Senior Standoff | RETIRED VERSION

Season 1 - Episode 8 | NOT REVISED

"Looks like they're going to be relocating the race next year," Ben said, stabbing his fork into a pile of pasta. The mood at the table was all over the place today, with a few people still being bitter about the race.

"Well, they're not going to hold it in the same place everyone got busted," Scarlet said.

Most people had managed to get away. Asher and I were the first ones out of there, and everyone on foot was able to scatter before the cops actually showed up. Unfortunately for Ben, his yellow Mustang stood out enough for them to track him. And Ky? He was the first one they were able to catch.

Resting her face on her fist, Hailey said, "No one has ever been busted. I wonder what tipped them off."

"Probably Asher's loud-ass bike," Ky said quietly, keeping his eyes on the table.

"Or the fact that a giant group of kids were hiking out to the woods and screaming. That's probably pretty suspicious," Asher said.

"You're just bitter you didn't ditch in time," I said.

"You would be, too! You heard Dad laying into me!" Ky replied. My eyes dropped to the table. It had been pretty loud. Ky was lucky he didn't get in more trouble, and Dad had kept reminding him of that. After a solid ten minutes of shouting, I heard heavy footsteps and a door slam.

"Aspen, Asher," Scarlet said, breaking the tension. "Some of the top teams are going on a group date this weekend. Want to come?"

Ky looked up at her for a second, and then back down at the table. He looked like he was chewing on his cheek. At this point, he was probably considering just getting up and leaving. That was the attitude he'd had all week with Asher sitting at the table.

"But we're not dating. We're just..." I looked over to Asher. Friends? Teammates?

"Friends," Asher said.

"You can still come if you want to," Scarlet said. She grabbed Ky's hand and intertwined their fingers. It seemed to relax him a little bit.

"Can't. Aspen and I already have plans for this weekend," Asher said.

"Plans work out better when both people know about them," I said. Asher glanced over to me and chuckled.

"Saturday night. My house. Now you know."

"Sounds great."

I looked at Ky over my bottle of tea as I took a sip. He rolled his eyes, not even trying to hide it.

*

I wasn't proud of how much time I spent on my appearance before going to Asher's. Not that I timed it, but doing a full face of makeup wasn't quick. Or picking out a cute, floral crop top and skinny jeans. So maybe I did want Asher to keep showing whatever form of interest he had in me. So what if I liked having that kind of attention from a guy?

Asher's house was close enough that I was able to walk. When I knocked on his door, he answered so fast it was almost like he was waiting for me to get there.

"Welcome back to the humble abode, Princess," he said, standing back to let me in. He was wearing the typical Asher garb he was always wrapped up in. A soft, gray tee, black jeans, and boots. I stepped past him into the house and looked around. Empty.

"Are we alone?" I asked.

"Yep. But, don't worry, I won't try to deflower you," he promised. "Yet."

He sat down in a recliner and gestured to the one next to him. "What are you in the mood for doing? We can watch movies, or play a game, just chill. I can order some pizza, or I can make something. Whatever you want."