Indecisive Heart

Chapter 15

It was now the day of the big playoff game. Rory offered to bring me to the mall with her because she's going to get supplies to make posters for the team (mostly Robbie). I agreed and we picked up some supplies together.

After getting the supplies, we decided to stop at The Pretzel Shop for a pretzel. Asher wasn't there, but I was totally okay with that. Rory and I were sitting at a table when she got up and said "Okay I can't hold it anymore. I have to go to the bathroom. Will you be okay here alone for a few minutes?"

"Yeah, I'll be right here waiting." I responded. She ran off to the bathroom and I was left to finish the pretzel alone.

I was chewing the last bite when suddenly I noticed someone who looked quite familiar. Across the way at a vinyl record kiosk stood Asher, by himself.

This is my chance. I can really take it up a notch.

Before my mind could comprehend what I was doing, that random confidence that comes and goes took over my body and casually walked me over to the record kiosk. I was now standing right across from him, a small shelf of records the only thing standing in between us.

I gulped, looked up at him and said "Oh hey, you look familiar, have I seen you before?" He looked up, smileed ever so slightly, and sids "Well, if you come to the mall often, you may have noticed me before. I actually work at The Pretzel Shop over there." He nodded his head toward the area where I was just sitting.

I acted like I hadn't really noticed and said "No, that's not it. I think I've seen you at my school. Do you go to Brookstown?"

His response was short and vague, "Well I do now."

I pretended I didn't know exactly who he was and asked him "What's your name?" He batted his perfect brown eyes and said "Asher King, what's yours?" I swooned on the inside, and then said "Sadie Nolan. It's nice to meet you." I tried to give him the warmest smile I could without looking creepy.

There was a moment of silence as he was scanning through some records, so I continued, "What kind of music do you like?" He ran his hand through his slightly messy head of silky dark brown hair and answered "A variety, but I'm not buying anything today. I'm actually just waiting for someone."

At that very moment, I saw Rory out of the corner of my eye. It looked like she was trying to get my attention, but once again, I could not understand what she was trying to tell me.

Trying not to lose focus of the conversation, I asked, "Oh, really? Who are you waiting for?"

Then I saw what Rory was trying to tell me.

Over Asher's left shoulder, I saw my worst nightmare approaching. Before Asher got the chance to say who he was waiting for, I answered his question for myself.

"Gia! Hi!" I said, trying not to wince. "Hello Sadie," she responded. Brushing me off and turning back to Asher, she continued, "Asher are you ready to go? We better hurry if we want to make it to the game on time."

The game? They're going to the game together? Who's idea for a date was that?

I interrupted their conversation and asked "Oh, you two are going to the game? I'll be there too!" Playing along with Gia, I showed her my best fake smile. She responded "Oh yeah, I bet you'll be there to cheer on Finn!" she winked at me. Suddenly I had a lump in my chest that prevented me from getting any more words out.

Horrified, I looked to Asher, who seemed confused, but also not really interested in our conversation, then back to Gia, who was returning the fake smile.

I got out the words "What does that mean?" and she responded, "Oh don't be so coy, Sadie! Almost the whole school knows you two are together!" She almost seemed excited for me, but I could tell she was putting on an act.