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“Thanks.” She said. “It was my grandmother’s. I never take it off.”

Her cheeks flushed as her eyes shone with happiness at the thought of her grandmother. I smiled. My gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before turning back to the road.

Tension cackled in the air once I pulled into the school parking lot. Joshua stood before us with a thunderous expression. He crossed his arms and clenched his jaw with poorly restrained rage.

“What is your problem, Asher?” He exclaimed once we exited the vehicle.

I couldn’t help but find humour in his anger, especially with the tiny vein bulging in his forehead.

“Look-”

“And you dragged Sawyer into this?” He interrupted me before I could muster an excuse. “You need to catch a grip. She ditched class, which is unlike her.”

“She’s not a child,” I said with a scoff. “Her decisions are her decisions.”

Josh reached over to grab her hand as he pulled her into his chest, as if trying to shield her from me. I rolled my eyes at his clear insecurity.

“Where were you, Sawyer?”

Great, now Noah’s joined the party.

“Asher convinced her to skip class.” Josh chimed in before anyone else could.

“Excuse me?” Noah’s head whipped in my direction.

“Stop it.” Sawyer said, as things escalated.

“What were you thinking?” Noah’s tone was sharp and commanding. “With him?”

I tucked my hands in my front pockets.

“Now, that’s just rude.” I said, knowing my words would add fuel to the flames. “I’d like to think I’m enjoyable company.”

“Now isn’t the time for your quips, Asher,” Josh reprimanded. “I was on the verge of calling the cops when I noticed my car was missing.”

“Why didn’t you?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

“Don’t act like you forgot about the note you left in my locker.”

I bit my lip and dropped my head so he wouldn’t see me holding back laughter.

“I thought it would be rude to take your car without leaving a note.” I said. “Sorry for having manners.”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, I couldn’t help but find amusement in setting Noah and Josh off. As Josh’s voice rose in frustration, I bit down on my lip to stifle another round of laughter. There was something comical about Josh’s furrowed brow and tiny protruding vein. I reached into my back pocket for a cigarette and held it between my lips. I would not light it just yet. Smoking in animosity has never been my style.

“Let’s go home, Sawyer.” Noah said, grabbing her wrist, but she yanked it out of his hold.

“No, stop treating me like a little kid.”

They wrestled back and forth like a tug of war until Josh stepped between them.

“I’ll take her home.” He said to Noah. “You need time to cool off.”

He ran his fingers through his hair and nodded. I watched in glee as he stormed off like a toddler experiencing a tantrum. Josh leaned down to whisper something into Sawyer’s ear. I only caught the end where he’s dragging her to his car.

“I had fun today, Ms. Bennet.” I called out with an arrogant grin. “Until next time.”

I felt proud as Josh’s shoulders stiffened, but even prouder as she looked at me over her shoulder with a beaming smile.