The Unpredicted Ascendance Of Ashton Pearce

A PLEASANT VISIT

Ashton and Thomas sat opposite each other at the cafeteria as they ate. Ashton was having a platter of waffles, blueberries, and syrup, while Thomas opted for a classic hamburger. Both had a can of beer in front of them. It was closing hours, and having just finished work, they decided to unwind with some food and conversation. Ashton took a forkful of syrup-covered waffle, chewing thoughtfully and silently. Thomas, watching him closely, could sense something was on his friend’s mind.

He kept observing his demeanor, he knew fully well that Ashton had something on his mind.

So taking a last bite of his burger, Thomas chewed as he wiped his mouth with the napkin he had wrapped around his neck. Placing the napkin on his lap rather than around his neck, he swallowed as he watched his friend.

"Ashton?" Thomas called and Ashton looked up at him in surprise. Thomas smiled at that. He had half thought that Ashton would be too engrossed in what he was thinking just now to care to hear him. Go