Hand In Glove

Chapter 21

Ashton took his time getting ready. Of course, when he finally emerged from his room, he looked ever the rockstar, even if just to hang out with friends. Chloe felt a bit lackluster next to him but what could she do, really? She was simply grateful to have bought some clothes that helped her blend in with his crowd.

Her dark jeans flattered her curves. Her heeled boots gave her the slightest illusion of added height. She wore a body-hugging black t-shirt with the Stick Shift Lips logo across the front that Ashton had given her. She had even painstakingly straight ironed her hair. After checking each other out in mutual appreciation, they both had a good laugh before getting in the car.

When they finally arrived at the pub, everyone else was already there. All eyes turned toward them as they entered the room. Ashton led the way, Chloe trailing slightly behind. Chris, Nick, and Jamie were sitting around a long string of tables. With them were a handful of other guys she didn't recognize along with some very attractive women. Their eyes paid particular attention to Ashton and Chloe.

"Ashton, finally! We were beginning to think you'd stood us up," shouted Jamie. "Chloe, looking good," he added, raking his suggestive eyes over her.

"Hey, check it out, everybody. This is Chloe, Ashton's new personal assistant. If you can believe that," he snarked.

Would he ever give it up? Chloe couldn't help but frown. She hated being singled out. She felt her face redden under the scrutiny and disbelieving snickers as everyone's attention focused on her. She waved and smiled bashfully. "Hi," she said no louder than a whisper.

Ashton shook a few hands, kissed a few cheeks before leading her toward the end of the table. He reached for a chair and tucked it rather awkwardly into the corner, between him and Nick.

"Yes, everyone, I'd like you to meet Chloe, my very own P.A.," he announced, taking Chloe's hand and helping her into her chair. Chloe smiled again, this time nodding cordially to everybody. "Chloe, these are my friends, Scott, Mike, Andy, and Joe. These lovely ladies are Rebecca, Michelle, and Rachel. Oh, and these other clowns you already know."

They all seemed nice enough. Some smiled, some simply nodded. Two of the girls chirped a friendly hello while the third, Rachel, shot her an icy glare. Thankfully, Nick said something that turned everyone's attention away from her. Chloe sighed gratefully. Now maybe she could just relax and listen casually. She sat with her hands on her knees, wiping the nervous sweat on her jeans. At one point, she felt Ashton's hand rest upon hers, giving her a reassuring squeeze.

They talked of past exploits and future ambitions. Chloe couldn't help but feel out of the loop. They reminisced about things only people with a long history together could appreciate. This made Chloe feel even lonelier for her own friends. Nick tried to pull her into the circle every now and then. He'd say stuff like, "Chloe, you should've seen... or Chloe, did you know... it was so funny..." He'd laugh, pointing at Ashton or whoever the story was about. It was nice of him. He'd pull faces at her, anything just to get her attention. She couldn't help but laugh. At one point they were both in stitches. This drew some curious looks from around the table.

Ashton simply smiled, shaking his head at them. "You'd think you two were litter mates, the way you go on."

Jamie looked at them in disgust. "A couple of giddy idiots," he scoffed. "Look at them, ridiculous."

Of course, this just inspired Nick to rhyme off a whole tirade of Jamie stories and jokes, sending everyone over the edge.

Chris seemed content enough to talk to one of the other guys. He'd probably heard his brother's version of things many times before.