A Walk Apart (Episode 4: All In)

Chapter Thirteen

Lingering in the lounge, Ashlee and Adam read the award plate on their golden trophy. Open Mic Sensation. He truly deserved it. When he started freezing up, her initial reaction was to try and cheer him on, not bombard his performance. And then she saw Jared looking her way and the next thing she knew she was running away again up onto the stage. It may have helped Adam's confidence, but her harmonies were nothing compared to his voice. So honest and pure. It was a very powerful performance.

"Is he staying over your place or mine?" Adam asked, offering her the trophy. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have gone through with it. So, it's only fair to share custody."

"You keep it. I'm only a backup singer."

"We were so close to beating you," Simon said, one arm wrapped around Brie's shoulder. They had gotten pretty cozy since Ashlee had introduced them. He proved himself to be a really good friend tonight. Anyone who was willing to throw away his inhibitions and make a fool of himself for her sister had her vote.

"At least I can check that off the list," Brie said. "I think I might try scuba diving next."

"Just as long as it doesn't involve hitting any more high notes." Simon massaged his neck. "My throat is on fire."

"One glass of water on me." Brie led the way to the bar and Simon followed along as Madison and Nathan made their way over.

They were actually going to write a song with Daylight. Ashlee squeezed her hands together to compose herself, but this was insanely amazing. She'd never written a song in her life, and now she was getting to work with her favorite band in the city for the very first Crossing Oaks official theme song. They were about to make history.

"Congratulations." Madison's big, floppy fedora stuck out like a You Are Here dot on a map. "It looks like we're going to be writing partners." Ashlee admired her entire outfit from her cross choker to her suede wedges. Even her makeup was flawless. Who cared if they weren't known across the world, Madison was a star and she knew how to dress the part.

Adam certainly thought so from the starstruck look on his face. "I'm excited. Though I have to warn you, I am a complete amateur."

"I'm the only amateur here," Ashlee said. She didn't even play an instrument. How in the world did she get an invite to this party? "Be free to put me in a corner and carry on with what you do best."

"Amateur or not, you guys rocked the performance. We are going to have some seriously fun jam sessions. No one is getting left behind. Right, Nate?"

Hands in his pockets, Nate stared off into the distance toward the exit. It's like he wasn't even there. "Right."

Also sensing the chill in the air, Madison attached herself to Nate's arm. "See you guys later." She smiled at Adam. "I'm really glad you changed your mind."

"Night," Nate mumbled as they moved for the exit. He really wasn't a people person.

Ashlee looked over at the bar to find Ashlee and instead found Jared leaning against the counter laughing with a friend. She missed that laugh and his smile. She missed him completely. So she kissed him, and yes he had a girlfriend, but she wasn't ready to say goodbye. Their friendship meant more to her than broken expectations. This was something she could fix.

"That is my cue to be on my way." With a smile, Adam waved goodbye with his trophy and headed home.

Ashlee swallowed past the dizziness flooding her head and crept toward Jared hoping to rewind time.

"Jay!"

A girl with big curly hair stood in the entrance. Jared's eyes shot in her direction and his mouth fell open. The girl ran into the lounge and into his arms. Ashlee stopped moving. Jared clung on to his stranger. They pulled apart and he stared at her like he couldn't believe his eyes. Like she was the most beautiful girl in the world. His girl. "Ronnie. What are you doing here?"

Ronnie's smile stretched across her gorgeous face. She brushed the hair out of Jared's eyes. "Surprise."

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Thanks so much for reading! I truly appreciated every single person who clicks on any of my stories. Stay tuned to find out what happens next in Episode 5. In the meantime, let me know what you think about the story and characters so far! 

-Love, Charly