Chapter 25: The Debate of Beauty
Later that afternoon, Katherine and Ashley sat on a stone bench in the courtyard, the autumn leaves skittering across the pavement.
"So? Give me the details," Katherine nudged her friend. "How was the grand tour with the mysterious Mr. Matthews?"
"It was amazing," Ashley breathed, her eyes glazing over as she clapped her hands together. "Katherine, he is so charming. And sweet! We hit it off immediately. It was like we’ve known each other forever."
"Was he really?" Katherine asked, trying to sound supportive. She wanted Ashley to be happy, but every time she thought of Ethan, she remembered the way he had looked at Noah—like he wanted to tear his throat out. "I'm glad, Ash. Truly."
"And oh my gosh," Ashley continued, oblivious to Katherine’s reservations. "Can we talk about his face? I mean, he’s so freaking cute, isn't he? It’s almost unfair."
"I didn't really notice," Katherine lied, looking down at her boots.
"You didn't notice?" Ashley gasped in pure theatrical disbelief. "Kat, you have eyes. He’s like a Greek god in a leather jacket."
"He’s... okay looking," Katherine countered, forcing a small laugh. "He’s just not my type. There’s something in his eyes that feels... cold. Like he’s always looking past you."
"Okay looking?" Ashley repeated, offended on Ethan’s behalf. "He’s hot and you know it. Just because you’re head-over-heels for Noah Riley doesn't mean you can’t acknowledge when another guy is a ten. You’re human, girl!"
"He looks like Ian Somerhalder if Ian had brown eyes," Katherine admitted, "and sure, I love Ian, but Ethan... I don't know. He feels like he is in a performance."
"Well, if you don't want him, I’ll take him," Ashley giggled. "He’s married anyway—Ian, I mean. So Ethan is my best shot at a vampire-looking boyfriend."
They both laughed, the tension easing. Katherine leaned her head on Ashley’s shoulder. "I hope he’s as nice as you think he is, Ash. Just... be careful. New guys in this town have a habit of bringing drama."