Ashton and I head down to the band's car and hop in.
"I had so much fun." I tell him honestly.
He looks between me and the road, "That's good. I'm glad. You'd be willing to hang out again then?"
I laugh, "Of course! Just tell me when or where!"
"Well, the other three have some family stuff on Wednesday night, but my family doesn't arrive until Friday, so do you wanna see a movie or go for coffee or something? I just don't feel like being the loner with the band."
"I'd love to." I smile at him. I quickly put that in my phone, so I don't accidentally book a shift at work.
I helped Ashton find my apartment, since he doesn't know his way around Michigan at all.
"Thanks for coming, Paige." He smiles at me.
"I loved it." I assure him.
"Can I walk you up?" he asks, looking very nervous.
"Sure." We walk silently up the single flight of stairs. "I can't wait until Wednesday."
"Me neither. I like hanging out with you."
"Well, this is mine." I sigh. He leans in for a hug, and kisses my cheek. I kiss his as well and we pull away. There's a bit of an awkward stare down, where neither of looks away but nobody is speaking.
He starts to lean in, but then backs up. "I'll text you about Wednesday night, okay?"
"Alright. Bye Ashton."
"Goodbye Paige."
I had tried to some homework but that failed miserably. So I had a nap instead. I think I was having a dream about Ashton, which isn't a good sign. It means I was thinking about him. And that means falling for him. This is way too fast. I can't handle it.
The doorbell pulled me out of my deep sleep. I shuffle to the door to answer it. As I'm reaching for the handle, I know who I want it to be and I also know who I don't want it to be. Ashton.
But when I open the door it's James.
"Paige! Thank god, Sorry if I woke you up but it's an emergency."
"What's wrong?" I'm suddenly wide awake.
"I like Mali and I'm scared Cal will beat me up."
"You've known her barely 12 hours. How can you possibly like her?" I wonder. Am I talking about Mali and James, or Ashton and myself?
"I just know. There are things in life you just know about. This is one of those things." He paces around my living room. "I need you're advice!"
"Sure." i nod, flopping onto the couch.
"I don't think she likes me."
I sigh, "Would you like me to find out?"
"how?!" He wonders.
"Girl talk." I explain. "I'll make a girls night coffee date thing, with her and Aly. And I'll ask her about it. Problem solved."
"She'll just tell you?" I've never actually seen James like this. It's unusual. He must really think Mali is the one. And maybe she is, I just don't think love or whatever like can just pop out of nowhere. You have to... for lack of a better word, marinate in it.
"yes, Now please let me go back to my nap."
"Fine! Thanks Paige you're the best."
I mumble, "I know" as he leaves. I stumbled back to bed, laid down, covered up and closed my eyes. Within seconds, they were open again.
I was never getting back to sleep now.
I was still lying in bed, this time on my phone, texting Aly and Mali. We were going for coffee tomorrow night at the Starbucks near campus. I was excited to see them, because they were so nice.
I texted James to tell him I was seeing them tomorrow night. He seemed really excited to hear what Mali would say. I couldn't help but laugh, this was so unlike him.
The more I thought about Mali and James, the more I wondered about Ashton and I... I knew I should push this crush away and not fall for him. What good is a boyfriend when he's on tour? I sighed out loud, bringing my blanket over my face. My brain was running wild with a pros and cons list.
Pros of dating Ashton:
-Uh cute????
-Band
-Cute
-Athletic
-Sweet
Cons:
-100000 miles away
-Lots of screaming female fans (who might beat me up)
-Lives in another country. Hell, another continent.
So, as a summary.
I'm screwed.
