Ashton's Lie

chapter twelve

The table is silent as everyone waits for me to speak. I look around anything but them as Ashton's grip on me tightens.

I clear my throat and blink repeatedly. "Uh—um ..." I stammered. I let out a dry laugh. "I'm speechless, he's the best boyfriend I could ever ask for. He's loving, sweet, romantic, and just perfect for me," I lie.

Ashton releases his hold on me and leans back in his chair. Just by his movements, I can tell he's disappointed by my terrible statement when he did so well.

Now I can't help but feel guilty.

Robert looks at me with an unreadable expression. "Well, I can't wait to see how you two will last. I haven't seen my son happy in almost a year."

"Father," Ashton warns lowly.

I look at him to see him staring at his father with darkness clouded over his face. His fists were clenched and his body was tense. I'm sure I could even see a vein popping out of his neck, his jaw was ticking as well.

Jonah shifts in his seat and glances at Amanda and Robert with shame and disgust.

What's going on?

Robert smiles that doesn't quite reach his eyes. It seems fake to me. I rest my hand on Ashton's arm, hoping to calm him down and it seems to work a little since he sent me a small apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry for this, Taylor," Amanda says. "You don't know what's going on."

"Oh, no, it's okay," I lie. "I just hope to be Ashton's present and future." I glance at Ashton, telling him we'll talk about this sooner and later.

Most likely sooner.

Ashton gulps a little as I watch his Adam's apple go up and down. He probably doesn't want to talk to me about it since we're strangers but I could care less.

"Excuse me," I say as I stand up and walk to the bathroom.

The bathroom was empty when I walked in so I take the chance to call Liam.

"What," he answers. I hear shooting and shouts in the background.

"Are you playing Call of Duty?" I ask knowingly.

"You don't play it," he says. "You live it."

"Whatever, so, this whole meeting his parents thing is backfiring," I tell him.

"What do you want me to do?"

"I want you to get off your lazy ass and tell me that you were right and I'm wrong," I state.

"Fine," he says. "I'm right and you're wrong. I told you so."

I open the bathroom door a crack to see everyone still at the table. "I think the Marshall's are hiding something."

"Every rich family hides something, Taylor," Liam says in 'duh' tone.

"Way to state the obvious, captain." I say. "I don't know, I saw a baby photo of some girl and Ashton won't tell me about her."

"Maybe he has a secret sister," Liam suggests.

"I researched him, he doesn't."

"Clingy girlfriend in a few days, eh?" he teases.

"Shut up Liam," I snapped.

"Curiosity killed the cat, Taylor," he warns. "I don't want you to die if they are keeping a secret. And even if they were, it's none of your business. You won't see Ashton ever again in six months or so."

"You're right. I gotta go." I hang up and walk casually back to the table with a fake smile.

"Taylor, I didn't get to tell you this, but you look wonderful, darling," Amanda gushes.

I blush. "Thank you, Mrs. Marshall, it was last minute," Amanda seems impressed at my statement.

Ashton whispers, "She's a fashion designer." That makes sense.

Robert clears his throat. "It's getting late, we should be heading home. Ashton, you should leave with us. Jonah could take her home." Maybe it wasn't a bad thing coming late. The dinner barely lasted faster than my leg hair.

Ashton looks at me to see if I'm okay with it. I nod, showing him I am. Jonah seemed nice, I'm sure he wouldn't kidnap and rape me.

Jonah smiles widely my way and dangles his keys. I follow him out to the parking lot where the valet brought his car quickly.

I buckle myself up as Jonah drives out the restaurant's parking lot. "So, how long have you known Ashton?" I ask.

"Five years, give or take." He winks my way.

"You know, Ashton won't stop talking about you," He suddenly says.

That caught my attention instantly.

"Really?" I ask, trying to hide the shock in my voice. "What did he say?"

Jonah shrugs. "Just about how much you've been helping him and how you guys are couple goals. You know, the usual boyfriend stuff."

Did Ashton not tell his best friend about our fake relationship? That would be fair since I couldn't tell my best friend, Liam.

I clear my throat. "Yeah, sounds like him. Ashton likes to brag about our relationship," I say.

Jonah hums in response so I take that as a sign to shut up. He pulls up at my driveway.

"Goodbye, Taylor," he says. "It was nice meeting you."

I smile. "You, too. See you soon."

I hop out of the car and walk into the house. I see Houston in the dark in the kitchen, drinking a mug and reading a newspaper.

The sight was horrifying to say the least. I feel as though I'm about to get interrogated or in a secret agent TV show.

"Hey Houston ..." I say slowly, walking towards him.

"How was dinner with the Marshall's?" He doesn't look up from his newspaper.

I groan. "It couldn't have been any more weird."

He chuckles. "So are you ever gonna tell me what's up with you and Ashton?"

I laugh. "Maybe one day buddy." I tap his head. "Where are my parents?"

He shrugs. "Haven't heard from them. I think they're still upset about the whole thing."

"Oh, come on!" I say. "Ashton and I are adorable!"

"The media seems to think so," he says.

I take off my shoes. "Well, the media is crazy." I kiss the side of his head. "Night, Houston."

I change into my silky pajamas and hop onto my bed. My phone vibrates when I get a text from Ashton.

Goodnight sweetheart. Sleep well. Tonight wasn't what I thought it would be. Time for Plan B, It says.

What the fuck was Plan B?