1974 || 5SOS

Chapter 11

Scarlett

I woke to the gentle, golden glow of morning filtering through the window, warming my skin like a soft embrace. My head felt clearer; the feverish fog that had clouded my thoughts was gone, replaced by a serene calm. As I blinked awake, I caught sight of Ashton perched on the edge of my bed, a boyish grin lighting up his face—endearing and unexpectedly exhilarating.

"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty," he teased, his voice low and soothing. "How are you feeling?"

I smiled, testing the strength in my limbs as I slowly sat up. "Much better, actually. Thanks to you." My voice was still hoarse, but I felt like a different person compared to last night.

His grin widened, a spark of mischief in his eyes. "Perfect. In that case, I'm taking you out. There's this little coffee shop and record store down the street. I think you'll love it."

Before I could even protest, he was on his feet, pulling his jacket from the chair with an eagerness that was infectious. I couldn't help but laugh, momentarily forgetting my self-consciousness as he practically bounced toward the door.

A short while later, we stepped into the shop, the cozy scent of coffee mingling with the musty, comforting aroma of the vinyl records. Ashton was already waving to the barista—a petite brunette with hoop earrings and thick eyeliner—who returned his smile with a glint in her eye, leaning forward in a way that felt almost rehearsed. My stomach twisted as the ease I'd felt earlier began to slip away.

He gave her a wink as she handed him his coffee. "You always make it perfect, doll."

She laughed, a sound that rang a little too loud and clear in the quiet shop. "Only for you, Ashton." She practically purred his name, and I felt my face warm.

As we moved further into the store, a few other women turned their heads, stealing glances at him. One girl, a tall blonde with bell-bottom jeans and a fringed vest, brushed past us with a coy smile, her fingers grazing Ashton's arm. He flashed a charming, effortless smile in return, and they exchanged a moment's glance. The scene reminded me of a dream where everything was slightly surreal, everyone knowing Ashton as if he were some kind of local legend.

A quiet insecurity crept in. Was this just who Ashton was—someone who could slip into everyone's good graces without even trying? Was I just another girl in his orbit?

He seemed oblivious to the effect he had on them, casually thumbing through records as if none of it mattered. But every flirtatious look, every lingering smile from strangers felt like another invisible wall between us.

We settled at a small corner table by a foggy window, the light casting a soft glow over Ashton's face as he sipped his coffee. He leaned back casually, stretching out his legs, his posture loose and relaxed, as if he owned the place. It wasn't hard to see why he drew people in so easily. There was a magnetic confidence about him, like he was already living the rock star life in his own quiet way.

As I took a sip of my coffee, I couldn't help but glance around, noticing yet another girl's gaze linger on him as she walked by. I bit my lip, feeling a little flare of irritation mixed with... something else. Curiosity? Insecurity?

"Do you know every girl in this city?" I tried to sound playful, though a trace of jealousy slipped into my tone. "I mean, half of them looked like they'd melt if you even glanced their way."

Ashton raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Says the girl who was seducing two men in her room last night."

I felt a blush creep up my neck. "I wasn't—"

"Oh no, don't worry," he cut in, his eyes glinting with mischief. "It was impressive, really. Luke and I both helplessly drawn in by you." He gave me a teasing look, clearly enjoying himself, though his tone held something warmer, almost affectionate.