Page 43 of Asher

When she got there, she calmly asked me what had happened, and I told her.

She smiled once I was done and then took me for ice cream.

But it was nothing that compared to getting home afterward to see a big black motorcycle with hints of red in the driveway, a man atop it, with Stella behind him.

And it was nothing compared to him smiling at me while saying thank you.

And like that, my little heart had been captured.

But...that was that.

Stella and my bond had been forever cemented on the playground.

But now... I didn’t know how I was going to face Stella and, for that matter, Asher.

Gah.

My mama knocked on my door again, “Mi hija, time to get up.”

I needed to move out.

Unfortunately, I was paying off my college loans, and it was smart to stay with my parents rent-free while I did that.

Six more months. Six more months, and I would be able to do that.

Sighing, I rolled out of bed, showered, and got ready for the day.

As I took a sip of my coffee, coffee that looked like a white piece of paper, I texted Stella back.

Stella –Don’t forget. We both offered to help with the food this weekend at the clubhouse.

Me –I haven’t forgotten. I’ll be making Tamales and Blueberry salad.

Stella –Dad wants to know if you’re also making that marbled tres leches cake.

Dang it.

She had to bring up her dad.

I so didn’t need that right now.

Not after the dream I had.

Oh hell, who was I kidding?

That man was on my mind almost every second of every day.

But alas, I was a big girl.

Which was why I texted back.

Me –Have him buy the stuff. I’m already maxed out this month.

And I was. I couldn’t afford anything else until my next paycheck hit at the end of next week.

Stella –K. Have a good day at work. Love you, snookums.

I shook my head.