William
Weeks earlier
"How do I look in this dress?" Jessie twirled in front of me, and I rubbed my temple.
She'd been insistent on going out, accompanying me everywhere, and inviting me to dinners with her family. I liked her parents and Joy; I couldn't deny it. Besides, it served as a distraction from thinking about Asher.
"As always, Jessie, you look beautiful." I exhaled and looked away from her to type something on my laptop.
"Oh, Will, you're the best friend a girl could have. Since I came back, I wished you'd be more than that in my life again, and I insisted on it." I looked up. Her behavior made me suspicious, but I decided not to dwell on it; I already had enough to deal with.
"Jessie, I can only be your friend," I clarified. I didn't want to hurt her. It seemed my actions
