― UNKNOWN NUMBER! (IRWIN)

45

Australia.

I had finally made it.

Months and months of Ashton's stories about it made me want to come so bad.

Ashton made his promise, and I made him keep it.

"Ashton?"

"Yes, luv,"

Ashton had grown to call me pet names despite not being in a relationship.

"What are we doing first?"

I knew the answer, of course, because he'd told me over and over.

He never got tired of it, though, and that's why you asked.

You heard the smile in his voice as began to tell you for the millionth time.

/////////////

"Nikki! Come on!"

"Bitch, don't rush perfection!"

Ashton rolled his eyes at my antics.

We were going to go to the KFC Ashton used to work at before heading over to his family's house.

As we walked to the KFC, Ashton pulled me into a park for a shortcut.

And then he pulled me right back out.

"Sorry, wrong park,"

"What? I can see a KFC right over there,"

"Nope, wrong one! Let's gooo!"

Confusion spread over my face but began to follow him anyway.

We were about to turn the corner, when I heard my name being called.

"NIKKI!" The voice yelled across the park.

Ashton muttered a string of curses and turned around with me.

And lo and behold, Michael Clifford stood in the park's entrance.

"I would've gone faster if you had told me the real reason," I whispered to Ashton.

Faking happiness, I went to hug Michael, whose hands we too low on my back.

I pulled back quickly, and Ashton just gave a simple wave.

Michael Clifford, my once best friend, flirted with me tirelessly.

From pickup lines to trying to lean in a kiss me, you name it, he did it.

This pissed Ashton off.

So much that Ashton had to take a break from touring for a while.

Michael shamelessly flirted with me as I attempted to make small talk.

Ashton squeezed my hand as if saying let's go.

"Um, Michael, Ashton and I really have to go, so maybe we can catch up later?"

"Where are you guys going?"

"I'm meeting Ashton's family,"

Unable to contain my excitement, I smiled widely as I said it.

"Wow, Nik, you should come meet my parents too! I'm sure they'd love to meet the beautiful girl I've been telling them about,"

"That's it!"

The exclamation made me jump in surprise.

"Stop hitting on my girlfriend!"

"She's not your girlfriend,"

Ashton swerved around so quick my head spun.

"Will you be my girlfriend, Nikki?"

"Yes,"

My reply was instantaneous.

"Well, Michael, now she's my girlfriend so back off,"

Michael raised his hands in surrender and scurried off.

"So KFC?"

"Nah, let's just head to my mom's house. I can't wait to tell her you're finally mine,"