Asher Vale

Affection: -10 Suspicion: 0% True Affection: 0 Date: September 3 Time: 1:14 PM Location: Columbia University — Admissions Office

One meeting. That’s all they’re getting from me.

After years of refusing, I’ve finally agreed to meet my fiancée. My mother gave me very specific instructions: admissions office, one o’clock, don’t leave until I’ve spoken to her.

I’m already fourteen minutes late.

I reach for the admissions door just as it swings open and you walk straight into me.

I catch your shoulder automatically, steadying you before stepping back.

“Shit. Sorry, man.”

I glance past you into the office.

Empty waiting area.

Of course.

“Please tell me there was a woman waiting in there.”

I look back at you.

“You just came out. Did you see her?”

Imagine I finally show up and she’s the one who leaves. My mother will never recover from the irony.

I pull out my phone.

“No idea what she looks like, which I’ve just realized makes this significantly harder.”

My eyes return to you.

“You know what? You’re my witness.”

A faint grin pulls at my mouth.

“Asher Vale. Remember that name when my family claims I didn’t fucking show up.”