Episode 3 - Dinner and Lucky Invites

Phoebe’s Pov

Nothing made sense.

Nothing at all.

How could Asher of all people save me? I mean he was the same person who had told me to get lost, right? Then, why was he saving me?

Now back to what was in front of me. I saw Whitney’s expression change immediately. I knew whatever she did next was fake that instant.

“O-Oh, Asher. It’s you! Y-You know I'll never go against you. This little weirdo has just been a nuisance—” Whitney attempted to utter.

“I don’t need your silly explanation, slut. Just stay away from her next time.” Asher seethed out, giving the three of them a death glare. He then took two bold steps towards them. It was as if he was giving them a challenge.

It was then I noticed the tattoo at the back of his arms. That made him look more bad boyish. Oh, how I so loved tattoos.

Whitney took one glance at me. Before I could say Robinson Crusoe, her and her minions sprinted off.

I knew they would be back but I wasn’t about to tell him that.

Asher held out a hand for me to get up. At first, I couldn’t believe he was doing that. But, after realizing expectations could fail sometimes, I took his supportive hand.

I was so never going to wash my hands again!

My heart cried out inwardly.

As I stood up, I felt his intense gaze on my petite frame. His eyes were so dark. Filled with mysteries you could wish to decipher.

“Always learn how to defend yourself.” he solidly told me. After that statement, he let go of my hands firmly but also gently at the same time.

“Thanks for saving me. I’m really grate—” I tried to say but he interrupted.

“Don’t mention.” he answered.

“B-B-ut you just saved m—”

“Get lost.” he coldly declared that instant. I was left to watch his figure in the school hall way, retreating away from me.

How could I even get to ask him about karaoke if he wouldn’t even make a conversation with me?

And, how could I get him to like me when he won't even spare me a glance?

Wasn't this just great?

…

“I quit.” I told Cole in a sheet of paper as the lectures went on.

I saw the shocked expression on his face as he read the remaining contents.

He gave me the questionable face. Luckily, the school bell rang at that moment. As students stood up, he quickly made his way to me.

“What the heck, Phoebe? You can’t ruin our plans like this?” he expressed, as we strode out of class. Students were ahead us, chattering too.

“Wait, you think I want to? No, off course. He's just too dismissive. He doesn’t even give me a chance to say anything.” I told him immediately.

“Then what do we do? We need to think of something to get him talk to you.” Cole said, with a grumpy smile on his face.

“I have tried all possible means of doing that. Just nothing.” I replied, shrugging my shoulder.

“If I couldn’t even get him to talk to me, then how can I ask him to show up at our karaoke?” I asked him again.

“No one is going to show up. And our plan is going to fail.” Cole revealed sadly.

“Or I could get a free ticket to seeing him? Something unavoidable.” I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes. It was then I thought of  something.

Dad mentioned something about inviting Asher’s family for a dinner. Perhaps, it could be…

“An opportunity!” I cried out confidently.

“What opportunity?” Cole asked, giving me the freaky look.

“It’s about Friday night, Cole. My dad invited Asher’s family for a dinner. I could use this as a great opportunity.” I told him. A part of me had suddenly lit, knowing this could be my advantage.

“Really? That’s nice. Let’s… Err… Let’s see how it goes.” he said, scratching the back of his head. I shuffled his hair in excitement, jumping up happily.

I knew he was unsure about how this would go out.

And, perhaps, scared.

Cause I was too.

           ¶¶¶

Throughout Friday, I had watched Asher from distance in school. Since Galaxy wasn’t yet back from school, I took another one of her outfits.

I couldn’t deny the fact that he noticed me the day I wore that too. Thus, I did the same, hoping he would notice me throughout the day.

But, nothing.

He didn’t.

But, this time, I didn’t go ranting to Cole.

I was going to figure a way to do this myself.

…

Evening had far approached that day. It had been quite busy because I had to assist mum and dad with preparing the dinner for tonight.

My parents both worked at the same place. They both dealt with advertisement for commercials.

As I did the necessities with them, I was list in a thought of how to convince Asher.

This was beginning to feel like a drama.

“Phoebe, are you even listening?” Mum said, bringing me out of my thoughts. Since I was the only child, they focused on me more.

“Oh, sorry mum. Were you saying something?” I asked her, with a pleading face.

“Yes, off course, dear. After you’re done with that, go dress up.” she told me with a firm face.

“Okay, mum.” I replied her. The moment I was done with setting the dishes, I took off upstairs.

Once again, I went to Galaxy’s closet. I took this black dress that was exposive at the side of my hip. It had long arms but was at the same time short at length. Also with a v-neckline, showing a bit of cleavage.

Having no absolute idea of how to do makeup, I copied what I saw from some YouTube videos.

I looked at my self in the mirror, hoping it was okay. My ears were in a diamond earring my mum gave me. Legs, in a flat shoe.

I slowly descended from the stairs, hoping my entire look was suitable and ok.

“OMG, darling! You look stunning!” It was dad. He was wearing a formal attire which also suited him.

“I do? This can definitely not be compared to your outfit.” I replied immediately.

The door bell dinged that second.

Mum hastily walked towards the door opening it with a smile on her face. I could hear as her and Asher’s dad exchanged pleasantries.

Dad walked to the door. He shook Asher’s dad too as he came in. Mr. Gilbert was a tall man with black beards carved nobly on his face. He moved with so much eloquence and confidence, in his steps.

He was nothing like his son. Mr Gilbert was so outgoing and lively. Unlike Asher who seemed broody.

From where I stood, I watched as they both directed Asher and his dad to our dining room.

Throughout dinner, mum, dad and Asher’s dad talked about business. This left me and Asher to ourselves. I was gazing at him whenever he wasn’t looking, trying to find a perfect opportunity to bring up a conversation.

His gaze was dark. He was picking at his food like it wasn’t tasty enough.

Mum and dad's phone rung immediately at the same time. I could see the shocked expression on their faces as they hung up.

“I’m really sorry but we have to go.” They both told Asher’s dad.

“Why is everything alright?” Mr. Gilbert asked.

“Not all! One of our transporters had a serious accident.” Mum cried out, carrying her coat.

“Then do me the honor of rendering whatever little assistant it is.” Mr. Gilbert said.

I knew that had financial ties to it. Asher’s dad was as rich as fuck.

But no, that wasn’t why I liked him.

I watched as mum and dad both agreed to Mr. Gilbert's assistance.

They were heading out when mum turned back.

“Sorry, dears. We'll make it up to you both.” she said, with a wink.

“It’s okay, mum.” I said.

“Yeah,” Asher surprisingly replied. Didn't know he could speak. Could have as well guessed he was dumb. Okay, not dumb. He was my crush.

As the door slammed shut, I couldn’t help but feel so anxious. My chest tightened immediately, unsure of what to do. You couldn't blame me?

I was home alone with my crush, Asher.

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A/n Hi, everyone. I just want to thank the readers that are presently reading this book. I hope you follow up Phoebe and Asher’s story.

Can I also get a review, please?