Surfer Girl // A.I (completed)

fifteen

< August >

{ Ashton }

I now know how Tatum felt when she met my family a week ago. Today, I'm meeting her grandpa for the first time. He came into town to attend her follow up appointment and goes home tonight, so today was the day I meet him.

I had woken up early and got a quick workout in before I needed to get ready to go. We had decided on a lunch so she could still spend some time with her grandpa before he left.

Walking back inside from my run, I grabbed a water from the fridge and drank it, scrolling through my phone and seeing a text from Tatum:

-messages-

Tatum🥰: [ heyyyy...so my
grandpa's flight got moved
to 10 pm. Could I spend
the night after I drop him off? ]

[ absolutely. I'd feel better
you doing that then
driving all the way home that late ]

Tatum🥰: [ You're amazing.
I'll see you soon ]

————

I laughed and put my phone down. In all honesty, it kinda freaks me out and makes me paranoid when she drives in the dark, especially with no doors on her Jeep. I know, I know, call me the overprotective boyfriend.

When I glanced to the clock, I saw it was already 10:45. If I wanted to be on time for lunch, I had to leave home by 11:30, so I figured I better run and grab a shower.

****

My shower was quick and I went into my closet to grab clothes. Deciding on black jeans and a white shirt, I got dressed and went and fixed my hair before grabbing my keys and heading out the door.

We decided on a restaurant near Tatum's that was on the boardwalk. Since Tatum refuses to let me pick her up, we settled on somewhere closer to her so she didn't have to drive as far, because even though it's her left knee and not her right knee, it's still risky.

I pulled into the parking lot, relieved it wasn't too crowded. I spotted Tatum's Jeep and parked in the spot directly behind her. She was already out so I texted her, getting an immediate response telling me that they were outside the restaurant, so I got out and headed that way.

I could see Tatum, leaning on her crutches, with her grandpa as I was approaching. So, I sucked in a big breath and stepped forward,

"Ash!" Tatum hugged my side carefully. I kissed her head then balanced her out,

"Hi, I'm Ashton" I introduced myself to the older man,

"Nice to meet you Ashton. I'm Rich" he shook my hand, "I've heard a lot about you"

"I'm hoping good things" I nervously laughed,

"Well of course. I've never seen her smile like she does when talking about you-"

"Okay!" Tatum interrupted, "Can we eat? I'm hungry"

"You're always hungry" Rich joked, making me laugh,

"Come on my little cripple" I smiled and followed behind her as she crutched inside.

We were seated out on the deck and I made sure Tatum was comfortable. Once I was seated, I pulled her messed up leg up onto my lap, knowing she needed to keep it elevated. She gave me a smile before looking down at her menu.

We ordered as soon as the waiter, who was a little touchy to Tatum, came over.

"Ashton, Tatum says you're a drummer?" Rich nodded at me. I quickly cleared my throat to answer,

"Yes sir. I'm in a band with my three friends" I smiled,

"How long you been in that?" He asked,

"For a while. About seven years" I laughed. He nodded and I felt Tatum grab my hand under the table.

"Relax son" Rich laughed, I guess picking up my nervousness, "I like you. You don't have to worry. If Tate's happy, I have no reason to not like you"

"Thank you" I smiled.

We continued to talk as we ate once our food came out. Tatum was right when she said he was your typical old beach bum guy. He was telling me surfing stories then stories about Tatum that made her put her face down on the table.

Once we had eaten, I paid for all of our meals even though Tatum threatened to 'beat me with her crutch'.

Once I got my credit card back, along with a receipt, we left the restaurant and headed back to the parking lot at Tatum's pace. I helped her into the driver's seat and put her crutches in the back as her grandpa got in.

"You good?" I asked her as she buckled,

"I'm good" she grinned and pecked my lips,

"I'll see you later" I smiled at her. She nodded and I leaned around her,

"It was nice to meet you sir" I smiled at Rich,

"You too boy. I hope to see you again soon" he nodded. I smiled and stepped back and let Tatum start the car,

"See you tonight" she smiled and pulled out.

****

At 10:30, I saw lights coming in the front window. I got up from my spot on the couch and walked outside. Tatum was already out of her Jeep with her backpack on and WALKING towards me,

"What the hell? Why are you walking?" I panicked, rushing over and helping her,

"They said I could walk a little" she told me. I sighed but nodded and helped her inside. She had a problem with the steps since she has to keep her leg straight.

"Are you hungry, tired, thirsty?" I questioned, taking her bag.

"Sleepy and ready for cuddles" she yawned. A smile broke out on my face.

We went to my room where she changed then got in my bed. I propped her leg up and climbed into the spot next to her. Tatum immediately, and carefully, turned on her side and wrapped her arms around me,

"My grandpa loved you" she smiled up at me,

"I'm glad. He's pretty cool" I told her. She laughed and inched her head up, connecting our lips.

"Wake me up if you need anything or are in any pain" I whispered. She nodded and rolled on her back, the only position she can really lay in,

"I wanna cuddle" she whined. I laughed and scooted over, laying my head on her chest. Tatum's fingers started rubbing through my hair and my eyes grew heavy and were shutting,

"Goodnight Ashton" she kissed the top of my head,

"Goodnight Tatum"