My Neighbor's Secret

Chapter 9: Rose

Thank god Caroline isn't here with her hangover. It's only me, Luke and Oliver and I'm about to leave for work. They both hug me before I leave.

My ride to work is uneventful and easy and I'm at the diner within 10 minuets. Sae and Big Betty greet me like always and give me my apron. The first table is a group of teenage boys, great.

When I get closer, I notice familiar dirty blonde, brownish hair. Ashton. He's sitting with Sam, Matt and Kayden across from them.

"Oh hey," I say, smiling.

Four pairs of eyes widen," could you hear us?" Matt asks.

"Um no?" I sound a little uneasy.

"So ," Ashton says," drinks anyone?" He looks at his friends or brothers, not sure which one.

The boys start to order their food and I notice Sam. He is visually hungover and looks yellow.

"Sam, il let you some coffee on the house," I say," you look like shit."

Sam rolls his eyes," weird, that's how I feel too!"

I laugh, turning the corner and reeling back. My eyes are huge.

"What?" Ashton asks.

I point at the seat in the far end of the space hidden my the corner. Caroline is sitting there, by there I mean Dustin's lap, making out with him.

Ashton starts laughing and Sam growls, literally. I'm a laughing mess when I sauger up to the table, squatting near their faces.

"Careful," I say," you might get spit in the table."

The boys bust out laughing.

"Oh my God!" Caroline laughs," Rose!"

Dustin smirks, not looking even the least bit sheepish. Caroline climbs off him, whispering in my ear," he's a horrible kisser."

I grin and whisper back," I know. We made our last year behind the bleachers after his football practice the day before Keegan asked me out.

Caroline starts laughing," see ou later Dustin," she says and laughs her way out the door.

I lift an eyebrow at him," really?"

"She's an amazing kisser," he marvels.

"Then maybe she can give you some lessons," I mutter and walk away.

"I heard that!" He calls out.
___________
Ashton bumps into me as I soak out of the kitchen. He catches my shoulders so I don't fall.

"Sorry," we say at the same time.

I blush when he grins. Ashton looks sheepish.

"So I was wondering if I could have your number?" he says nervously.

I smile," of course."

He seems to release a collective, relieved breath," great. Okay. Thanks."

My face must be red as I type my number in his phone. He thanks me and says the guys are waiting for him. Ashton looks so giddy and it's so cute.

I turn into the kitchen, smile, and do a happy dance.

"Yes!" I say aloud.

Sae laughs at me, shaking his head. I continue my shift in an amazing mood, smiling the whole time.
___________

How was work?-Ashton.

Good. There was this woman who wore neon yellow lipstick!- Rose.

They sell that? - Ash.

I didn't think they did- Rose.

It's 7 when he texts me. A smile appears on my face when he does.

"What's got you so happy go lucky?" Oliver asks.

"Not what but who," I correct.

Luke groans," I swear if you say you're texting Ashton I will break your phone in half."

I hug my phone to my chest," woa woa woa! It's not the phone's fault I'm texting Ashton."

"Nope it's your pretty little face," Oliver jokes

My face goes red," stop it!" I whine.

"I don't need my baby sister with more jerk faces," Luke says.

"1. I'm not a baby anymore and 2. Why plural? I'm only texting one guy," I say.

"Whatever I just don't like him," he grumbles.

"Well I'm going to sleep," I kiss both brother's cheeks and go upstairs.

Collapsing on my bed, I look out my window. It just happens to be parallel to Ashton's. He's texting me back, I smile on his face. It makes me blush, happiness bloom in my chest.

I call Caroline and she picks up at the first ring.

"Hey Rosey," she says.

"Guess who I'm texting!" I exclaim.

"Ashton," Caroline says.

"How did you-"

"Sam texted me and said he was all smiley about it. I guess Ashton is usually a scowler," I can hear talking in the background.

"Your parents are still up?" I say. Usually they go to sleep at ten, and it's midnight.

"Yeah," she says," some emergency with my great great aunt who lives in Kentucky who is 105 years old. you know Margret? Well the has alzheimer's and can't figure out where she put her dog."

I laugh," 105 and still runnin'" I joke.

"One day she'll fall and break her prosthetic hip and dad'll have to go down to Kentucky with his screw driver..."

"We are messed up people," I say.

"You know it. Got to go see you tomorrow!"

With that she hangs up, and I fall asleep.