Share
105
LENNOX
I reached for the tin and sifted through the cookies. Half of them were decorated with pink icing and two words: "I'm sorry."
"I don't get it," Davin said, looking at me. Neither did I.
"Did she get glasses?" I asked him. "Maybe she finally realized you're not worth special deliveries—"
He threw a cookie aggressively at Ashton, who caught it effortlessly.
I raised an eyebrow at Davin. "Fuck you," I said, giving him the middle finger.
Davin flashed a brief smile and watched as Ashton examined the "I'm sorry" cookie. Willow noticed the
Related chapters
Falling for a John 106
ASHTONI felt a numbness spreading through me. The weight of the situation threatened to crush me, but I fought against it with all my might. I was aware that I had only a short amount of time with this girl. Whatever I said next could make or break her, and I never took that responsibility lightly."Life can be tough sometimes," I said. "My mom and dad taught me that when you're unsure if you can keep going, you just have to take it one day at a time, one step at a time. Can you do that with me?"She breathed heavily, tears silently streaming down her face."You're here, today," I said, reaching deep within myself to offer her something, even though it felt like it was collapsin
Falling for a John 107
LENNOX"Wait, wait," Ashton gasps, his breath hot against my jaw. Every time we end up in the cramped bunk together, it's a test of self-control.A movie plays on the flip-down screen, Everybody Wants Some!!, but we've abandoned it multiple times to focus on each other. Our legs are entwined, chests pressed together. Our hands grip, squeeze, and pull.God, I want more.But his hands pause mine with a whispered plea. I watch as he tries to suppress his primal desires, struggling to catch his breath.A mischievous smile tugs at my lips. We're not about to engage in passionate lovemaking just inches away from his co
Falling for a John 108
ASHTONWillow vigorously shook her head. "Tony," she whispered, "Sandro couldn't have known." But her certainty wavered, knowing how often he had opposed me.There was no time to whisper back.Becky responded, "Due to the time differences and your spontaneous tour schedule, it was difficult to keep in touch. You've been absent."If she said that again, I would explode like a firework at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. "I created this charity," I stated firmly. "I have a good relationship with the board. Why would you even consider pushing me out?"It made absolutely no sense.
Falling for a John 109
ASHTON"Seven years ago," he continues, relentless. "Molly fell into the creek behind the lake house, sinking into the treacherous mud. I was halfway there, already ankle-deep in water, but you emerged out of nowhere, donning your shining white armor and carrying a ten-foot rope."His eyes are bloodshot as he says, "It's these little moments that define you. You mean everything to my siblings. To the Haynes girls, to your own sisters and brother. You've become an inescapable shadow, because when you're everything to them, I can't be anything. So who am I?" Sandro points at his chest. "Who am I? And what do I become if I follow you to Harvard? Lost and confused? I was already filled with self-loathing and bitterness, but I'd be even more resentful, waking up every day hating myself for not being more like Ashton J
Falling for a John 110
LENNOXHe cracks his knuckle and briefly acknowledges a boy who calls out his name. His forest-green eyes return to me as he says, "They were vague, but they mentioned that there might be a possibility for me to be reinstated as the CEO. They didn't disclose any details yet."I drum my fingers against my mug, the sound of my rings clinking together. You see, I don't appreciate the fact that they conveniently omitted what he needs to do. It could be anything, and they could demand anything from him."They hold the power," I remind him. He has very little leverage in this situation.Ashton nods. "I know, but it's the only hope I have. They said they would provide more information i
Falling for a John 111
LENNOX"Get the hell out of Philly!" The profanity-laden heckle echoes through the smoky billiards and darts bar, its packed interior making it difficult to identify the source. However, the contemptuous stares and raised middle fingers leave no doubt about the target of the heckling.Surprisingly, it's not aimed at Ashton or Willow or any of the well-known figures. Instead, the recipient of the insults becomes apparent as I scan the crowd. Davin, who is currently arranging the pool balls, takes in the hostile atmosphere and comments, "Perry is going to lose it when he arrives."Perry, unlike us, wouldn't take kindly to someone demanding his departure from his own city. Philly is home to all of us, and the barrage of jeers began the moment Davin
Falling for a John 112
LENNOXFor Perry, Kaleb, Seth, and even Davin, it was the only place they had ever known. They never went to college or moved elsewhere. It had always been Philly.Some people have a strong connection to a specific place, as if it's a person, an inseparable part of them. I could see that in Perry's eyes."Say I'm from L.A. one more time!" Perry threatened. People mistakenly believed we were from L.A. because that's where our fame originated.Kaleb started yelling back at the heavyset guy on the end. He was so irritated that being off-duty made him throw the rulebook out the window.Davin whispered to me, "Those S
Falling for a John 113
ASHTONThey look more like pink suede sandals with a chunky glittery heel attached. My aunt usually sticks to simple black dresses and classic heels, but these are eccentric.These are Willow.Upon seeing them, Willow stops midway down the stairs. "What are those?"Serena delicately holds the heeled sandals. "They're for you, but I'm not trying to buy your love," she says sharply. "I saw them, and they screamed Willow Eleanor Walsh, my beautiful and brilliant firstborn daughter... If you don't want them, I'll return them to the store or throw them into a fire. Watch them burn..." She tries to lift her chin, fighting back tears, quickly brushing the corners of her eyes. "Whatever
Latest chapter
