I knocked on the door and Luca opened it. His black hair was shorter, which showed off his blue eyes. He pulled me into a hug when he saw me.
When he glanced at Asher he let out an exaggerated gasp. “What are you doing here with my best friend?”
Asher grinned. “Nice to see you too, man.”
“We carpool to and from work. I had him drop me here because I needed your help with something,” I mumbled.
Luca stepped back to let us walk inside. “Make yourself at home. Raid my fridge if you need something to drink.”
I walked into his living room, and ignored the gaudy blue shag rug and sat on the comfy brown couch.
“I’ll grab us something,” Asher said before he left me and Luca in the room.
“What do you need my help with?”
I sighed and hung my head into my hands. “I don’t love Preston and I want out of the engagement.”
He let out a low whistle. “Really? Took you this long to come to that conclusion?”
I picked my head up and glared at him. Asher walked in and handed me a soda.
“What’d I miss?” he asked.
“Baby cousin here is finally ending her relationship with dickwad,” Luca filled him in with a wink.
Asher’s face lit up, and he smirked in my direction.
I bit my lip. “But, for me to do that, I need a place to crash while I look for a place. Mags lives in a studio apartment and Eve still lives in her parents basement right now.”
“You’re more than welcome here, Faith.” Luca grinned. “As long as you can handle the flings I bring home at all hours of the night.”
My smile dropped and I groaned.
“I have a spare room. You can stay with me instead,” Asher said.
“What a magnificent idea. Yes, you should stay with Asher!” Luca nudged Asher’s shoulder.
I smiled weakly. “I’ll think about it. Thanks, guys. I appreciate you both. Luca, could you help me get my stuff from Preston’s?”
“Of course, but when do you plan on doing this?”
“This weekend. As soon as fucking possible.”
Asher and Luca grinned at me.
I couldn’t wait to be free from Preston’s engagement.
Linda’s nose scrunched up as she reached back and pulled the hair tie out, her blonde hair cascading down. “I’m just saying, you should be really careful. You don’t want to look like a—” She paused, and brought her voice to a whisper. “Whore or anything. You’re getting married.”
I finished eating my sandwich and swallowed quickly. It may be lunchtime but it was still too early on a Monday morning to deal with her shit. “Thanks for your concern, really. But I’m allowed to hang around whoever I want. That includes Asher, especially considering he’s my cousin’s best friend.”
She twisted her lips to the side before she unscrewed the lid to her water bottle. “Speaking of your cousin, is he hot?”
I cringed. “No way. Besides, he’s seeing someone.”
Okay, so that wasn’t completely true, but Mags was still pining for him. And there was no way in hell I could deal with her if Luca was actually interested.
She gulped a few sips before setting it back down. “Too bad.”
A few minutes later Asher came up and asked to talk to me. I reluctantly agreed and we stepped out into the hall.
I was supposed to end the engagement to Preston this past weekend but I didn’t get the chance. He avoided me all weekend, which is why I couldn’t get a word in edgewise.
“Luca and I were worried about you all weekend. We practically lived by our phones waiting for an update.” He crossed his arms.
My posture slumped. “I’m sorry. There was no chance to talk to him. Every time we spoke I told him I had something important to talk to him about but he blew me off. He wasn’t even home more than five minutes all weekend.”
His jaw muscle tightened. “So what’re you going to do now?”
“After school, I’m going to tell him. Even if I have to go to his office,” I said.
“I can go with you to do it.”
“I appreciate it but—” My head shook. “I need to do this alone.”
He engulfed me into a comforting hug and I leaned into his touch.
“I missed you.” The words came tumbling out. My hand slapped over my mouth as I stepped back. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be saying things like that.”
His fingers played with the ends of my hair. “I missed you too. I knew you felt something for me, still.”
I sucked in a sharp breath and swatted his hand away. “I’m still engaged. Not now.”
He smirked. “I only have to wait a few more hours.”
My breathing was shallow and I felt tears welling up. “Why didn’t you wait for me?”
He stood straighter. “I did wait for you. For so many years.”
“But why did you leave me alone that morning?” My heart crashed against my ribcage. I knew full well this wasn’t the time or place, but I had to know.
“Faith, I—” He edged closer.
I shook my head and turned away. “Not here.” I hurried down the hall toward the cafeteria.
We left school as soon as the students were dismissed. I hadn’t left work that early before, but I knew I had to deal with Preston and waiting wasn’t doing anyone any favors. Asher hadn’t brought up our conversation earlier, and for that I was grateful. I had to focus on ending what I had with Preston before revisiting any feelings that lingered for Asher.
When we pulled into the driveway, there was a silver car parked that I didn’t recognize. Preston’s car wasn’t there either. I tried calling him but there was no answer.
“He’s not answering again but I don’t know whose car that is.” I put my phone back in my purse.
He rubbed his scruff with an intense expression. “I’ll walk you in.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
Every step toward my home felt like shackles were binding my feet. Asher walked ahead of me slightly. The lights were on and once
