When He Saved Me

t h i r t y - o n e

As we jog to catch up with the others, the tension between Asher and me feels lighter, like a weight has lifted, even if only slightly. The laughter from our friends fills the air, a comforting backdrop to the uncertainty swirling inside me.

"Finally!" Brooke teases, her eyes dancing with mischief. "We thought you two got lost in deep conversation or something."

"Just plotting world domination," Asher quips, his playful tone easing the earlier heaviness.

I roll my eyes but can't help the smile that breaks through. "More like trying to untangle our own mess."

Jules nudges me with a knowing grin. "You two are adorable. Seriously, just admit it already!"

The banter continues, but in the back of my mind, I'm still processing everything. Asher's admission lingers, his words echoing like a promise. I'm terrified but also exhilarated by the possibilities. Could we really navigate this without losing our relationship with Jake? I just got him back I don't want to lose him again.

We arrive at the restaurant, the warm glow of lights spilling onto the sidewalk. The place is buzzing with energy, and as we're ushered to a cozy corner table, the reality of the night hits me again: I won this battle, but the war of my heart and relationships is just beginning.

As we settle in, I catch glimpses of Jake across the table, laughter spilling from his lips as he shares an embarrassing story from our childhood. I can't help but smile, but a flicker of anxiety stirs within me. He has no idea what's brewing beneath the surface between Asher and me.

"Hey, Mads!" Ethan interrupts my thoughts, snapping me back to the present. "What's next for you? Any big plans now that you're officially free?" 

"Ethan you can't say that." Jules hisses at him elbowing him.

I laugh, grateful for the distraction. "Honestly? I just want to focus on rebuilding some normalcy. Maybe hit the beach, take a road trip something to celebrate."

"Road trip! Count me in!" Jules exclaims, her enthusiasm infectious.

The conversation flows, and for a moment, I let myself bask in the joy of the evening. But as I glance at Asher, who's engaged in a heated debate with Jake about their favorite bands, I feel the familiar knot of worry tighten in my stomach.

Just then, my phone buzzes. It's a text from Jake: "Hey, can we talk later?"

My heart drops. He knows. How much does he know? I look up to find Asher catching my eye, and the unspoken connection between us feels electric.

"Everything okay?" he mouths to me, his brow furrowing with concern.

 I nod, forcing a smile.

 He doesn't look convinced his protective instinct flaring up.

I hesitate, debating whether to bring up the text. But before I can respond, Jake stands, raising his glass. "Alright, everyone! Let's toast to new beginnings, to Mads, and to the road ahead!"

Glasses clink, and I force my heart to lighten, even as I feel the weight of Jake's unspoken questions. As I sip my drink, I glance at Asher again. His expression is soft, but there's an intensity in his gaze that sends my heart racing.

"After this, can we talk?" I whisper to him, my voice barely audible above the chatter.

"Absolutely," he replies, his eyes filled with promise.

As the evening winds down and the laughter echoes around us, I can't shake the feeling that tonight is only the beginning. The challenges ahead loom large, but so do the possibilities. With each heartbeat, I'm reminded that love and friendship are delicate yet resilient.