by Liwen Ho
Jeremy raised his spoon in Ashlynn’s direction. “Cheers. To old friends…”
“And yummy desserts.” She picked up her spoon and met his across the table.
“And new beginnings,” Jeremy finished amid the clinking of their spoons.
FIVE
Ashlynn rushed in the door of Adorn after her internship at the local elementary school. Thoughts of the last client she had seen that morning still occupied her mind. The seven year old had been extremely distraught over his parents’ impending divorce. According to his teacher, he had changed from a cooperative student to a terror. Destroying property. Disrupting the classroom. Ashlynn sighed as she recalled the family picture he had scribbled in black crayon.
Zoe noticed the worry lines on Ashlynn’s forehead. “Oh no, don’t tell me. Did something bad happen with Mr. Knight in Shining Armor?”
“Huh?” She heard a hint of protectiveness in Zoe’s voice. “Are you talking about Jeremy?” Ashlynn shook her head. “Nothing happened.”
“Oh, good.” Zoe breathed a sigh of relief. “I was going to rearrange his pretty little face if he had hurt you.”
Ashlynn laughed at the thought of Zoe’s five foot three frame taking on all of Jeremy’s six feet. “You might just have a chance against him if you wear your four inch stilettos. Thanks for the thought, but I was thinking about work.” She set her belongings behind the counter. “Would you believe four out of the ten kids I see have had their parents split up? I love helping them, but I hate seeing how much pain they’re going through. Why can’t everyone just live happily ever after?”
“Hello June Cleaver. Real life is never picture perfect. People are messy and they mess up all kinds of stuff, including marriage. It just takes one wrong move to turn something good into something bad. Sorry to sound like a downer, but personal experience has taught me a lot. I never thought I’d be one to get a divorce. I’m just glad we didn’t have any kids to worry about ending up as collateral damage.”
“I’m sorry, Zoe.” She frowned and gave Zoe’s arm a gentle squeeze. “I didn’t mean to dig up old memories.”
“No, it’s alright. It happened over two years ago and I’ve moved on.” She leaned one hip against the counter. “You know that saying - love is blind? I can’t believe how blind I was about Zack. I should’ve seen the signs he had a drug addiction. But there I was in the middle of Egypt - denial river, you know - and believing he needed money to pay for his mom’s medical bills.” She grimaced as if there was a bitter taste in her mouth.
Ashlynn nodded her head in sympathy. “Yeah, it would be nice if we could be all logical and objective when it comes to love. Then it wouldn’t be so easy to fall under the halo effect.”
“Are you talking about angels or something? Sounds like another one of your fancy schmancy psychology terms.”
“Yup. The halo effect happens when your perception of one personality trait influences your view of a person’s whole personality. Like what happened with Zack. You loved how caring he was toward his dogs and bam - he could do no wrong.”
“I wish it was a bam to the head so I would have been knocked out and unable to return his calls,” she said with a smirk. “But now I’ve discovered the beauty of background checks. At least I can be sure no guy I go out with is a criminal or in major debt.”
“In other words, if he’s Prince Charming material or not.”
“You belong in a fairy tale, you know that?” Zoe laughed incredulously. “So, how are you and your prince doing?”
“Good.” Her voice lacked some enthusiasm. “I mean great.”
“Do I hear some uncertainty?” Zoe placed one hand on her hip. “Do you need me to run a background check on him?”
“No, silly. I doubt he’s got any skeletons in the closet.” She propped her elbows on the counter and rested her chin in her hands. “It’s just that we’ve been hanging out for close to three months now. Jeremy is so sweet and considerate. I’ve never been this comfortable with a guy before. We talk about anything and everything from TV shows to our faith. But three months and he hasn’t tried anything. Nada. Zilch. Not even holding hands.” She shrugged in defeat.
“Okay, but isn’t that what you wanted? A guy who wants you for more than your body?”
“Of course. But I’d like to know what we’re doing.” She held her palms up. “I mean, what if he just thinks of me as a friend? Like a BFF. Someone to do stuff with when he can’t find a real date.”
“I highly doubt someone like Jeremy would be unable to get a date.”
“You’re right, what am I thinking? Then I don’t know. I think he could be interested.” Her eyes sparkled with hope. “I mean, if you were a guy and went out with a girl every week and paid for her meals, opened doors for her and gave her your jacket when she was cold … you’d only do that if you were interested in her, right?”
“Kinda sounds like sugar daddy material to me.” She laughed as Ashlynn’s cheeks darkened in embarrassment. “I’m kidding, girl, I’m kidding. He sounds like a guy who is definitely falling for you.”
“Then why hasn’t he brought anything up yet?”
“Well, why don’t you ask him? You know, have the talk.”
“You think I should bring it up?” She winced and ducked her head. “I’d almost rather get my teeth pulled.”
“Wow, that bad, huh? You say you’re super comfortable with him, so you shouldn’t have too hard of a time laying your cards on the table.” Zoe pursed her lips. “Or do you want me to do it? You know I will.”
A gasp escaped Ashlynn’s lips when she saw the determination in Zoe’s eyes. “No, no, I got this. I do hope I haven’t been making it all up in my head. It just seems too good to be true. Oh, I’ll be so embarrassed if he laughs at me.”
“If he’s been leading you on all this time, I’m really going to have a talk with him.”
“Thanks for your support, Zoe. I’ll let you know how it goes, when I gather up enough courage to do it.”
“I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you,” she replied. “And I’ll dig up those heels you mentioned earlier, just in case.”
SIX
Jeremy stole a glance at Ashlynn walking beside him. The notes of her floral perfume, one that hinted at wild strawberries on a summer day, filled the space between them. He inhaled the sweet scent he had grown so accustomed to and marveled at how well the fragrance expressed Ashlynn. Feminine and playful, yet innocent. He longed to reach out and take her slender hand in his, but he reminded himself to take his time. Over the past few months they had rekindled their childhood friendship and arrived at a comfortable place.
The dynamics of their relationship however had begun shifting in recent weeks. They teetered on a ledge between friends and something more as evidenced by their lingering gazes and flirty smiles. Nothing had been voiced yet, but he preferred it this way. The mystery existed to keep things interesting. He intended to prolong his pursuit of Ashlynn as long as possible to keep her intrigued.
He suddenly realized how quiet Ashlynn had been since they left the theater. “How’d you like the movie? Was it too violent for you?” he asked as concern clouded his eyes.
Ashlynn’s lips tightened as she realized how far away her thoughts had travelled. She had been so distracted during the movie and continued to be having a hard time focusing on Jeremy’s words. A trace of warmth still clung on the fingers of her right hand, the one that had brushed by his repeatedly for the past two hours. Had Jeremy intentionally reached into the popcorn tub at the same times she had?
She noticed Jeremy’s eyes on her, waiting for an answer. “No, the movie was good. Well, maybe it was a little gory.” She winced slightly as she admitted to having a weak stomach. “But the story was interesting. I never would have guessed Denzel Washington was the bad guy. He doesn’t usually play that kind of role.”
“Yeah, but he does more than a decent job of it. The last time he played the villain in Training Day, he won an Oscar. Tonight’s
movie was almost as good. I liked how unpredictable it was,” he said with a thoughtful nod. “This one really kept you guessing.”
A soft, indistinct sound escaped from Ashlynn’s lips. Her next words tumbled out like beads from a tipped over jar. “It’s funny you should say that.” She wondered if she had the guts to finish her train of thought.
“Say what?” Jeremy’s ears perked up at her loaded statement. He gave her a questioning glance.
“Um … Jeremy, I have something to ask you.” Ashlynn swallowed, her mouth suddenly as dry as stale popcorn. “But I don’t really know how to say it.”
“Go for it.” The tenderness in his voice gave her the extra push she needed. “We’ve been friends for years. You can ask me anything, Ash.” They had reached his car and he stopped to face her, sensing something serious was on her mind.
“What are we doing?” she blurted out. “I mean, are we dating … or just hanging out?” She fiddled with the hem of her jean jacket. Her question dangled in the air like a carrot in front of a horse’s mouth.
Would he bite or not?
In the next instant, Ashlynn felt large hands clutching her arms. A strong gust of wind sent her blonde curls flying. The moment she caught her breath, the smell of exhaust and burned rubber filled her nose. In the distance she spotted a flash of metal as a motorcycle zigzagged its way around the parked vehicles. How close had it come to hitting her?
“What an idiot!” Jeremy’s hands gripped Ashlynn’s arms tightly. Her previous question had barely registered in his mind before he noticed the motorcycle heading toward her. He had grabbed her just in time. His insides were shaking with both rage and fear. Without a thought, he took her in his arms. He held her trembling body against his, allowing her soft curves to meld with his firm chest. It felt so good, so right to finally be holding her. “Are you alright?”
Ashlynn took in a shaky breath and nodded. Her senses were overwhelmed by the woody, fresh scent of his aftershave and the warmth of his body. She tipped her head up, her eyes reflecting the glow of the streetlight. Her cheeks flushed as she realized their closeness. She stepped out quickly from his hold. “I … uh, thanks for pulling me back. I didn’t even see it coming.”
He hadn’t seen it coming either. Both her question and the motorcycle had taken him by surprise, quite possibly the former more than the latter. He prided himself on being able to read people and situations well; that’s what he was paid to do on a daily basis. Yet, here he was, completely unaware that Ashlynn would call him out on his game. He hadn’t been prepared to have this talk so soon, but the circumstances called for him to come clean. His heart rate picked up as he thought about crossing the boundary of their friendship. “I wasn’t expecting it either. Your question, I mean.”
Ashlynn bit her lip and wished she could rewind the clock. She hoped he had forgotten her question amid the motorcycle incident. The uneasy expression on Jeremy’s face made her stomach drop. Time for another “you’re great, but let’s just be friends” spiel. She couldn’t believe how wrongly she had read him. “Oh yeah … never mind about that. Let’s forget I said anything.”
Jeremy raised one eyebrow at her sudden change in tone. Couldn’t she tell how much he wanted to be near her? How he had to restrain himself from reaching over and kissing her whenever she flashed her dimple at him? It was time to set the record straight. He took her hands in his, thrilled to be able to satisfy his desire to touch her again. “I’ve really enjoyed spending time with you and getting to know you, Ash. I know we’ve been friends since we were kids-”
“And you still see me as a little sister,” she interrupted, hoping to put them both out of their misery. Her shoulders slumped as she sighed. “I should have known. I mean, every other guy I’ve been out with would have put the moves on me by now.”
“Who would blame them? You’re beautiful, kind, and talented. I’ve been the luckiest guy to be able to spend time with you these past few months.” He grinned at her obvious disappointment. “But you didn’t let me finish.”
Ashlynn’s lips drew into a line as she waited for the punchline to this bad joke. “Sorry, go on.”
Jeremy spoke slowly, choosing the right words to reveal his heart. “We were friends all those years ago, but when we met again at the jewelry store, it was like we were meeting for the first time. I was pleasantly surprised to find that you had grown into a woman, an amazing woman.” He leaned forward, his voice growing thick. “I’ve been trying to take my time and not rush things … us.” He gestured to the both of them. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned about love, it’s that we need to give it time to grow.”
Ashlynn heard her heart pounding in her ears as she digested what he was saying. “What are you saying?”
“I like you, Ashlynn,” he replied, “and not just like a sister. Not anywhere close to a sister.” He held her hand against his chest. “Do you feel that?”
She drew in a sharp breath. The rhythm beating out from behind his pectoral muscles mirrored her own. “Y-yes.”
“That’s how much you move me every time we’re together.” He held her hand to his lips and kissed them.
Did he say she had the power to make his heart race? “I-I do?”
“Yes. Does that clear things up for you?”
Clarity was exactly what she saw in his eyes at that moment. A cloudless blue sky the morning after a storm, full of hope and prospect. “I think so.”
“Good.” He shot her a playful look. “I’m assuming you’re okay with this?”
Okay?! She wondered if she should go buy a lottery ticket. And also watch out for lightning strikes. “Perfectly okay.”
“Is it alright if I kiss you then?” Jeremy brushed his fingers against the dimple in her cheek and set his gaze on her pink lips.
Ashlynn nodded and leaned towards him. Their lips touched lightly as they teetered on the brink of a new stage in their relationship. After a few seconds they deepened the kiss, this time as if to seal the deal.
When Ashlynn pulled back, she gave him a teasing smile. “It took you long enough!”
SEVEN
Ashlynn arrived at work earlier than scheduled on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. She knew business was going to pick up in the next month and she wanted to price and display some new merchandise. She hummed along with the pop song playing through the speakers overhead and bobbed her head in time to the beat.
Zoe walked in the front door and smiled when she spotted her. “Someone’s got the bug.”
Ashlynn glanced up with a concerned expression. “What? Are you sick? There has been something going around at school. Maybe we should consider putting a bottle of hand sanitizer up by the register to keep the germs at bay.”
Zoe threw her head back and laughed. “No, girl, I was talking about you. You have so been bitten by the love bug. I’ve never seen you this chipper, especially during midterms. You usually look like some warrior woman ready to tackle any scantron that comes your way.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve still got my weapon of choice ready to go.” Ashlynn pointed to the wooden number two pencil holding the loose bun on her head together. “But yeah, I guess I am happier than usual. I just can’t help it. It’s like I’m under some kind of spell.”
“It’s those hormones in your head. You really couldn’t have picked a better time to fall in love, girl. I heard dopamine not only makes you happy, it also increases your attention span and improves your short-term memory.”
“Maybe that explains why I’ve been rather productive at studying lately. Just last night Jeremy brought dinner over and we studied all evening. Well, I studied and he surfed the web and did some work. I managed to brush up on three chapters’ worth of material and memorize a whole list of terms.”
Zoe dropped her jaw in disbelief. “My idea of a romantic evening never includes books or computers. Sounds a little boring to me, like you’re turning into an old married couple. How long has it been now anyway?”
“Well,
counting from the first time he took me out to dinner, it’s been five months … and twenty-three days.”
“Not even half a year and the sizzle has died out already? How you can sit and study with all that hotness next to you is beyond me.” Zoe raised her eyebrows teasingly.
“I do get distracted at times.” Ashlynn blushed as she thought back to the previous night’s study date.
The evening had started off with their eyes focused on their laptops, but it wasn’t long before she caught Jeremy looking at her.
“What? Do I have something on my face?” Ashlynn brushed her hand across her cheeks to remove any stray crumbs left over from dinner.
Jeremy smiled, causing the corners of his eyes to crinkle. Her presence alone was enough to distract him, but he had found it incredibly hard to focus when she started pursing her lips and biting the pen she held in one hand. The way she wore her hair in a messy bun with several wavy tendrils falling around her eyes mesmerized him. This girl next door could definitely pull off the sexy librarian look.
“No, I’m just looking at how beautiful you are.”
Ashlynn flushed under his intense gaze. She never thought of herself as beautiful, but those blues eyes certainly had the power to convince her otherwise.
“And I was thinking about doing this.” He leaned in close and planted soft kisses on the corners of her mouth.
In the next moment, her laptop somehow found its way to the coffee table and all notions of studying left her. He began to kiss her neck slowly. “You taste so good, Ash.” He marveled at how much sweeter she tasted than the ice-cream they had eaten for dessert.
Ashlynn’s heart fluttered as he stroked her cheek with his thumb. She had never been kissed this way before, but she had to admit she liked it. He was quickly tearing down her reserves with each gentle touch of his lips. She closed her eyes and leaned back against the armrest, her body eagerly responding to Jeremy’s every touch. Am I dreaming? It was still hard to believe a man like Jeremy would pay attention to her, much less desire her like this. Her shoulders relaxed as the heat of his breath lingered along the curve of her neck, making its way down to her collarbone. A nagging thought crossed her mind, however, when Jeremy’s hand caressed the bare skin that was exposed at her waist. His fingers soon found their way underneath her pink pullover sweater and began tracing a path up her body. Whoa, hold on. At that moment, a toilet flushed upstairs in Ben and Melanie’s bedroom, bringing her back to reality. She grasped his hand and gently pushed it away. “Hey Jeremy, can we talk?”