Bad At Love | Halsey

Fine

She arrives a few minutes after Becca brings me some water.

"Lolo," Ash says as she slides into the seat across from mine.

"Ash." My heart skips a beat. "I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you, too. I'm really sorry," she says, brushing her blue hair behind her ear. She's not wearing any makeup, but she still looks gorgeous.

"It's not your fault," I assure her, and she gives me a small smile.

"Hey there," Becca says as she comes over.

"Hi, Becs," Ash says, smiling slightly at her.

"What'll you have?" she asks, and I look to the menu.

"The usual will be fine," I tell her before realizing how starved I am. "Scratch that," I say, grabbing the menu. "Salad, coffee, mushroom pizza, fruit bowl, and peanut butter and banana sandwich," I say, making Becca raise an eyebrow at me. "I haven't eaten in two days," I admit, making her eyes widen.

"Oh dear. Yeah, let's get you everything," she says. She writes something down in her notepad before looking to Ash. "What'll you have?"

"Same as her minus the pizza," she responds. She looks to me. "I mean, we are splitting that, right?" A smile is playing on her lips, and I feel my heart flutter. I've missed her so much.

"Yeah. Of course," I reply, and Ash looks to Becca.

"Yeah. That's our order."

"Alright. I'll be back in a bit with your food."

"Thanks," I say, and she smiles before leaving.

Ashley meets my eyes, and I lace my fingers together, placing them on the table. She takes a sip of her water and looks down before letting out a breath.

"So, I guess we should address the elephant in the room," she says, looking up at me.

"Maybe after we eat. I haven't eaten in days," I admit, and she lets out a little laugh.

"Yeah. You're right. Same here," she says.

"How've you been otherwise?" I ask, and she shrugs.

"I'm okay," she says. "Everything considered."

"That's good," I reply, trying to think of something to say.

Suddenly, her phone rings. Saved by the bell.

"Sorry—" She pulls out her phone from her bag, and her eyes widen. "I-I have to take this." She moves to stand up, but before she can move past me, I stand up.

Standing in her way, I narrow my eyes at her. "No, Ash."

"Move. I have to take this," she replies, glancing to her phone. I see the name flash across the screen—Grant.

"No. I won't let you do this," I say, grabbing her phone. She gasps, and I press decline before she can do anything.

"Lauren!" she shrieks as I put her phone down on the table.

"This is for the best," I tell her calmly, feeling a bit bad. But I know I have to do this.

She glares at me for a while, but then, Becca comes over with two salads.

"Oh shit," she says, but I look to her.

I feel my face relax, and I sit back down, as does Ash.

"Everything okay?" Becca asks, and Ash nods.

"Fine." She says, but I can tell that she doesn't mean it. 

A/N

i feel like I'm taking this too slow lmao