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After an intense practice session, the tense atmosphere shifted to lightheartedness. We abandoned our instruments and lounged around the practice area. Sebastian leaned back against the amplifier as he looked at me with a wide grin. I ignored him. He continued to stare until I broke.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Stella told me you and Sawyer spent some time together yesterday.”

I rolled my eyes at his desire for gossip. There’s a reason Gossip Girl had always been his favourite show. His words lured our pair of friends to join us with eager ears.

“We just went to some bookstore in the next town over.” I muttered, trying to play it cool.

“What did Josh have to say about that?” Liam asked.

I shrugged.

“He wasn’t pleased.”

“You can’t blame him.” Benjamin said. “I saw him freaking out after you stole his car.”

Laughter filled the garage as we joked around and caught up, despite having spoken yesterday. I leaned further in the comfortable chair and took a sip of Red Bull before my phone buzzed in my pocket.

Collin. The caller ID read.

“You okay, Asher?” Liam asked, causing the room to fall into silence.

I clicked decline and tucked my phone in my pocket before mustering a smile.

“I’m fantastic.” I said, ignoring the insistent buzzing.

He’ll get the memo.

??

21

“I’m not a perfect person.”

The Reason, Hoobastank

Josh

The air between us was heavy with unspoken words, as the conflict hovered over us like a dark cloud. Sawyer did not attempt conversation as she gazed at the passing scenery. I stole a glance at her from the corner of my eye. My heart cracked at the sight of her downcast expression. The minutes ticked by in agonizing silence as we drove through the snow-covered roads. I knew I should say something to break the ice, but the words lingered on the tip of my tongue. My grip on the steering wheel tightened, as the silence was insufferable. I would not let my brother ruin my relationship with Sawyer.

“I’m not upset with you.”

I spared a glance in her direction before returning them to the road.

“You’re not?”

“No,” I said, my voice cracking with emotion. “This is typical Asher behaviour. I don’t want you to get dragged into his mess. He attracts too much trouble.”

Her eyes widened in surprise as they brewed with confusion.

“I went with.” She said. “He didn’t force me to do anything.”

I scoffed.

“Let me guess, he bribed you with something you have a weakness for?” I knew I had her when her eyes fell on her lap. “Classic Asher manipulation.”