The Fuck List

4

TW: this chapter contains mentions of sexual assault. It is a consensual sexual encounter, however, due to intoxication, there are accusations thrown around.

B L A K E
O C T O B E R

It had been a week since River and I temporarily moved in with Jared and his family, and while the basement wasn't the coziest sleeping arrangement, I made do. The bed was worn and the springs creaked, but with several blankets piled onto the old mattress, it reminded me of my own back home. I got up, showered, and dressed in my best jeans—ripped at the knees—along with a dark green flannel featuring a skull on the back and my matching Converse.

It was Saturday, and I had promised Asher a date. I planned everything carefully: I would pick him up at his house at eleven-thirty, and then we'd head to a café for lunch before visiting the art museum. I wasn't particularly into art myself, but I knew Asher was, and since we had one of America's premier art museums nearby, I wanted to surprise him with a trip I knew he'd love.

I hurriedly fixed my hair, said goodbye to my brother and Jared, and tried not to dwell on the fact that Laura was spending the weekend at Derek's. It bothered me, but there was nothing I could do about it. Laura and I were over, and it was time I accepted that it was probably permanent.

I hurried to the store, grabbed a bouquet, and headed to Asher's place, running a few minutes behind, but hoping the flowers could compensate for that.

As I arrived at Asher's, I couldn't believe my eyes. The house was massive! Double-checking my messages with Asher to make sure I had the right address, I frowned when I saw that I did. A fresh wave of insecurity washed over me. Compared to his place, my own home seemed quite insignificant, and suddenly, I felt underdressed for the occasion. The driveway was big enough to hold my entire school's parking lot, and the house itself was an impressive three stories high, with intricate carvings on the front door. I parked at the far end of the long driveway and made my way up the steps, feeling more nervous with each one. Hesitantly, I rang the doorbell and waited.

When the door finally swung open, I half expected to see Asher, but instead, a young woman, probably around thirty, greeted me. She flashed me a warm smile, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "You must be Blake! Asher's told me so much about you. Come on in! He's just finishing getting ready."

I shook my head with a nervous laugh. "No, thank you, though. I think I'll stay out here for a bit. It'll give me a chance to gather my thoughts and calm myself." My voice was steadier than I felt.

She smiled understandingly and called up to Asher. Before I even had a chance to second-guess myself, he appeared at the top of the grand staircase, a soft smile spreading across his face as he descended the steps.

"Hi," I greeted, trying to sound as casual as possible, though my heart raced.

"Hey," he replied. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

I waved off his apology, feeling a bit of relief. "No worries, I was running late myself, so it's good to know you weren't quite ready either." I handed him the bouquet, watching as his expression brightened. He brought them up to his nose, inhaling their scent with a smile, then carefully set them in a glass vase sitting on a nearby table by the door, arranging them with a surprising amount of care.

"Bye, Mom! See you later!" Asher called out, planting a quick kiss on her cheek before dashing towards my car. I was already there, opening the door for him. He shot me a grateful smile, slid into the passenger seat, and gently shut the door behind him before circling back around to my side.

****
At the cafe, we placed our order, and I insisted on paying. Asher found us a cozy little spot by the window while I carried the tray over to the table. He settled in the chair across from me, and I couldn't help but smile as I took in his outfit- a soft lilac sweater that complimented his dark blue skinny jeans, both stylish and effortlessly him. His nails, painted to match the color of the flower crown he wore, added a playful touch to the ensemble, which he paired with black Doc Martens. His entire look was screaming confidence. Asher didn't care what anyone else thought, and I admired that about him. I wish I could be the same way.