Echoes of Us

Chapter 14: Fractured Connections

The day after the unexpected phone call, tension lingered in the air. Amber hadn't been privy to the full details of Asher's conversation with Olivia, but she had her suspicions. Asher had been vague, brushing it off as "just sorting things out," but Amber wasn't convinced.

Later that afternoon, the three of them met up at a neutral location: a quiet lounge with a dim ambiance. Amber arrived first, her nerves on edge as she sipped her drink, glancing anxiously toward the door.

When Asher walked in, Olivia was right behind him. Olivia's presence was bold as ever, her sharp gaze locking onto Amber like a challenge. Amber stiffened in her seat, unsure of what to expect from the meeting.

"So," Olivia began as she slid into the booth across from Amber. Her tone was light, but there was an edge to her words. "Asher thought it would be good for us to all talk things out."

Amber raised an eyebrow, glancing at Asher for clarification. He looked uncomfortable, his jaw tight as he avoided her eyes.

"Yeah," he said finally, sitting beside Amber. "We've all been through a lot, and I think it's time we clear the air. Get everything out in the open."

Amber crossed her arms, leaning back. "Clear the air? Is that what we're doing? Or is this just Olivia stirring the pot again?"

Olivia smirked, leaning forward on her elbows. "I'm not here to stir anything, Amber. I just think we've got some unresolved... tension. And I'm the kind of person who likes to resolve things, one way or another."

Amber's cheeks flushed with irritation. "What exactly are you getting at, Olivia?"

Before Olivia could respond, Asher raised his hands to calm the escalating tension. "Look, both of you, stop. This isn't about taking sides. I care about both of you, and I think we need to figure out a way to move forward. Together."

The word hung in the air, heavy with implication. Amber's eyes widened as she realized what Asher was suggesting. Olivia, on the other hand, looked amused, as if she'd already known where this was heading.

"Together?" Amber repeated, her voice filled with disbelief. "Are you serious, Asher? You think this is some kind of solution?"

Olivia leaned back in her seat, crossing her legs casually. "It's not the worst idea. Could be fun, don't you think, Amber?"

Amber glared at her, then turned to Asher. "And you? Do you actually think this is going to fix anything? Or is this just you avoiding making a real decision?"

Asher sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm not saying it's a perfect solution. I just think... maybe it could help us all find some common ground."

Amber sat in stunned silence, her emotions a whirlwind of anger, confusion, and an underlying flicker of curiosity she didn't want to admit.

After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice low but firm. "I need time to think about this. Don't expect me to just go along with whatever ridiculous idea you two cook up."

Olivia shrugged nonchalantly. "Take your time, Amber. But don't take too long. Asher and I are very... patient."

Amber shot her a withering look before standing and grabbing her bag. "I'll let you know what I decide. Don't hold your breath."

She stormed out of the lounge, leaving Asher and Olivia alone at the table. Asher sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"That went about as well as I expected," he muttered.

Olivia smirked, swirling her drink lazily. "Oh, she'll come around. They always do."

Asher didn't respond, his mind already preoccupied with the consequences of what they were about to set in motion.