Pairing Hearts |louis tomlinson|

Chapter Thirteen

About two weeks later Bailey, Marcy, and I had convinced Ashley to host us for a Sunday dinner. They were still dying to meet her and see her house and Ashely had heard so much about them that she would have done just about anything to meet them too.
"Do I have to dress up?" Marcy asked looking at my closet.
"Just like a summer dress," I answered with a shrug.
"Can I wear this?" Bailey asked pulling out a striped dress.
"Yeah of course," I nodded. "Marcy you know Sam could have come tonight."
"I know, but he decided to go home for the weekend."
"He's coming out for my birthday next weekend right?" I asked.
"Of course, we're going to need a bodyguard for when you're wasted," Marcy grinned.
"Please," I said rolling my eyes. "Just don't mention the drinking to my sister. It's... touchy..."
"Want to talk about it?" Bailey asked with a frown.
"Not right now," I answered with a shrug. Bailey nodded.
--
"Ah, I'm so glad to see you all!" Ashley grinned wrapping each of us in a hug.
"Oh my gosh your sister is really Ashley Pardeck," Bailey whispered and Ashley laughed.
"You must be Bailey," she said. "So that makes you Marcy."
"Kate you are literally the coolest person ever," Marcy said shaking her head.
"Come on Alec is setting the table in the garden," Ashley said leading us inside.
"Is it just us?" I asked softly.
"Yup," she replied giving my hand a squeeze. "I've missed you."
"You too," I answered biting my lip.
"Wow this place is stunning," Bailey said as we were led through the living room to the backyard.
"I think so too, but Kate would rather live all alone in her little apartment," Ashley said in mock hurt. The girls laughed.
"Kate it's good to see you," Alec smiled giving me a wave as he finished setting the table. "You all look beautiful." He said after the introductions. Marcy and Bailey blushed as I gave him my thanks.
"So what have you three been doing with all your free time?" Ashley asked as we started dinner.
"Marcy's parents have a house in San Diego," I told her explaining our adventures in surfing. We told a couple of stories at each other's expense that had Alec and Ashley both laughing.
"Sounds like you're just freeloading off your friends," Ashley joked and we laughed.
"No way she introduced us to Louis Tomlinson last week," Bailey grinned nudging my shoulder.
"You saw Louis?" Ashley asked and I nodded.
"He's in LA for the time being," I answered.
"What about..." I just shook my head knowing exactly where her question was going.
"Me neither," she sighed. Alec touched her hand lightly.
At the end of the night, Ashley pulled me aside wrapping me in a tight hug. "What's that for?" I asked with a laugh.
"I'm just happy you're finally getting the normal life you always deserved," she told me. "I like hearing about you hanging out with Marcy's parents and riding bikes and learning to surf. I wish it had happened when you were younger, but I'm glad you're getting those experiences now."
"It's all because of you," I said squeezing her hand.
"What are you doing for your twenty-first?" Ashley asked.
"Probably just going out with Marcy, her boyfriend, and Bailey. I said I would have one drink, but I probably won't even have a whole one," I shrugged.
"You're not our parents," Ashley answered. "Have fun. You deserve it. I know those girls will keep you safe."
"I love you," I said giving her a hug.
"Love you too," Ashley replied.