𝙼𝚞𝚖 𝙰𝚝 𝚂𝚒𝚡𝚝𝚎𝚎𝚗

08

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬

Jake grabbed my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze, his eyes filled with unspoken words. But before he could say anything, a familiar voice interrupted us.

"Hi Bridgette!" Asher's voice was warm and friendly, causing me to break into a smile. "Oh hi Ash," I replied, feeling a sense of comfort in his presence. Asher grinned at his new nickname for me, making me chuckle.

I gently pulled my hand away from Jake's grip, feeling the ache in my wrists from his tight hold. Asher must have sensed the tension between us, as he asked, "Am I interrupting something?"

Before I could respond, Jake cut in with a scoff, "Yes, you may leave now. And get Bridgette a smoothie while you're at it." I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his demanding tone, but I couldn't deny the flutter of excitement in my stomach at the thought of Asher's company.

"Don't worry, Jake, I had a heavy lunch at home," I lied, trying to cover up the growling in my stomach. I didn't want Asher to leave me alone with Jake, who was already giving us both a disapproving glare.

"Wow," Jake clapped sarcastically. "So you have a new crush?" His annoying voice made me squirm, and I mentally rolled my eyes.

"Oh please, Heaven knows I'm free to have a crush," I retorted, pursing my lips. "You haven't exactly been the best boyfriend, have you?"

Jake sighed and rolled his eyes, clearly not wanting to have this conversation. But I wasn't going to let him off the hook that easily.

"Like I was saying before that peasant interrupted me," I started, but before I could finish, I cut him off. "I don't appreciate you belittling my friends," I retorted, furrowing my brows in annoyance. Who did he think he was?

"Friendship dissolves, love is forever," Jake explained with a smug look on his face. I couldn't help but laugh, almost hysterically.

"And you think I love you?" I scoffed, raising an eyebrow at Jake. His face turned red with anger, and I could see the frustration building up inside him.

"You know what?" Jake snapped, his voice dripping with venom. "This isn't going anywhere." With that, he stood up abruptly and stormed out of the room, leaving me sitting there in shock.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. For the first time in a long time, I was actually happy about a breakup. And I didn't have to lift a finger.

Asher smoothly slid into Jake's vacated seat, flashing me a charming smile. "Care to share the joke?" he inquired, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

I hesitated for a moment, almost slipping up and calling Jake my boyfriend before catching myself. "It's just that my ex used to make me laugh so hard," I explained, trying to keep things light.

Asher raised an eyebrow, looking at me like I was a puzzle he was determined to solve. But then, to my surprise, he chuckled along with me as I recounted the memory.

As the laughter subsided, I took a deep breath and asked, "Is your shift over?"

A mischievous grin spread across Asher's face. "Yes, it is. And now I have more time to get to know you," he replied, his words sending a thrill through me.

I couldn't believe it. A guy as attractive as Asher was actually interested in getting to know me. My stomach fluttered with excitement as I eagerly awaited what the rest of the had in store.

I poured my heart out to Asher, and he was seriously the best listener ever. I swear, every time he looked into my eyes, I could feel myself blushing like crazy. He was so supportive and understanding, it was like he just got me.

I hesitated to disclose my pregnancy to him, unsure of how he would react.

As we were shooting the breeze, I couldn't shake the memory of his mom's tough situation. Despite his cheerful demeanor, I knew there was pain lurking beneath the surface. I mustered up the courage to broach the subject, even though I knew it would be a downer.

" How's your mom doing?" I asked softly, trying to gauge his reaction.

Asher shifted uncomfortably, his gaze flickering away for a moment before he replied, "She's doing okay, I guess. At least that's what the doctor says."

I could sense his reluctance to talk about it, but I pressed on, wanting to show my support. "And what about Rose? She's your sister right?"

Ash nodded, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, she's totally freaking out. I mean, I try to tell her it's not the end of the world, but how do you even calm down a 14-year-old?"

I nodded sympathetically, feeling a pang of sadness for the young girl. "And your dad? How's he holding up?"

Asher's jaw clenched, his eyes flashing with anger. "He's a bastard," he spat out bitterly. "He's never been there for us, and now when we need him the most, he's nowhere to be found."

I felt a surge of empathy for Asher, knowing all too well the pain of having a absent father. "I'm sorry, Asher. I know how hard it can be."

"You couldn't possibly," Ash muttered, his eyebrows raised in disbelief. "I mean, is your mom in the hospital and your dad of no support?" I shook my head, a wry smile playing on my lips.

"Well, my mom's not technically a patient, but to me, she's cu-koo. And my dad? He left for another woman," I explained, trying to lighten the mood. It worked.

Ash burst out laughing, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "That's a typical mom for you," he chuckled. "And I guess we're almost the same in terms of dads." I couldn't help but join in his laughter, grateful for the brief moment of camaraderi.

Upon arriving at my home, I was greeted with a sight that left me utterly speechless. "What in the world..." I gasped, struggling to find the words to articulate the sheer astonishment that coursed through me.

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