I could do this. I would go out with Lamar and have a good time. A knock sounded on my door. I checked the clock. Lamar was a few minutes early. I didn’t think much of it as I went to the door and pulled it open. Yet when I took in the figure just outside of it, my entire body froze, except for
“Yeah. Date,” Lamar said. “I’m taking Cynthia out tonight.” Asher’s attention turned to me. I immediately dropped my gaze, unable to meet his eyes. Soft as a whisper, Asher said, “Cynthia?” He made my name sound like a question, and I knew what he was really asking. He wanted me to confirm wha
I frowned. A call to action sounded in my chest, ready to defend Asher against any slight. I tampered it down somewhat, reminding myself that Lamar was my date, not some stranger out to hurt Asher. “Asher doesn’t care what I eat,” I said. Asher could be controlling sometimes, but not about everyth
Asher has no respect for you. The words struck me like a blow, and though we continued our date, never bringing up Asher again, those words clung to me the rest of the night. Even after I went home, where I changed and rested in my bed, the words – the implication – haunted me. They were things
I scolded myself mentally for not considering Lamar’s preferences, and for thinking of Asher at a time like this. “Sorry, Lamar. I didn’t mean to wake you.” “Cynthia? What time is it…? Oh… Okay. Well, I’m awake now. What’s up? Everything okay?” He exhaled deeply. “I’m sorry,” I said again. “I
“You shouldn’t have to change to be with someone,” Aimee said I disagreed. If I didn’t try to change myself, I would always only think of Asher. I liked Asher’s protectiveness, his jealousy, and the way he slid his arm possessively around my waist. But those weren’t necessarily good qualities, eve
Asher, cup in hand, turned from the drink table and saw me. He stilled, eyes widening for just an instant. Then, his gaze fell to where I held Lamar’s hand. Instantly, I released Lamar. Lamar glanced at me, confused, until he spotted what I was looking at. By then, Asher had looked away. He veer
Bullshit. I’d stopped filling my water halfway. Internally, I cursed myself for my distraction and continued pouring. “Is Lamar treating you alright?” Asher asked. “Yeah,” I said, and then hated how unconvincing I sounded, even to my own ears. Lamar was great. Just because things between us