m not exactly worried about her welfare.

“I’ll talk to you later,” he says.

“Great,” I reply, as he closes the door once I’m in. He taps the roof in his signature style as Maddie jumps in the car beside me. They both stand back from the curb, watching me pull out and give us a wave.

“OHMYGOD!” she squeals as soon as we’re out of sight.

“I’d say that went a little too well.” I laugh.

“Ummm, all these years, Ashton has been around. Since you were all in college! And I’m just meeting the guy!”

“Well, I’m very sorry.” I shake my head. “Maybe your paths never crossed back then for a reason.”

She gives me a look. “That’s awfully philosophical… Now, have you spoken to Taylor again about what happened the other night? Have you kissed him again?”

Of course I told her what happened the next morning.

“Of course I haven’t kissed him again. You were there the whole time!”

We both laugh as she shakes her head at her own question. “I guess that’s true. Are you going to see him again any time soon?”

“Maybe,” I say, with a shrug. I hope sooner rather than later.

“It’s nice seeing the both of you talking again,” she says with a smile. “It’s been too long.”

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