End Up Here || Ashton Irwin

III. Cold Brew Chats

Song for the Chapter: Close by Nick Jonas (ft. Tove Lo)

Three in the morning came all too fast yet so slow. I walk to my car with Kai, our security guy, and thank him, as I get in my car. I start my car and lock the doors while I get myself situated. Tonight was insane; I had a full bar from the time I started to the time I announced last call. I think tonight is my record for most drinks made during a shift. I swear I made upwards of 800 drinks and that's the last time I'll ever underestimate a Friday-Summer night. It was crazy, but now I can't wait to go home and sleep.

I drive to my apartment building and go up to my floor. I search my bag for the key and once I find it, unlock the door. I close the door and lock it. I quietly walk into our room and find Ashton asleep, half naked on his bed with some girl - who is also at least half naked, based on where the blankets are around them. I can't help but roll my eyes, typical Ash. At least he had the decency to not fall asleep on my bed this time. Sadly, there's been a few times where I've come home from a shift like this one, completely beat, to find him and some chick passed out on my bed. So, we've had a chat or two about it.

I quietly walk to my bed and put my stuff down. I hop in the shower real quick just to wash work off of me and hop out before I get too comfy under the hot water. I get my sleeping clothes on and slide into my bed before exhaustion takes over.

***

I wake up and check my phone for the time. It's around noon and I see that he's still in bed. I get up, wash my face, and brush my teeth, before heading out into the living area to get something to eat. I walk out and immediately my eyes land on a petite figure trying to grab the chips from the top shelf in the cabinets. What the fuck, she's still here? I roll my eyes before offering some assistance.

"Need some help with that?" I ask with my arms folded over my chest. She jumps and turns around, clearly embarrassed and shocked. I look her up and down, just to add a little more tension to the room. She's pretty, blondes aren't usually my type, but I'd try to take her home if we met under different circumstances.

"Yeah thanks, sorry if I woke you," she says stepping aside. I walk up, reach up on my tip toes, and grab her the bag.

"You didn't wake me, it's no problem," I say handing her the bag. I walk over to the fridge to grab the jug of cold brew I made a few days ago and the half-and-half.

"Ashton mentioned he had a roommate, but he never mentioned that you were a girl," she says, reaching her hand into the bag.

"Yeah, he doesn't usually. Would you like some?" I nod to the cold brew while I grab two small mason jars. She shakes her head yes while I continue, "I'm Kris by the way."

"I'm Alyssa, but you can call me Lyss," she says after eating a few chips. I pour the cold brew and add a splash of half-and-half into the jars.

"Pretty name for a pretty girl," I reply as I grab some ice from the freezer. I put the cubes in gently and grab two reusable straws, stirring the drinks, before handing one of them to her.

"Thanks." She blushes ever so slightly and goes to take the brew from my hand. She brushes her hand against mine as she takes it from my grasp and I give her a small smirk. She adverts her eyes from mine and takes a sip from her straw.

"So, how the hell did you end up leaving with Ash last night?" I take a sip from my straw as she looks up. I climb up onto my favorite spot, the island, and invite her to join me by tapping the spot next to me. She puts the chips back on the opposite counter and I hold her coffee.

She gets up as she speaks, "I was with a few friends at Pearl Ultra, Ashton came up to me and asked me to dance. I thought he was cute so I said yes - next thing I knew, he asked me if I wanted to leave."