Forever & Always

Five

Music was blasting through the car speakers as all three girls sang at the top of their lungs, and the wind whipped wildly through the car. It was a quick trip from Emma’s house to the mall, where they pulled into the parking structure.

Ashlyn’s convertible was always a blast in near-perfect California weather, and they all laughed as the top came down to protect the interior, almost smacking Emma in the head as she reached forward to toss the ballcap she was wearing on the dash.

Emma got out, pushed the seat forward, and Carter climbed out of the front seat. She gave Emma the extra ball cap and fluffed her hair out before spinning around and waving bye.

“Thanks for the ride, Ash!” Carter yelled and ran towards a waiting Mickey. Mickey waved before grabbing Carter and walking towards the theater.

“Come on, Emma.” Ashlyn grabbed Emma’s arm the same way and pulled them both towards the shops.

“Let’s stop by Forever 21® first.” Ashlyn dictated giddily. Emma sighed and followed along. Ashlyn grabbed shirts and skirts left and right while Emma thumbed through the racks, looking for something she liked.

Ashlyn had picked a few dresses for her to try on, and Emma glared at her.

“No,” Emma said firmly, and Ashlyn groaned.

“Just try them on, please?”

Emma sighed and marched into the dressing room with the items from Ashlyn. The two dresses were barely more than a scrap of fabric.

“You cannot wear workout gear, shorts, or t-shirts forever, Emma. Just try them,” Ashlyn shouted in the stall beside her.

“Watch me,” Emma grumbled and tugged on a tight navy blue scrap of fabric that made her look like a rectangle. She opened the door when Ashlyn knocked. Ashlyn’s face wrinkled.

“Nope. Try the other one.”

Emma rolled her eyes. She noticed Ashlyn was wearing a high-waisted skirt and a small bralette, which looked cute together.

“I like yours,” Emma called through her stall, and Ashlyn scoffed, tossing her hair back.

“I know. I am thinking of pairing it with my leather jacket.”

“It’s June Ash,” Emma said. The evenings were still warm compared to the cooler spring weather, and a jacket would be ridiculous, in her opinion.

“Here, try this,” Ashlyn said, pushing a few more things in, and Emma looked at the last outfit and smiled.

A black torn-up old KISS band shirt that had been modified to a stylish crop-top number with cute slits in the back was slung on a hanger. A bright red lacy bralette was slung over the hanger that looked good, and Emma had the thought to look for more colors.

Ashlyn had found a dark pair of ripped skinny jeans with a distressed appearance to match the shirt. Emma quickly shrugged everything on and admired the outfit in the mirror. Her face lit up at the outfit.

Emma could even picture the hairstyle she would do and figured she had enough money to splurge on a pair of new Converse—a pair of high-tops would do to go with it. She pulled open the door, and Ashlyn smiled.

“Perfect.”

Emma smiled and closed the door to change. She brought the clothes she didn’t want to the girl working, who smiled gratefully at her and headed towards the register. As she waited for Ashlyn, she snagged a few more bralettes.

“One day, I will get you to wear a dress.” Ashlyn thumbed through the jewelry as they waited in the log line. Emma watched Ashlyn grab and throw a few things in her basket.

“Anywho,” Ashlyn said, turning to look out the window. She stopped talking and smirked as if she was flirting with someone. Emma followed her gaze, and her eyes landed on the most beautiful man she had ever seen.

Although she couldn’t see him well due to all the text advertisements on the window, his bright blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight. A slight frown crossed his features as he looked at Ashlyn and then at Emma. His short blonde hair was naturally styled, and he wore a tight black T-shirt and faded blue jeans. His muscles were perfect under the tight fabric, and he looked her up and down before smiling, winking at Emma, and walking away.

“Ugh, of course,” Ashlyn grumbled and turned around, missing the wink.

The man’s smile made her heart beat race, and she reluctantly dragged her eyes from him to look at her friend.

“Do you know him?” Emma asked, and Ashlyn scoffed again.

“That would be Matthew Richards.” Emma’s mouth dropped open. Shït.

That gorgeous man was her ex?

“That-” Emma was speechless, and Ashlyn glared at her.

“Yes, that was Matt. Why are you all tongue-tied?” She looked at Emma, who blushed and turned away as the cashier called her up, but Ashlyn followed her.

“No, I am not just shocked by his presence, that is all.” Emma lied and hoped Ashlyn believed her as the annoyed cashier rang them both up.

“His best friend Trevor works at the skate shop next door, so it doesn’t surprise me that he’s here.”

Emma sighed as Ashlyn ignored her awkwardness over the intense feelings she had seeing Ashlyn’s current f**k-buddy.

Emma paid for her outfit and sighed, “I wanted to go in and get some Converse.”

Ashlyn thumbed through her stuff on the counter and watched Emma with narrowed eyes.

“Converse with this?” Ashlyn pointed to Emma’s haul.

“Yeah, why? What’s wrong with it?” Emma shrugged, and Ashlyn rolled her eyes.

“You are fashion-challenged.” That was all she said as she looked hard at her. “A pair of heels, red ones, would be better.”

“She has a point,” the cashier said, and Emma frowned at them.

“Fine. I look good anyway. Let’s go.”

She grabbed her bag, and they exited the store.

Ashlyn led them towards the skate store, and Emma’s heart raced.

When they walked in, Matt was leaning against the counter with the guy who was always there. Emma had known him from coming to buy shoes, and another equally handsome man was also there. She hid a frown from shamefully not recalling the worker’s name.

Matt barely looked at Ashlyn when they entered, and his eyes locked on hers before she moved away awkwardly towards the Converse section. Not good.

“Same as before, Emma?” The worker guy called out, and Emma sighed, ashamed she didn’t recall his name.

“Not today. Can I grab a pair of high-tops?” She said, walking back towards the counter after composing herself. She could feel his eyes on her, but she looked at his friend.

“Allllright! Finally doing it!” The man laughed and clapped his hand excitedly. Emma chuckled.

“Leave her alone, Trevor; she’s not big on change.” Ashlyn purred, trying to get Matt’s attention.

Trevor. That was easy enough to remember, so why hadn’t she?

“I have been here how many times, and I never knew your name was Trevor,” Emma said sadly, and he laughed.

“You never asked, girl. It’s ‘ight I forgive you.” He winked and headed towards the back.

Trevor returned with the shoe box, showed Emma the size, and rang her up.

“That will be $47.99.” Emma looked up at him, shocked that not only did he remember her shoe size but had given her a considerable discount. He winked again.

“I heard a very special birthday is approaching. I’m offering an employee discount as a thank you for an invite.”

Emma smiled, “Thanks! I didn’t realize you would be coming!”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Trevor said, handing her back her debit card.

She put it back in her wallet and looked at Ashlyn, firmly pressed against Matt.

He held her waist and looked at her, amused about something, but his body language was screaming to back away from her touching him. Emma could also see his discomfort from the look in his eyes.

“Ashlyn?” Emma called and swallowed hard as a wave of jealousy hit her. The thick bands of muscles in his arms clenched around Ashlyn’s waist, and her voice rang out.

What would it feel like if they were wrapped around hers?