Ashton's Lie

chapter ten

"Your place is nice," I whistle below my breath.

Ashton drops his keys on the table in the foyer. "Thanks," he says, walking up to his room.

I take my time to look at the photos hung on the walls as I walk up the stairway. There were photos of him, his parents, some family group photos and baby pictures.

I look at Ashton as I walk below him. I realized I don't know a thing about him and our parents have been enemies for years while I went to school with him.

He opens a door that leads to a huge room. Everything was either black, white or grey. The place seemed empty and lonely. There wasn't anything personal in his room except some baby photos.

I pick one up when I realize they weren't baby photos of a boy, but a girl. I didn't know he had a sister or niece.

The baby looks familiar to me. I can't quite put my finger on it.

"Who's this?" I ask Ashton.

"He looks up from his bed. "Someone important, I don't want to talk about it," he dismisses.

I frown. "Why not?" I lay down on my stomach beside him.

He sighs. "I don't want to talk about it sweetheart."

"Is she the reason you're lying about us?" I ask softly.

"Why we're lying," he says. "But yes, she is the reason why I started all this."

I don't push the subject if it makes him uncomfortable, no matter how many questions I have with a simple photo.

We lay on our stomachs in silence. I close my eyes and take in the peace and quiet.

I was supposed to meet his parents today since it's Saturday. He picked me up early, for some strange reason and brought me here. I guess he wanted to rehearse or something but he's just laying here like the dead.

The moment was ruined by the door opening and footsteps on the marble floor. I sit up, on alert. Ashton stays with his face smushed against his bed.

A woman pokes her head in Ashton's room. "Ashton?"

He groans and slowly sits up. His hair was messy as he rubs his face tiredly. "Yes, Amanda?"

"I didn't know you were home," Amanda says, eyeing me.

"Well now you know," he responds.

Amanda nods and turns to me. "Are you Ashton's new whore—I mean, girlfriend?" she asks politely.

Did she just—

Oh hell no.

I stand up and take off my jacket, ready to hit the bitch. Amanda looks stunned at my sudden outburst but I don't acknowledge her.

The only thing in my mind right now was how she would look with a cast on her legs instead of high heels and a busted eye.

Ashton stands up and holds me back by my hips.

"Don't hold me back, Ashton!" I shout.

"Alright, sweetheart, it's alright," he whispers in my ear. If I wasn't mistaken, he was trying to contain his laughter.

I stand still to get Ashton's hands off my hips. It was making me feel weird, those places were supposed to be undisturbed places. Especially by Ashton.

Amanda clears her throat. "I'm sorry for offending you, Taylor, it's just—I'm not used to my step-son having a girlfriend."

I scoff. "Yeah? Well," I take Ashton's hand in mine to show her. "Your son and I are serious, and we're going to last longer than Katy Perry's hair color."

Ashton nods, agreeing with me. Amanda looks between us with an unreadable expression.

"Well, then, I'm guessing you both want to go to dinner tonight downtown?" she asks. "You could bring a friend or two."

"We'll meet you there," Ashton replies.

Amanda nods and looks at me one more time before softly closing the door behind her.

I untangle my hand from Ashton's and jump backwards on the bed. "So, dinner, eh?" I ask.

Ashton crawls back on his stomach and lays beside me. "Would you like me to cancel?" he asks through heavy eye lids.

"No," I replied. "Your mom sounds like a bitch." I say bluntly.

"Step-mom," he corrects.

"Where's your biological mom?" I asked.

"Traveling," he scratches his head and gets up. "Let's go shopping, so me, your beloved boyfriend, can buy you a pretty dress."

I smirk and sit up straight. "I would love to spend your money, thanks for asking."

"Actually, it's my parents' money, which is why I'm spending it on you." He taps my nose.

I scowl. "Cheap," I mutter, walking by him.

His laugh booms the whole house. "Trust me, sweetheart, I am not cheap."

I storm down the stairs, giving him the silent treatment.

"Oh, come on, sweetheart," he says. "You can't really be mad at me for that can you?"

I glare at him but don't say anything. He opens the front door for me and I get into the passenger seat of his car, slamming it as much as I can.

Ashton growls at me. "Do not hurt my baby."

I psst. "I'm supposed to be your baby."

Am I the only one taking this fake relationship seriously?

"You're my sweetheart," he says.

"Where are we going?" I change the topic.

"I told you, I'm taking you shopping." He glares at me. "Pay attention."

I gape at him. "Asshole," I mutter.

"Been called worse," he sings.

"What do you plan on accomplishing with this relationship?" I ask.

"I want revenge on my parents for reasons you don't need to know and you want attention from your's," he explains. "I call it a win win. Killing two birds with one stone."

"Why do I feel like there's more to the story?" It sounds as if I'm accusing him but I'm just curious. The way he acts and talks about me feels as though he's been planning this for a long time and thoroughly too.

I wonder what his parents did to him that made him plan all this. Why else would Ashton want revenge on them?

"Because there is, I'm just not telling you." was his lame response.

I tap my finger on my knee, anxious for more information. "What happens if one of us falls in love?" I dare to ask.

I expected him to laugh. Deny ever falling in love with me. Call me horrible and mean names. Anything but what he said and did.

He shrugs. "Then we fall in love and I'll cherish you." He takes my hand and kisses it, tangling our fingers together and placing it on his lap.

He looks at me. "Would you have it any other way?"

I look away, trying to ignore my hormones as I process his words in my head.

No, I wouldn't have it any other way.