it, James.” Large hands slammed on Paulie’s shoulders. He was a few inches taller than Ashton, but Paulie shrunk in his presence. “How did Tiffany do this semester grades-wise? I know it’s been stressful for you guys with you doing so many shows and all this year.”
Paulie’s eyes jumped from Ashton’s cocky smirk to me. “Uhhh…” He hesitated, turning red as his hand combed through his curly fade. “I guess she’s good.”
“Oh, cool!” Ashton continued toward my door. “The car’s running.” He gestured to my door. “Is it open?”
Oh…
I jumped to pull out my keys, and opened the door. Ashton went inside without another word. When I turned back to Paulie, I could tell he was mad uncomfortable.
I pointed behind my back. “Spence had already offered me a ride today…”
“No. It’s totally cool.” He began to walk backward. “Happy holidays. I’ll see you next year.”
I nodded, but not quick enough. Paulie turned around and headed for the stairwell. Letting out a breath, I turned for my dorm where Ashton was leaning into my bed, his long legs spaced apart and arms were crossed.
“Thanks a lot.”
“My pleasure.”
“He’s cool, you know.” Then I thought again. “Corny, but in a sweet way.”
“Did his sweetness tell you he has a girlfriend when he asked you out on that fake ass date in the cafe?”
My head whipped to face him. How did he know?
“That’s not the point.”
“Nah, Nabby-girl,” he sighed. “The point is I’ve gotta keep an eye out for Pink Peen Paulie.”
“What’s that?”
Ashton shrugged, bored. “It’s what they say he looks like.” My eyes closed as I shook my head. College humans were so fucking mean. “Let’s get your shit packed so we can go for that run up the mountain. Countdown until our redeye.”
I couldn’t believe I agreed to spend Christmas break with Ashton Spencer.
“Yes, I understand, Mrs. Cooper,” He murmured into the phone. “I’m hoping you can understand it’s been difficult on me as well.”
Under the dark sky, in the backseat of a limo, I sat next to Ashton. We were on our way to the airport. Apparently, Ashton liked night flights. His arm was over my shoulder, and so sleepy, I was relaxing against him, enjoying the smooth ride until his phone rang. It didn’t take me long to make out the caller. Aivery’s mother wasn’t very happy.
“I’m sure it has been, but for young women, it’s a bit more challenging,” Mrs. Cooper argued. “I was hoping you could fly in next week. I know Ms. Lee is on her annual cruise, so you won’t be interrupting your time with her. Would you be able to do that for me?”
I heard the grunt he suppressed.
“Mrs. Cooper, it’s not a simple request. I’ve made plans for the time I’m home.”
“I spoke with your grandmother, too. Mrs. Spencer says there are no special plans the family has going on this year.”
“She’s correct, but that still doesn’t mean I’m able to catch a flight out there. I have things to do before returning to Blakewood for training.”
“She told me about that, too, Ashton. My little girl was distraught when we picked her up from the airport. She’s so upset about you guys’ future. Please don’t allow this to happen during the holidays.” She sounded desperate, emotional. White. “I must insist.”
It now felt like eavesdropping. So, I slid over to the door and pretended to stargaze. I hated I could still hear every word, though.
“Again, Mrs. Cooper. I cannot.” His tone was firmer than it had been throughout this conversation. This was grown man Ashton here. “I would agree that Aivery and I have lots to discuss if we’re going to remain friends, but forcing a visit over the holidays when it’s virtually impossible for me isn’t the solution.”
There was a break for silence between the two as I saw big planes parked behind fences. I couldn’t believe how emotional this woman was being. I could never imagine my mother calling up a boyfriend to defend me if I was into…boyfriends. Shit. I couldn’t even see my mother defending me if he did me dirty. She didn’t protect me when her boyfriend was called out for molesting me.
“You just don’t know what it was like seeing her walk out of the airport.” Her voice cracked. The woman is crying! “Benjamin said she sulked the whole flight, Ashton. The whole flight! My god, I’m so happy she’s home with me so I can take care of her the way she needs it. The next best thing