Perspective

68- Hug

"What's the worst that could happen?" I ask.

"He could end our friendship forever."

I roll my eyes. "He's not a dick, Ash."

"Why can't you just stay with me while I tell him?"

I kiss his forehead. "Because, I want you to be a big boy."

"I am one," Asher winks. "Have you not seen the big boy in my pants. There's so many big boy things to do with it."

I hide my grin.

"The position we're in is perfect to do those things."

I smack his hands away from my butt. "Asher, you need to focus."

"I am!"

"No, you're not."

"Well then don't fucking straddle me and grind yourself. It's making me want to do crazy things."

"Really?" I ask with a smirk.

"Who's getting distracted now?"

I snap out of it. "You're right." I get off him and smooth out my clothes.

"No, babe. I was kidding. Come back!" He calls as I leave the room.

"Hey, Dylan" I knock on his door. "Asher has something to tell you."

"Okay. I'll be out in a second," Dylan says.

"Great."

I go back to my room where Asher is leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed over his chest.

"It's going to be okay," I assure him, cupping his cheek.

"What if he hates me forever?"

"Baby, why would he hate you?" I ask. "You didn't do anything wrong. He knows that and he's one of your best friends."

Asher takes a deep breath. "You're right."

I smile. "I'm always right, Ash."

He drops his arms and wraps them around my waist. "Really?"

"Really."

"Can you give me a kiss? I've been craving one for so long."

I give him a nice long kiss before we get interrupted by Dylan clearing his throat.

"I'm ready," Dylan says.

"I'm not," Asher mumbles.

"You got this," I assure him. "Harper and I are going to be in our room if you need me."

He nods and makes his way over to his bestfriend. When he glances back to look at me, I offer him an encouraging smile.

"Alrighty, Harper," I turn to the 2 year old. "Let's go play with some building blocks."

The two of us go into the room so that my boyfriend and his best friend can talk to peace.

Even though the door is closed, I can hear Asher clearly.

About 20 minutes later, I have heard all the gory details about Kendra. My cheeks are wet as tears continue to pour.

"Mommy?" Harper asks, looking at me in confusion.

"Sorry, baby. I need a minute," I tell him.

"Hug?" He asks, stretching his arms out.

I nod and Harper crawls into my lap to hug me. I kiss the top of his head. "I love you, baby." I stand up and carry him to Asher.

Dylan walks past me, wiping at his eyes. I hear his bedroom door close.

"Hey, Chase," Asher greets me. His eyes are glossy and his nose is slightly red.

I put Harper down before hugging my boyfriend.

He bursts into sobs, making my heart break.

"I didn't realize how much I was hurting," Asher admits.

"I'm sorry," I say.

"It's not your fault," he tells me, lifting his head to make eye contact.

"I'm still sorry," I stroke his blonde hair. "Come on." I stand up and take him to our room.

"Dylan's shaken up," Asher tells me as I make him lay down in our bed.

"I'll check up on him," I say, tucking the blankets around Asher.

"Can you stay?" He asks.

I kiss his forehead. "I can. I'll be right back."

I leave the room and go over to Dylan's room.

"Mommy? Hug?" Harper asks pointing to Dylan's door.

"Only if he wants one," I tell Harper before knocking. "Dylan?"

"Yeah?" His voice is shaky. "You can come in, if you want."

I open the door. He's sitting on the edge of his bed.

"Hug?" Harper asks Dylan.

"Sure, dude," Dylan says with a laugh and lets Harper hug him. "Make sure you tell Dada that he's the best."

"Okay," Harper says, running off to Asher. "Dada! Dada!"

"He's a good kid," Dylan says. "I'm glad Asher stepped up and took Kendra to court."

"Yeah me too. I can't even imagine..." I trail off and shake my head.

"Yeah...I can't either."

We're both quiet for a moment before I excuse myself and leave.

When I go back to my room, Asher and Harper are snuggled up on the bed with a picture book.

I wait for them to be done before carrying Harper to his own bed.

"No night-night," Harper says to me.

"You have to go to bed, baby," I reply, tucking him in. "Good night." I kiss his head.

He gives me a smile and a giggle. "Night, Mommy."

I gently ruffle his hair and turn off the main light.

Instead of being the small spoon like I usually am, I lay down in bed and let Asher get on top of me. His head is at the crook of my neck. His arms are around my body. His leg is over mine.

"I love you," he murmurs as I turn off the lamp.

"I love you too."

•••

Thanks for reading:)

Next chapter is about to get steamy for two reasons ;)

~M