Bullied By Ashton Irwin

Chapter 23

Carly's POV

I knew trouble was coming as soon as I heard shoes hitting the tiles. I could tell Ashton was also concerned because he froze in his place, anticipation overcoming him.

Calum walked right through the doorway, not expecting to see what he saw. I remember the sound of his shoes ceasing as soon as he looked at me. He looked from me to Ashton, and then back and me, and then back at Ashton. It took him about 15 seconds to process what was happening.

Longest 15 seconds of my life.

I don't know why I was so scared or worried about Calum finding me in his store. I was simply a late customer taking the last of the day's coffee.

Quit kidding yourself, Carly.

I guess the voice inside my head was correct. Calum had literally called me that morning to tell me to stop hanging around Ashton. And here I was... hanging around Ashton. I guess Calum's rage should have been understood, or rather even expected, yet his anger still surprised me.

"What's going on here?" His voice was rough, but not too demanding.

Neither me nor Ashton responded. We both exchanged a glance, but not one word came out of our mouths. I didn't want to say anything.

Correction: I didn't know what to say.

What was I supposed to do? Calum looked like he wanted an explanation,  but I couldn't give one to him. In that moment, I was just as confused as he was.

What are you even doing here? You're being stupid.

Maybe the insipid voice in my head was right. I didn't have any reason to be here. I wasn't thinking straight. What was I expecting to happen by coming here? The answer is nothing. Nothing was going to happen between me and Ashton; not that I wanted it to. But at the end of the day, I shouldn't have shown up here. 

"We've got a late customer," Ashton finally spoke half-heartedly, knowing that he wasn't convincing anyone. If Calum's eyes could shoot lasers Ashton would be dead.  I don't know what was going through Ashton's head, but it definitely wasn't good.

Great, look what you did Carly.

"I thought I told you not to let anyone else in," Calum directed towards Ashton.

Ouch... Calum knew I was standing here, right? He could've at least been nicer about it. He sounded furious... at me. Why on Earth was he mad with me? 

"Come on Calum, it's just me," I chimed in, trying to take the pressure off of Ashton, "I'm not going to rob the place or anything."

Calum looked over at me, his face red. My mouth dropped minutely, annoyed with how mad he was getting. 

What's the big deal?

"Well, I'm sorry Carly but it's past hours, so I would appreciate it if you would give me my coffee back." He outstretched his hand, gesturing for me to give up my coffee. I couldn't perceive what was going on. Is he joking?

Ashton moved away from his counter, placing himself in between Calum and I. He put his hands up to stop Calum. "Hey, come on man. You told me to throw the coffee away unless someone wanted it. And now there's someone here who wants it," he gestured towards me, "so I don't get why you're being so pissy about it." 

Calum raised his eyebrows, making Ashton doubt his words. 

"Excuse me, but the last time I checked, you work for me. So watch your damn mouth," he then looked over Ashton's shoulder and eyed me, "Carly, I thought I told you never to talk to him." When he spoke to me, though, he didn't sound angry anymore. He sounded disappointed-- almost sad.