invisible string [ joshua bassett ]

fifteen

it had been two days since i last saw joshua. since we both freaked. we hadn't spoke about it, we were dancing around the subject. both us of had been texting non stop, but with joshua filming and me catching up on assignments and working at the cafe, we hadn't found the time to see eachother.

if i said i didn't miss him, i would be lying. two days have felt like an entire week without being able to hold his hand. we were facetiming every night, but it wasn't the same. i know i shouldn't miss him, so i've been trying to force myself to act like i dont.

' my label said i cant date anyone right now. ' joshua's words were on replay in my head. nine words. one sentence. and i hadn't stopped thinking about it for the past forty eight hours. part of me hope i had misheard him, but i knew i hadn't.

this was what the entire bases of the agreement was for. not to catch feelings. no stings attached. but the more i saw him, the more i wanted those strings. i wanted those strings to be the strongest piece of rope anyone had ever made. i should be thankful for his friendship, he had already given me so much. it would be greedy to ask for anymore.

" excuse me? i want to order a drink if it's not too much of a hassle. " my head instantly snapped up to see a girl. i had seen her before but i couldn't put my finger on where.

" i'm sorry, what would you like? " i asked, giving her a smile. joshua even puts me off of my work when he's not around.

" i know you, " the girl in front of me said, furrowing her eyebrows as she racked her brain for where she knew me from.

" ah! aphrodite, right? " i smiled at her, nodding my head.

" i'm emily. josh introduced us a few weeks ago. " my smile faltered as the realisation ran through me.

" yes, i remember! at casters party. " i said, giving my best customer service smile. emily being up close finally let me take in her appearance.

she was beautiful. the kind of girl you would see on pinterest and instantly be jealous of. her hair was healthy, her eyes were full of light and her smile was one i could only dream of having.

" it's nice to see joshua be friends with someone outside of hollywood, it's grounding. " emily's voice was kind. too kind. i didn't know if i should take offence or be flattered.

" what would you like? " i asked, ignoring her last comment and wanting this interaction to be over with.

" i'll take a coconut milk latte and whatever joshy has. " she smirked, watching me falter as i began to write the order down. i let out a quiet breath before carrying on, i was not going to loose my job over this bitch.

i told her the amount and she rolled her eyes before paying. was she expecting some kind of discount?

" i'll tell joshy you said hi. " she said, blowing me a kiss before leaving. i let out a breath i didn't know i was holding and shook my head.

i debated texting joshua about what had happened but decided against it. if they were meeting up, it would only make me look stupid. joshua swore that he would never get back with emily, but feelings change. i know first hand.

one new message.

joshua🫶🏻
hey! i'm shooting a mv tomorrow
and i wondered if you and
the others wanted to be in it?
nothing too crazy, it's based at
a party so you guys will be in
your element lol

aphrodite 😘
id love to! i'll speak to the
girl but i'm sure it will be a yes

joshua🫶🏻
perfect! i'll ring you 2nite?

aphrodite🫶🏻
you better