thirty three
My leg began to bounce up and down quickly as nerves overcame my thoughts. I shifted in my seat uncomfortably while my vision averted across the small table to Ashton, who was staring down at his menu intently.
"Shannon, calm down," Ashton groaned playfully with a smile on his face. He set the large piece of paper down and looked up at me. His hazel eyes seemed to pierce through mine as he tilted his head in concern.
"I'm just nervous," I insisted as I finally settled in the chair. "Why do the guys even want me here?"
"I don't know," he answered as he returned his focus to the menu. "I wouldn't worry about it, they probably just think we're hooking up or something," he mumbled nonchalantly.
"Why do you say that like it's nothing?" I whined, and I leaned over the table and resting my elbows against the wooden surface.
"Because it's not," he chuckled. "Look," he said slowly. "They did the same thing with Amber and Lindsey, if that makes you feel better," he rolled his eyes and smirked. I felt myself relaxing while we patiently awaited Michael and Calum's arrival.
The restaurant was rather simple. The walls were lined with pictures of Italian tourist attractions. While the tables and chairs were all different in color. Emptiness was all we saw across the restaurant, other than a few waitresses mingling around the entrance to the kitchen as they watched us carefully. The place was family owned and famous in the outskirts of Seattle for their pizza. I couldn't even argue. They make some of the best sauce around.
Suddenly, my mind shifted as the ring of a bell sounded, signaling that the two guys had probably arrived. Ashton looked up and shot one of them a smile as they approached. I didn't dare turn around to greet them, knowing how uncomfortable this dinner was going to be for me.
"Hey, you came!" I heard a voice cheer. I turned to see Calum grabbing a chair and sitting beside me. A smile was brought to my face as I tried my hardest to be polite and likable. After all, these were Ashton's best friends.
"What are you doing here?" Michael chimed in as he took a seat beside Ashton. Confusion was spread all over his face as he cocked an eyebrow and stared at me.
"Ask Calum," I answered with a smirk on my face as I pointed the finger at the dark haired boy beside me.
"Well, now that Amber has been cast aside, we just needed a change of scenery, that's all," he chuckled as he nudged me playfully. A smile crept onto my face as I watched Ashton roll his eyes once again.
The table came under and nervous tension rather quickly as we all remained quiet.
"So, how has Jenna been?" Calum asked Ashton in an attempt to break the silence.
"She's fine," he answered quickly. I knew it was a sensitive topic for him and he tried to avoid it at all costs. Calum nodded his head and turned towards me.
"Shannon, your parents are surgeons right?" Calum had asked before both him and Michael began to stare at me with a squint in their eyes.
"Yeah, how did you know that?" I questioned.
"Luke and I used to have a history class together. He told me you guys lived together or something?" He laughed uncomfortably. His eyes met mine as he waited for a response. He seemed like a nice kid, other than the fact that he was trying to torture Ashton.
"Yeah, sort of," I answered honestly.
"Wow, I can't imagine how rough that must be for him, he probably has a hard time keeping his hands off of you," He smirked and shifted the attention back to Ashton, who's jaw was tightened slightly. Quickly, I gave his foot a tap from under the table and instantly, he relaxed and reminded himself to act more natural. Once I knew Ashton had settled down, I turned back to Calum and smiled slightly.
"Luke and I are best friends, nothing more, nothing less," I answered kindly. He then nodded his head and shrugged.
"Or so he makes you think," Michael chuckled as he looked down at his phone. Ashton rolled his eyes, and I let out a sarcastic laugh as I grabbed my water off the table and took a needed sip. "Alright, Brandon texted me and said the party was for sure on Saturday night, is that cool?" Michael piped up as he turned to face Ashton.
"Defiantly man, I've got nothing better to do," he responded instantly without even giving me a glance, which was understandable.
Part of me was nervous for this party. First, I had no idea who this 'Brandon' even is? Second, Ashton is certainly not one to be trusted when alcohol is involved.
"I heard Amber is gonna be there too," Calum interjected, this time, he seemed 100% serious as if he had given up on putting Ashton and me on the spot. Although Calum was calming down, his comment churned my stomach, knowing the power Amber has over Ashton.
"Oh really?" He responded carelessly. All I could do was lean back in my chair and take a desperate sip of the water our waitress had brought us earlier. Then, my attention shifted to Ashton, who was now watching me carefully. Part of me knew he was worried I'd slip up and reveal our little secret, but to be completely honest, I probably wanted to keep it hidden as much as he did. After all, I had Luke to worry about.
Suddenly, I felt a vibration rock the table. I looked towards my phone to see a text from my father.
I need you at the hospital as soon as possible. It's about Jennifer.
My eyes quickly widened as I rose from my chair.
"What is it?" Ashton asked with concern in his voice. Michael and Calum shifted their bodies to face me as I grabbed the phone off of the table.
"Nothing," I stuttered. All of me knew not to get Ashton's hopes up or down about his aunt until I was 100% sure of the outcome. "I-I'll call you later." My words shook as I grew more and more nervous. "It was nice seeing you guys," I then smiled as I looked between Calum and Michael.
"Why the rush?" Calum then asked with an eyebrow raised.
"Family emergency," I felt the lie slip through my lips. Once I had finished the awkward small talk with the guys, I hastily turned on my heels and headed for the glass door at the front of the restaurant.
That was the moment I received a second text from my father.
Hurry.