Not Your Cinderella

Chapter eight- the park

I sang along quietly to the radio, waiting for Chase to pull into the parlor. Ice cream was always the thing I went to when I felt like things were getting bad or awkward. It had always helped me, I suppose. We pulled in and I jumped out, rushing inside. I heard Chase laughing behind me as he followed behind. The bell chimed and I smiled. 

"Pete!" I exclaimed 

"Alex bring you back or Ash?" Pete laughed 

"Nope, that'd be me. Ashton didn't want to bring her this time." Chase spoke up, wrapping an arm around my waist

I scowled in his direction and Pete must've noticed since he spoke up.

"Get your hand off of her since she obviously does not like it." Pete instructed 

"And what if I don't?" Chase challenged

"Charlie will just have to escort you out." Pete shrugged as Charlie walked in 

Charlie was sort of the guy that got rid of any customers that were causing a problem. Most stopped right when they saw him. He was six foot six and was very buff. Intimidating someone was never an issue for him. 

"Is he bothering you, baby girl?" Charlie asked, glaring at Chase 

"Isn't he always." I mumbled 

"Get your hands off the girl." Charlie sneered

I giggled quietly to myself as Chase backed up, throwing his arms up in surrender. Never took him to be one to get intimidated but I guess Charlie just has that affect on people. I walked over to the counter with Chase beside me. 

"What do you want, Cinderella?" Chase asked softly 

"Mmmm, the usual Pete." I smiled 

"And for you?" Pete asked Chase 

"Nothing for me." Chase denied

Pete handed me my ice cream and I pouted as Chase paid. Hell, he didn't even get anything! Chase just rolled his eyes as he collected the change.

"Gotta come over some day, love." Charlie spoke up

"Course. Just text me a time and I'll be there." I laughed

Chase pulled me along and I just shrugged. I didn't know what his problem was and I never will. I hesitated, not wanting to get into the car with ice cream in case it got everywhere.

"You're fine. You can get in." Chase chuckled

I glared at him before climbing in the passenger seat. The drive back to his house was quick and I was glad that Blake hadn't ditched me while we were out.

"Blakey!" I exclaimed

"Living room, Alli-boo!" Blake called

I walked in and remained standing in case the ice cream started to melt. Blake and Ashton shook their heads, smiling a bit.

"So, Charlie scared the crap out of Chase." I giggled

"Charlie scares anyone that isn't us two when they're with you. Or Alex. Charlie has always been protective." Ash laughed

"Yet neither of you warned me." Chase complained

"We didn't know he'd be there today." Blake offered

"Who's Charlie?" John asked

"He's this really buff dude that works for the parlor. He helps when people get out of hand. I'm pretty sure he has a crush on Alli due to how damn protective he is over her." Ash explained

"Nah, pretty sure we're on the same boat where we are just friends." I refuted

"Okay, Alli." Blake muttered

"Chase didn't bother you too much, right?" Mary questioned

"He was actually decently okay. Pulled the typical guy move, like Ashton, and paid even though he got nothing." I muttered, giving a pointed look at Ash

"Guys do that, sweetie." Mary laughed

"It's so annoying. Hate using people's money." I whined

"We know. You complain every time a guy pays for you." Blake chuckled

"If I wanted your money then I would ask." I argued

"You'll never win this." John spoke up

"I've figured." I sighed

"Anyway, Paulie wants to know if we want to go hang out at the park. You in?" Ash asked

"Course! I haven't seen Paulie in forever." I smiled

"Just another guy that likes you." Blake teased

"Nobody likes me. You just read too much into it." I rolled my eyes

"I can name four guys that like you off the top of my head." Blake retorted as he pulled on his shoes

"Who?" I challenged

"Charlie, Paulie, Alex, and Max." Blake stated

"I disagree." I hummed, walking out

"I have to agree with Blake here, Alli." Ashton shrugged, jumping into the drivers seat

"Delusional! All of you!" I exclaimed

I gave a sideways glance at Chase as he slid in beside me. Why the hell was he coming along? Chase must've realized that I was looking at him and just shrugged. I sighed, resting my head against the cold window. Ashton parked and I hopped out, jumping onto Paulie's back.

"Hey muffin." Paulie laughed, grabbing onto my thighs

"Hi cupcake." I smiled

"Can't walk?" Paulie teased

"Yeah, it's quite a shame. They just gave out right when we got here." I retorted

"Sure they did." Paulie laughed, turning to face the others

"Hey Paulie. See you've got an accessory." Blake said, chuckling a bit

"Hey Blake, Ash. Oh, new guy. I'm Paulie." He introduced

"Chase."

I stared at Chase, wondering why he seemed so grumpy. Chase was glaring at Paulie as if Paulie killed his dog. My phone buzzed in my pocket and I jumped, causing Paulie to laugh. Pulling it out, I grew confused seeing a text from Ash. I wanted to laugh seeing what he said.

Ash: Chase likes you too, yanno. Blake would be pissed if he knew though.

Me: Blake hates him but Chase doesn't like me anyways. You're just delusional.

"How rude! On your phone. Who's so important? Really! You're texting Ashton! Oh, nevermind." Paulie said as he peeked at the messages

"Swings!" I exclaimed

"Anything for the princess." Paulie shook his head

"Not a princess." I pouted

"Yes you are, Cinderella." Chase spoke up

"Not your Cinderella, Dixon!" I called

"Wants you to be though." Paulie whispered as he set me down

I rolled my eyes, sitting on one of the swings. I ignored their accusations as I pushed myself off the ground. It was silent for a bit but after a while, conversation arose.