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A charming cafe and a cozy boutique nestled on either side of the bookstore. As we stepped through the door, a bell dinged overhead. My eyes widened in wonder as I took in the abundance of rows of books lining the shelves.

“This place is incredible.” I breathed, my voice filled with awe as I reached out to trace my fingers along the spines.

His eyes sparkled in delight at my reaction.

“I knew you’d like it.”

We wandered through the aisles as we lost ourselves to the allure of fiction. My heart raced with excitement as I stumbled across some old favorites. My finger trailed over a worn spine of Catcher in the Rye. I picked it up and skimmed through the pages.

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re like Holden Caulfield?”

He lifted his head from the book and directed a questioning gaze at me.

“You would be the first.” He said. “Although, I don’t know anyone that reads in our town.”

With anticipation, I placed the book back on the shelf, eager to delve deeper into its hidden wonders.

??

20

“Do you remember the time we fell in love?”

Fell In Love, Blink-182

Asher

I watched as she ran her fingers along the spines of the books, her brows furrowed in concentration as she scanned the titles. I wanted to say something to her, to bridge the gap between us. Things have been strained since I was rude to her, and I never apologized for it.

I struggled to come up with something witty to say, but my thoughts needed to be more cohesive. I had never possessed the gift of apologizing or expressing my feelings in words. However, she didn’t deserve to be on the receiving end of my anger. It was best to bite the bullet and cast away my pride.

“So, the night I yelled at you,” I said, wanting to punch myself for the lack of tact. “I wanted to apologize.”

She clutched the book in her hand to her chest as she avoided any eye contact with me. Her weight shifted from foot to foot. She fidgeted with the hem of her sweater.

“We all have our moments.” She said. “I shouldn’t have intervened.”

I shook my head.

“I appreciated your concern, even if I didn’t show it.”

Her expression softened as a delicate smile graced her face.

“I understand, and I forgive you.” She said. “I’d like for us to be friends.”

I felt a pang of disappointment course through my veins at her words. Friends. I wanted so desperately to tell her I wanted something more, but I didn’t want to ruin what she had going on with my brother. She seemed happy. I forced myself to nod and smile, masking my true feelings.

“I’d love that.”

I watched as she returned to grabbing armfuls of books, joy radiating on her face. I doubted whether I’d be able to stick to our agreement, but for now, it would have to be enough.

??

The radio, accompanied by the gentle hum of the engine, played my Blink-182, Spotify playlist. I kept stealing glances at Sawyer. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, but she kept a smile on her face despite the weariness in her eyes. She clutched her necklace in her hand, swinging it from side to side on her chain. I’d noticed she did it often, especially when she was deep in thought.

“I like your necklace.”

She jumped as if she’d forgotten she had company. She pulled the pendant into her view.