Chapter 71 Just Friends

Chapter 71 Just Friends
RYLIE
I watched as Asher climbed off his bike and approached Blake and I. Soon he was in front of me, his fingers hooked in the pockets of his pants.
He and Blake exchanged a quick look before Asher suddenly brought his eyes back to me and gave me that all too familiar smile.
"Hey Lee. How's your morning been?"
"Oh yeah. It's been good. It's been good," I mumbled sheepishly. "So why are you here? It's so early."
It wasn't that early but it sure was for him, considering he wasn't living next door anymore.
"I just wanted to see you is all. That's not a crime, is it?"
"Oh no. Not at all," I shook my head otherwise. "So uh, I haven't introduced you guys yet. Blake, this is Asher. Asher, Blake."
"We've met," Blake intoned with a hard expression, his eyes fixed on Asher who stared back with an equally straight face.
I glanced between the two and could sense the undeniable tension between them.
"Okay? In that case, I should probably get going," I turned to leave, anxious to escape into the safety of my house.
But before I could escape, both Blake and Asher's hands shot out to grab my arm, stopping me in my tracks. My eyes widened and I gulped, my eyes flitting between the hold they had on me.
Blake was the first to let go, looking to the ground as he did. Asher slowly withdrew his hand as well and all was quiet. It was an awkward, very awkward silence and I could tell that both boys were struggling to speak. I had no idea what to say either so I was just silently bidding my time until they were ready to speak up.
"Rylie-" they called at the same time, stopping to glare at each other for some reason. Blake looked away first and just shrugged. "I guess I'll see you later then." Then he left, walking into his house without so much as a backward glance.
I watched him leave with a longing in my heart. He hadn't even asked me about the milkshake date he spoke about. I heaved a sigh.
"Hey. Hey Rylie!" Asher snapped his finger in my face.
I jolted back to reality and stared up at Asher.
"Oh Asher. Nice to see you again. How are you doing? Logan treating you good?"
"Yeah. He's alright. So... I was wondering if uh... maybe you'd like to grab a coffee later. It'll give us a chance to catch up. You can tell me all about the latest happenings in Meadow Brook and all I've missed."
"So...a date?" I inquired.
"Uh, I guess so. But just as friends. It doesn't have to be a thing if you don't want it," he hastily added. "So what do you say?" he rocked back and forth on the sole of his feet.
I stared at him as I contemplated his offer. A date with Asher after almost being asked out by Blake? I mean, Asher was a good guy and all and while a lot of things had been sorted out, my feelings about him weren't exactly clear to me yet and a date with him, it sounded pretty risky and perhaps a little too soon.
"Look Asher, I know we've sorted things out to some extent but I'm not entirely sure about a date. It just seems a little too soon and I honestly have a lot of things on my plate-" I tried to explain to him.
"It's okay, it's okay. I get it," he interjected. "I'm gonna have to work to win your trust, aren't I? Well, it's okay because I'm prepared to do just that. I don't mind waiting. I messed up and I will make it right. You just wait," he reassured and patted my hair before walking over to his bike and zooming off.
I watched him until I could no longer see him and then glanced back at Blake's house.
When did things get so complicated? I sighed.
"
Few hours later, I was seated in the cafe, a latte in hand while lazily observing my surroundings to pass time until Sky arrived. The bell at the top of the doorframe dinged, attracting my attention. I glanced back and sure enough, he was standing right.
His eyes slowly looked around the shop and his lips stretched in a smile as his eyes landed on me. I felt my heart clench, knowing fully well why I was here.
"Hey," he smiled, waving a waiter over as he took his seat directly in front of me.
"Hey," I managed a smile back. A waiter came over and took Sky's order. "Would you like something else?" he directed a question at me. I nodded otherwise, gesturing to my latte. The waiter left and we were alone. "It's really nice to see you. You're looking...great as always."
"Thanks. You look great as well."
"Thanks. I try," he remarked in a diva like manner, causing me to chuckle at his antics.
His coffee arrived and he took a sip of it.
"So, why did you want to see me?" I asked to test the waters.
"Classic Rylie Myers. Always straight to the point. You know, it's one of the things I like about you," he took another sip of his coffee before dropping the cup on the table. "But it's probably best that I tell you anyway." He took my hand in his and took a deep breath. "Rylie, you and I have been friends for a while now and we've kinda gotten close–"
Oh God! Here it comes! I thought, trying to think of a way to stop him.
Before he could go further, I cut in and decided now was the best time to let him down slowly.
"Okay Sky, that's enough. I already know what you want to say and it's best that I stop you there right now. Look, I know you like me. Blake always spoke about it and even though I called him jealous, I always kinda knew. And while I might not be with Blake now, I'm not exactly ready for a new relationship especially not one with you. Wait, that came out wrong. What I mean is..."
Sky who'd been looking at me with a weird expression suddenly burst out laughing, cutting me off. He kept laughing for a while leaving me entirely confused. When he eventually stopped laughing, he apologised and went, "I'm so sorry for that. It's just that you misunderstand me. I wasn't here to ask you out. I admit that I did like you but not anymore. I guess I kinda saw the bigger picture and knew we weren't possible. I'm actually here to tell you that I met someone and we're together now."
"Whoa! Really?" I exclaimed, forgetting my initial confusion at his laughter.
"Yes. Really."
"Well, who is she? What's her name? How did you guys meet? Does she stay here or in Jefferson Heights? I have so many questions!" I burst out, gripping his hands excitedly.
"Okay okay. Calm down, Missy. First off, she's a girl and her name is Calliope, Callie for short. I call her Liope though."
"Aww! Cutest nickname ever!" I gushed excitedly.
"I know right. We met at a winter party that one of my friends hosted and yeah, she lives in Jefferson Heights," he concluded.
"Oh wow! I am so happy for you," I reached over and hugged him. "Sorry about the whole ‘liking me’ thing. I guess Blake finally got to me."
"Don't worry about it. He was right. Speaking of which, how are things going with him? Any chance you two will get back anytime soon?" he quizzed.
I sighed and shook my head. "I don't know, Sky. I really don't."
"Aww! I'm sure everything will be fine," he squeezed my hand and gave me a reassuring smile.
"Thanks. You're the best. Now, tell me more about Calliope!" I squealed.
Sky and I chatted for a while after that and it wasn't until about an hour later that we eventually decided to part. We walked out of the cafe together and went our separate ways after a brief hug.
I began the walk home and because I was engrossed in my thoughts about Sky and his new girlfriend, I ended up barrelling right into someone. Dazed, I stumbled backwards and it took a while for me to get my bearing.
"I am so so sorry!" I apologised profusely, staring up at the person I bumped into. That was when my eyes fell on him. "Logan?!" I exclaimed quizzically.
"Well well well, look who we have here," he remarked smugly, staring back at me.