Chasing Astrid Malone

21. STAY WITH ME

Tristan's POV

This tiny little firecracker, standing in my room, holding a photo of me with my dad, and her body leaned back against me as if it was made to fit perfectly with mine.

"He would love you, Rocky." My dad is always asking me when I'm going to meet a nice girl.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Great more interruptions. Who could it be now? I opened the door and Astrid's friends walked in.

"Josh told us to keep an eye on you till he gets back, he's Driving Molly home. Are you ok? Everyone saw what happened, I think a few people even recorded it."

I knew he didn't trust me. Josh is very protective of her, and I appreciate that, but I've already told him I won't rush anything. He didn't need to send her friends up here to babysit.

"You want to get out of here? We should probably call it a night and go home. Or we could go to Dan's party so you could see Cam?"

I see. This friend doesn't seem to like me at all. What she said didn't bother me, it's how she's looking at Astrid that I don't care for at all.

"Jeez, Carly, low blow. Astrid isn't dating Cam, she's allowed to figure out how she feels before she decides."

Preach, sister. This girl, I like. If only I could remember her name. Becky? Britney?

"I love you A, but this night isn't just about you. Steve and I are gonna leave. If you want a ride home you can come with us."

Carly doesn't seem to like Astrid much either, at least not right now. Did she just call her A?

"Really Carly? Because the way I see it, you have been distant all night. Acting like this night belongs to you and your boyfriend there, and the rest of us are just a distraction."

Brenda is protective of Astrid too, I see. This high school drama needs to go. I can see Astrid's shocked face and it's adorable. I'm not about to kick out her friends, I'll let this play out.

"I don't even know you anymore, a few boys start to notice you, and now your acting like a slut."

HELL NO. GAME OVER.

"GET OUT!"

Carly and the boy jumped at my yelling and scurried out of the room. Astrid's friend is comforting her before I could get to her. I'm glad to see she has a friend like that.

"Don't listen to her, just because she wants to save herself for marriage, does not make you a slut for kissing someone."

Was that her first kiss? Wait, she can't be talking about me. Her friends didn't see us kissing. It thrilled me for a minute, thinking I was the only one to have ever tasted her. No one makes it to eighteen without having kissed someone. I just wish it wasn't Cameron she's talking about, but I'm not stupid.

"Let's go downstairs, get a drink, and dance. No more drama."

Wow. Any other girl would be hung up on their best friend calling them a slut.

"Now your talking. I don't know what happened to your dress, but it's dangerously short now, so don't bend over. Okay?"

I couldn't help but smile. I would give anything to see her stand up on my bed and rip away the bottom half of her dress again. She was so pleased with herself. My phone started ringing in my pocket.

"You coming, big guy?"

"Yeah go ahead, I'll be right down."

Josh calling couldn't be good news. As soon as they left I answered.