Playing to Win

“Well, then he’s like, let’s go to the corner store and get some snacks, right? So, we did, but when we got there, he didn’t want to pay for anything. He started acting like he was going to steal all this crap from the convenience store.”

“Payton!” Jordan sat up and put her hand on my arm.

“I know! Jord, I already got picked up by the police this summer. They told me one more screw up and I was going to juvie. Since I’ve been hanging out with Asher, I don’t know, he’s pretty cool, and he’s teaching me to play. I’ve been talking to some guys about starting our own band. I can’t do that if I’m in juvie.”

“So, what did you do?”

“I ran. I ran as fast as I could. I didn’t want to be anywhere near that place if Tyler got caught. All he would have to do is say I was there, too, and I’d be done. So, as soon as I got far enough away, I texted Asher to come pick me up.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Jordan

I sat back against my headboard. “Why didn’t you call me? Or Mom and Dad?”

Payton made a face. “Seriously? Do you know what would have happened if I called Mom and Dad? I didn’t even do anything. As far as I know, Tyler didn’t either. At least, not that time.”

“Well, what about Joe? Or Bobby?”

Payton leaned back with a groan. “Jordan, don’t be stupid. They live forever away. It was late at night. Asher said I could call him and I did. I needed help and he helped me. He took me back to his house so Mom and Dad wouldn’t ask any questions. I haven’t talked to Tyler since then. It’s done. I didn’t do anything bad, except stay the night somewhere safe rather than with my ex-friend who’s a delinquent.”

It made sense. And really, how could I be mad at him? He was twelve and he needed help.

“Okay. Fine. I get it. But why didn’t he tell me?”

“Jordan, come on! Bro code. I asked him not to tell you and he didn’t.”

I so wanted to be mad at Asher. I wanted this to be his fault and not mine for jumping to conclusions.

“Look, sis. Asher and I are kinda friends now, but he did all this for you. Not for me.”

I scowled at my little brother. Punk kid.

“Guess what he said to me today.”

“What?” I asked, sulking.

“He said he couldn’t earn your trust by breaking mine.” Payton stood up and stretched. “If you ask me, Jord, he’s a good guy and you’re an idiot if you don’t want to be his girlfriend. The dude’s a rock star.”

Gah! I hated he was right. “But that’s kind of the problem. Kelly said he has girls hanging all over him all the time.” I had no idea why I told my brother that, but we were sharing and it just slipped out.

“Of course, he does! So does Joe. And Bobby. But that doesn’t mean they’re players.” Payton made a face as he sat back down. “Okay, maybe Bobby is a little bit. But he’s not a jerk. And neither is Asher. I think he really cares about you, Jord. The guy’s been miserable. I can hardly stand being around him, he’s so mopey.”

“He is?” I hoped I didn’t sound too hopeful.

Payton smirked. “Yes. And it sucks. We’ve been working together a lot because the talent show’s this weekend and he’s hard to deal with right now.”

I bit my lip to keep my grin under control. Could it be possible? Did Asher miss me as much as I missed him? And would he forgive me? I wanted him to, but that would require apologizing. But how?

“Thanks, Payton. You really didn’t owe me an explanation, but I’m glad you told me.” Leaning over, I gave him a hug.

“Ugh. Why are you hugging me?” he asked, but he hugged me back.

“Because I love you, too.” I ruffled his hair.

He smacked my hand away and stood up. “I’m leaving. And don’t ever touch me again.”

“See you later, Pay!” I yelled after him as he slammed my door shut behind him.

Sitting back on my bed, I stared at my closed up window and thought about how I could fix things with Asher. I knew I needed to apologize to him. But would a simple apology be enough or did I need to come up with something better? I had no idea, but I knew that’s all I would be thinking about until one came to me.