Just Sell Me The Damn Book

Chapter Five

How did they end up like this?

Sitting in a cafe, Ace smiled as he ordered a cheesecake and asked Nash what he wanted. Nash wondered if this was that classic enemy-to-lovers plot line. It wasn't what he was going for. He was more focused on plotlines involving a CEO. At least make him hate Ace for a few more months. Nash wondered if he was being petty. Did what happened between them warrant months of hating?

Nash got the book. Ace got hurt; was it really that deep?

He was at a crossroads where even if he agreed to Ace's demands, that lingering feeling that he was letting it go all too quickly lingered in the back of his mind. Yet, Nash wondered if it was water under the bridge by now. It was all too complicated: his feelings, mind, and heart. They all played a different tune. No matter how much he thought about it, Nash was already dipping his toes in the waters by doing things like this.

"What are you thinking about?" Ace asked, noticing Nash lost in thought.

"That I'm letting go of what happened to me too quickly, or am I being petty by holding on to it," Nash replied honestly. He didn't have a reason to lie, and it wasn't anything he couldn't voice out.

"I'm sorry about what happened. How I acted when we first met." Ace apologized. "I had a reason for that, but that's no excuse. I'm sorry."

What reason could warrant acting like that to someone he first met? No, it didn't matter. Nash didn't want to hear his excuse. It happened and passed. Despite his reluctance, Nash was getting past it. That didn't mean he didn't appreciate the apology. "Classic rude character line. I didn't peg you as the type to apologize since you waited so long. Still, thank you."

Ace chuckled, remembering he said something similar to Nash. "Has your impression of me changed somewhat?"

Nash thought about his response. Ace had changed despite his first impression being a core memory. In a possible timeline, it could be a story to tell years from now. Remember how we first met? That's how impactful it was. "Since I'm an honest man, yes. I prefer this version of you." Nash admitted. "I might have to take back a few words-"

"Excuse me," They both looked up to see a long black hair girl with bangs. Her eyes mainly focused on Ace. Nash immediately understood what was happening. He sipped on his iced tea and looked out the window. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

"It's not like we were mid-conversation or anything," Ace said sarcastically. "Can I help you with anything?"

"I don't know how this might sound, but can I get your number." She answered. While Nash knew he was good-looking in a cute sense. Ace gave an overwhelming attractiveness with his bad-boy aura. The situation wasn't surprising to Nash. Situations like these were more uncomfortable than standing awkwardly waiting on a friend while they talked to a friend.

"I'm afraid I can't do that," Ace told her. Nash felt a hand on top of his and met eyes with Ace, confused. "This is actually my boyfriend, and we are currently on a date." Nash was shocked by his blatant lie. If he wanted to reject her, he should have just said no and not complicate things.

"Oh," Her tone changed as she looked at Nash. "That's too bad." She added as she left.

"Is "no" not enough for a rejection. Why rope me into it?" Nash asked.

"That's a better way of saying no. Even if it's a lie, it gets the job done." Ace said, poking at his cheesecake. "I bet you're shocked by this. Breaking news!" He chuckled softly.

Nash replied honestly, "I'm more shocked by the fact that you're single,"

"Being single has become one of my personality traits at this point," Ace spoke. "I've never dated anyone after all." He added, barely above a whisper.