The Space Between Us by Anie Michaels Read Free Book Online Page A

and I were just friends, but I never considered that he might date someone. And I wasn't prepared to deal with the idea of Asher going out with someone. As much as I liked to spout to people about how we're best friends, I couldn't ignore the fact that I became territorial and jealous thinking about the blonde girl asking him out on a date.
       After the game, Reeve and I waited in the hallway outside of the locker room like we always did. We stayed a ways away because there were always a ton of people milling around and we would just get in the way. Eventually, I saw Asher come out of the locker room. He looked up to find us in our usual spot and my favorite smile graced his face when our eyes locked. I couldn't help but smile back at him. My smile fell from my face when I saw the blonde beauty intercept him as he was halfway to us. She stopped him by placing her hand on his arm. He was caught off guard and looked down at her hand, which she left on his arm for a ridiculous amount of time. When she finally removed her hand, it was only to push back some stray hairs that had come loose from her braids and tuck them behind her ear. I watched as Asher's eyes followed her movements and my stomach turned when I saw a smile cross his face.
       She was obviously doing most of the talking, and he nodded and spoke a few words here and there. At one point I saw him get a little confused, then he looked down at his feet. When his eyes came back up to hers, he said something I couldn't make out. They exchanged a few more words, but then she walked away and he continued towards us.
       “Let's see what Mr. Carmichael has to say about that,” Reeve whispered to me before he made it close enough to us to hear.
       “Hey, Asher. Good game. Who was that you were talking to?” Reeve asked eagerly.
       “Uh, Samantha? I think that's what she said her name was.” He turned to me and smiled. “Hey. Like the game?”
       “Parts,” I said with a shrug. He gave me a questioning look. “Your three-pointers were amazing.”
       “Thanks, Bit,” he said with a dazzling smile.
       “What did Samantha want?” Reeve asked, queen of subtlety.
       “Uh,” he said, suddenly uncomfortable. “She asked me to the Spring Fling.” The Spring Fling was the semi-formal dance that the high school put on for all the students. It was coming up in about a month.
       “No way! She's really pretty. What did you say?” Reeve was being really pushy and it irritated me. Asher shifted uncomfortably and I saw his eyes dart to me before he answered.
       “I said no.”
       “Interesting,” Reeve said. I began to really hate that word. “Why would you say no? She's an upperclassman and really pretty.”
       “Because I don't want to go with her.” He said sharply, shooting hard stares her way. My eyes batted back and forth between them, trying not to get caught in the crossfire.
       “Is there someone else you want to go with?” She asked him.
       “Reeve, drop it,” he said.
       “I just don't understand why you would turn down a perfectly good date. It makes me think there's someone else you'd rather go with.” I saw her eyes turn on me.
       “Reeve, that's enough,” I said quietly. I didn't like the feeling I was getting from their conversation. Part of me wished Asher wanted to go to the dance with me, but more of me wanted everything to remain the same.
       “You guys are hopeless,” she sighed. “Ok, well, my dad is probably waiting to pick me up.  I will see you guys tomorrow,” she said, sounding way too cheery. She walked away and left Asher and I staring at each other uncomfortably.
       “Are you ready to go?” Asher asked, breaking the silence.
       “Yeah,” I responded quietly. I turned to walk down the hallway with him. Once we got outside, I felt a little more relaxed. It was dark so I couldn't see Asher all that well and welcomed the idea that he couldn't see my face as clearly