I pick up the photograph sitting on the end table, my eyes immediately landing on Spencer. She’s smiling, it isn’t genuine, she’s trying but I can see how fake it is. I linger there for a moment before my eyes land on my own face. I’m not even trying to smile. I just kind of look blank, my eyes empty. I put the photo back in its place before picking up the one beside it. Her smile is real in this second one.

“I didn’t expect to see you tonight.” I turn to face her as she comes to stand beside me. She takes the photo from my hands and looks down at it.

“It is Sunday dinner. I try not to miss those.”

“Except when you’re avoiding me.” She bumps my shoulder lightly.

“I haven’t been avoiding you, just…giving you your space.”

She quirks her eyebrow. “Yeah, by avoiding me?”

I sigh. I know it’s pointless to argue. “Okay, maybe a little.”

She smirks before turning her attention on the photo in her hands “This was a fun day.”

“I remember.” I can’t help smiling. “4th of July with the Carlins, definitely one for the record books.”

“God, you ate so much. I thought you were gonna pop.” She says laughing slightly.

“What can I say? Your dad’s a great cook.” I shrug.

“Yeah.” She puts the photo down and looks at me.

I turn to face her completely. Our eyes meet and the air in the room changes. “So…” I think she senses the tension now surrounding us because the smile she was wearing is no longer there. “Are we gonna talk about it?”

“Talk about what?” She’s stalling.

“You know what.”

She looks down, a guilty expression all over her face. “Look, Ash, I…I can’t.” I nod my head slightly as she avoids my eyes. She’s fiddling with her hands and I know she’s nervous. “I care about you, a lot. I do and if you’re willing, I’d love to try and be friends. But as far as a relationship goes…I just can’t.”

“Okay.” I say it to the floor.

“Okay?” I know she’s looking to me for confirmation.

I look up and meet her eyes. “I wasn’t lying when I told you I’d be okay with just being friends.” She nods, giving me a grateful smile. “But I also meant what I said.” I think she expected this part, she’s no longer looking at me. “We’re meant to be Spence, I truly believe that. And if you can’t see that right now, it’s okay. I‘m not going anywhere, I’ll wait as long as it takes.”