Page 107 of Falling Like Snow

We both know that’s a lie.

“No thank you,” he says without turning in my direction.

“Please, Asher. I can’t let you walk home in the cold.”

“I’m not asking your permission. And I’m not cold.”

“Your mom will kill me,” I tell him.

“No she won’t. She adores you too much.”

“Fine. My mom will kill me.”

“Doubt it.”

“Please,” I say.

Finally, Asher stops walking and pivots toward the car. “I’m trying to be nice, Sloane. But I need you to leave me alone. I can’t be around you right now.”

The words are like a slap in the face. His tone has never been more adamant. Or harsher. It’s only the realization that he’s sincerely pissed at me—that he’s not going to forgive me tonight, no matter how much I beg and plead and apologize—that has me nodding.

“Okay,” I say, quietly.

And as I leave him in the rearview mirror, tears blurring my vision, I’m overcome with the unshakable feeling that I’m driving away from something big.

Me: I messed up, and I’m so so sorry. I shouldn’t have made the cake. Believe me, I’m angrier at myself than you are.

Me: I’m trying to give you space, so I left your house. But please at least let me know you got back okay.

Me: Come on, Ash. Ellis was already gone when I dropped off your car and our moms drank too many mulled sangrias and didn’t even notice you weren’t with me, so I really don’t want to have to call them to ask if you got home safely…

Asher: I’m home.

Me: Good morning… Ready to talk yet?

Me: It’s been a whole 24 hours now. How long are you icing me out?

Me: Will you be at the festival tomorrow? At least for our choir performance?

Asher: I don’t know. Probably not.

Me: Because you don’t want to see me?

Asher: Because I don’t feel like it. I just need some space, okay?

Me: For how long?

Asher: I don’t know. I’ll text you when I’m ready to talk.

Me: I’m trying REALLY hard to respect that. I swear. But I can’t stand you hating me.

Asher: wtf I don’t hate you. But this isn’t about you.

Me: It’s at least a little about me. You’ve never needed space from me before.

Asher: I can’t do this right now.

Me: Can I call you?