To Aspen

by N.J. Gray

“There’s no one out here, Aspen. We could just stop the sled right here, in the middle of the woods. It could be our little secret if you want. I’ll keep you warm.”

“You can take whatever you want with me. Be greedy, baby. I beg you.”

“You look fucking gorgeous. Now, for the love of God, go upstairs and change,” he says, but it sounds more like an order.

“Psychology,” I say. “That’s an interesting degree to choose.” Peter nods. Rollins chuckles. “Worthless, if you ask me.” I don’t hesitate. “I could say the same thing about your hairline.”

“Pushing you away from me was just an easier way of dealing with my feelings for you when I knew I couldn’t act on them. And I think not being able to act on them made me angrier, and I usually aimed that at you.”

Henry had his chance. He’s had two years to tell you how he feels about you, but he hasn’t. I stayed away out of respect because he’s my friend, but I’m done waiting. I’m done pretending. You deserve to be loved by someone who’s not afraid to tell you how much you matter to them.”