“I know and it’s so nice out today too. I’m glad that storm didn’t follow us.” Angel said as they both picked at a bowl of fruit on the table in between them.
“I’m just happy that we get into the park tomorrow before the show. I heard they have some cool rides, so hopefully it will stay this nice.”
“We haven’t been to an amusement park in forever.” Angel said with a smile.
“It will be fun.” Ashley agreed. “So where did the guys end up going so early?” she said reaching for her suntan lotion.
“Apparently they made golf reservations last night when they found out we had a free day.”
“Is it just Nick, Alex and Scott?” She said putting on her sunglasses as a few clouds shifted, making the suns glare more brutal.
“I think Brian went too, but I have no idea. All I know is we have the whole day to ourselves. Scott said they wouldn’t be back until around three.”
“I’m just surprised they got out of bed that early.” Ashley laughed. “Usually you have to bribe Alex out of bed in the morning.”
“I know. Scott was wide-awake and super excited to get out there. I didn’t even know they all liked golfing.” She laughed.
“Yeah, hitting balls into tiny little holes in the blaring sun is not my idea of fun.” They both laughed. “I can barely play mini golf.”
“Do we even have to bring up my mini golf incident?” Angel raised a brow.
Ashley burst into a fit of laughter remembering what she was talking about. “I don’t think they’ll ever let us back in that place. I still can’t figure out how you managed to hit that guy in the head...three times.”
“I swear they have our pictures posted up on the wall at that front hut.” Angel laughed shaking her head. “Yeah, never again.”
“We need to find you a better sport.” Ashley laughed.
“Good luck.” She laughed taking a swig of her water. “So you and Nick looked pretty cozy on the bus last night. How did your little talk go?”
“Good.” She smiled a little. “We agreed that if we are gonna take this anywhere we have to take things slow.”
“So are you like dating? A couple? What does that mean?”
“I don’t know.” She shrugged. “I’m not sure if I want to put a label on it. Labels just make things confusing.”
“What’s so confusing? You like him and he likes you…what more is there to it?”
“We just both have things that we need to work through before we can jump into anything serious. The most important thing to me is keeping him as a friend. I don’t want to rush into anything when I know I’m not emotionally ready to handle it. I’m not ruling out a relationship completely, but I just want to make sure that if we do get to that I’m ready to handle what comes with it.”
“I guess that makes sense.” Angel sighed. “I just want both of you to be happy.”
“We are.” She smiled with reassurance. “We’re just going to take some time to get to know each other a little better.”
“So what’s the first step to getting to know each other better?” Angel said.
Ashley laughed shaking her head. “I have no idea.”
“Well you guys haven’t had much alone time. I mean I know you hang on the bus and stuff but that’s not like romantic alone time.”
“Romantic alone time?” Ashley laughed.
“You know, like actually going out alone.”
“Well it’s kind of hard on tour. Whenever we have nights off the guys either want to sleep or go out together.”
“Exactly. That’s why you guys just need a night to yourselves. Like actually go on a date. I’ve heard it’s a great way to get to know someone.” Angel teased with a laugh.
“It would be kind of cool to plan something kind of romantic and fun.” Ashley said biting her lip as she thought of ideas.
“Well then let’s get to planning!” Angel said sitting up in her chair.
“Do you think we could pull it all together so quickly though?” She said noting it was almost noon.
“It’s us. We could build Rome in a day when we’re determined.”
Ashley shook her head laughing at her friend. It would be nice to turn the tables and take Nick out. It would definitely not be something he’d expect, which made it perfect.
“Then let’s get to building.” She laughed as they got up and gathered their things to head back to their room.
They quickly got on the Internet to look for local restaurants. Although there weren’t many options in the immediate area they found a place not too far away. It was just right, good food and an intimate setting. Not too laid back but upscale enough to dress up just a little and relax without having to worry if you were using the right fork. Angel called up and made reservations while Ashley searched her suitcases for the perfect outfit. She wanted to look cute, but not over done or like she was trying too hard. Angel hung up the phone and laughed as she watched Ashley stare at two dresses hung up in front of her.
“I like the teal one.” Angel said, knowing Ashley would analyze every little thing about each dress and ultimately not want to wear either.
“Do you think it’s too much though? Like ‘hey look at me I wear super bright colors to get attention.’”
Angel shook her head with a laugh. “It’s summer, you’re supposed to wear bright colors.”
“I know but I just…uhhh I don’t know.” She groaned. Plopping herself on the bed.
“The black one is too dressy. The teal one is more fun and flirty.” Angel said getting up and pulling it off the hanger. “Try it on and then we can make critiques.”
“Fine.” Ashley said getting up and taking the dress from Angel. She slipped it on and examined herself in the mirror. She did like it more once she saw it on. It was a tank top style dress that was soft cotton and flowed nicely a few inches above her knee. It was short enough to accentuate her legs, but not so short she had to constantly check it. “It’s missing something.” She said taking a look once more, trying to figure out what it needed.
“Two steps ahead of you.” Angel said handing her a plain black belt that connected with two silver links, rather then a buckle.
“Oh perfect.” Ashley said using it to synch the waistline, giving the dress a little more form. She took another look at herself, now satisfied. “What would I do without you?”
“Go naked.” Angel laughed.
“Somehow I don’t think he would mind.” She laughed pulling her plain black pumps out of her bag.
“Yeah but I think the rest of the people at the restaurant might.”
“So what else can we do aside from dinner?” Ashley said taking the dress off, not wanting to get it messed up while she did her hair and makeup. “I want to do something fun too.”
“I’m sure you can think of a few fun activities.” Angel smirked.
“Shut up…taking it slow remember?” Ashley shook her head as she started to put curlers in her hair. “I’m serious.”
“Can we safely rule out mini golf?” Angel laughed.
“Yes please. We don’t want any disasters.” Ashley joked. “But something fun like that.”
“Let’s call downstairs and see what there is around here.”
“Whatever it is I want it to be a little private. I want to spend time with him, not dodge cameras.” She sighed a little.
“We’ll figure something out.” Angel said as she called down to the concierge to ask for some places near by. After writing down a few promising options Angel hung up and moved to the bathroom where Ashley was getting ready.
“So what’s the verdict?” she asked when Angel walked into the room, hoping up onto the counter.
“Ok, well there’s not much to go on. We’re like in the middle of Amish Country meets chocolate obsession. But there’s a few we can look into.”
“And those would be?” she laughed, knowing it wasn’t much if Angel wasn’t jumping right into it.
“Ok well there’s a laser tag place, mini golf, but that’s out.” She said looking over the list again. “Go carts, bowling and a big arcade or something like that.”
“What would you pick?” Ashley asked.
“Go karts?” Angel shrugged. “I mean everywhere else is probably gonna be really crowded.”
“I did kick his butt in Mario Kart. It would be fun to do it in real life.” Ashley thought about it with a laugh.
“Then you keep working on you and I will be working on the go karts.” Angel said hopping off the counter and returning to the room to make a few calls. She returned some time later with a grin on her face. “How much do you love me?”
“That depends…what did you do?” Ashley laughed.
“Well it just so happens that my amazing negotiation skills have landed you a track all to yourselves at a place only like a few miles from the restaurant.” Angel smirked.
“How did you pull that?” Ashley said impressed.
“Just so happens the managers daughter is a huge fan and couldn’t get tickets for the show tomorrow. Two backstage passes later you have a track to yourselves and I have the title of most amazing friend ever.”
“Yes you do!” Ashley said excited. “This is gonna be perfect.”
“Yes it is. Now where’s the note for Nick? Scott said they’re on their way back. I’m gonna go put it on his door.”
“It’s on top of the TV.” Ashley said.
Angel grabbed the note and quickly snuck out and taped it to Nicks hotel room door. She heard the elevator opening and glanced down the hallway seeing the boys step off. She ran back to their room, slipping inside before they could see her.
"They're back." She said as she closed the door. "I slid in before they could see me though."
A few moments later they heard the door opening.
"Hey babe." Angel called from the bathroom, knowing it was Scott coming back in. "How was golf?"
"Exhausting." He said stopping in the bathroom doorway to kiss her hello. "I just want to pass out in bed forever."
"Well you're gonna hate me then." Angel said with a small smile.
"I'm getting kicked out?" He laughed a little knowing where her look was heading.
"Love you." She gave him a kiss.
"Let me just get a change of clothes and I'll be on my way." He laughed.
"We're going out later so don't dress for room service." Angel warned him.
"Ok." He said getting something together before heading for the door. "I'll be at Nicks."
***
Nick reached for his key in the back pocket of his shorts. As he was about to unlock the door he noticed a small card taped to it. He raised a brow as he detatched it, looking around to see if anyone else had something similar. He let himself in before folding open the small card. He smiled to himself noting by the bubbly writing who the card was from.
-Ashley
He couldn't help but laugh as he reached for his phone and dialed her number. She picked up after a few rings.
"Didn't I say no questions asked?" She giggled slightly.
"You can't blame me for being curious." He laughed. "What tricks do you have up your sleeve?"
"Wouldn't you just love to know?"
"If I don't know what we're doing how am I supposed to know what to wear?" He laughed a little.
"Scotts on his way and he has instructions from us on what you should wear."
"I'm supposed to trust Scott?" he joked.
"No objections! Six sharp, you better not be late." She said hanging up before he could say any more.
Not more then a few seconds later Scott knocked. He opened the door letting him in.
"What are they up to?" He asked as he stepped in.
"I haven't the slightest idea." Scott laughed taking a seat.
"Some help you are." Nick shook his head laughing as he opened up his suitcase. "So what were these instructions?"
"Oh um dark jeans, blue striped button down shirt..." He thought for a moment trying to remember the rest. "Black jacket, sneakers. I think that's all."
"Ok." He said thinking for a moment before remembering where everything was. "Guess I should shower, huh?"
"I think she would appreciate it." Scott laughed.
"What time is it?"
"Five fifteen." He answered checking his phone.
"Crap ok, I have to hurry."
Nick quickly took a shower and got dressed. He put some gel in his hands and ran it through his hair to tame it just a little. He checked the clock once more noting he had about fifteen minutes to go. He quickly sprayed on his cologne and grabbed his wallet and phone. Now it was just time to wait.
***
"Are you sure I look ok?" Ashley asked running her fingers through her curls to loosen them.
"Hun you look freaken amazing." Angel smiled with reasurance handing her her earrings.
"What time is it?"
"You have five more minutes." She said quickly grabbing her own clothes to change.
The girls had decided on leaving together as a group, so no one would question Nick and Ashley leaving together, then the car would drop Angel and Scott off at their restaurant on the way. She knew it would be impossible to keep things underwraps forever, but she wanted their first date to be intimate and camera free.
"Scott says their both ready to go." Angel said grabbing her purse.
"Let's go pick up our dates then." Ashley smiled as they headed out the door and down the hall. Ashley knocked on his door and bit her lip, nervously waiting for him. She wasn’t sure why she was so nervous. They had spent plenty of time together, but for some reason just putting the label ‘date’ on it added pressure in her mind. She just hoped he would like what they had set up.
Nick opened the door with a smirk, giving Ashley a once over. As much as he loved seeing her just lounging around she sure cleaned up nice.
“You look gorgeous.” He said pulling her into a hug.
“You don’t look so bad yourself.” She smirked.
“So are you gonna tell me anything about tonight or just keep me guessing the whole time?” he laughed.
“Now where’s the fun in telling you when I can watch you sweat it out?” she teased.
“You’re pure evil. That little grin of yours makes me nervous.”
“Why are you nervous?” she laughed.
“Because I know how dangerous you two are when you put your heads together.” He teased.
“Well this time we used our skills for good, promise.” She laughed taking his hand and leading the way to the elevators.
She held his hand as the two couples rode down the elevator but let go as they reached the lobby, looking to him with a small smile, hoping he understood. He gave her a reassuring nod as they headed to the front where a truck was waiting for them. They entered the car and waited for Nick to greet a few fans. While he wasn’t in the car they took the opportunity to give the driver instructions on where to go. Nick soon joined them and they were on their way. The car ride was fairly quiet as they admired the rural scenery as the sky was beginning to change colors. After some time driving Nick finally broke the silence.
“You’re not like kidnapping me and leaving me in some corn field are you?” he laughed.
“Just relax.” She laughed. “We’ll hit civilization again soon.”
About five minutes later they finally made it to their first stop. The driver pulled up in front of a restaurant on a small city street and got out to open the door. Ashley stopped Nick as he went to unbuckle his seat belt.
“Not us. Just them.” She smirked as Angel and Scott got out of the car.
“Bye guys. Have fun.” Angel smiled as the door shut and the driver walked back around to enter the car.
“I thought we were all going out together.” Nick said confused.
“I know. That’s what I wanted you and everyone else to think.” She laughed.
“Sneaky and smart. So are you gonna give me a little hint as to what else is up your sleeve?”
“I’m taking you on a date.” She said playfully with a smirk.
“Are you now?” he raised a brow with a laugh as she nodded with a grin.
“I wanted some alone time with you.”
“Alone time sounds like just the right idea.” He said putting his arm around her shoulder.
They drove a little ways more and finally pulled up to their restaurant. Nick got out first, extending a hand to help Ashley out of the truck. She smiled as he kept his hand in hers, linking their fingers as they made their way through the front door. She gave their name and they were quickly brought to booth that lined the side wall of the restaurant. She liked the booths because they had high sides blocking out view of the neighboring tables and were crescent shaped so they could sit closer rather then across form one another. They slid into the center and took a few moments to look over the menu before the waiter came over.
“Good evening, I am Vinny. I’ll be your waiter this evening. I will give you a few more minutes to look over the menu and will be right back with your wine selection.” He said before walking off.
“Wine selection?” Nick said with a coy look.
“I love wine.” Ashley smiled.
“I just think you’re trying to get me drunk so you can take advantage of me later.” Nick teased.
“Would I really have to get you drunk for that?” she laughed.
“Hey I remember the rules, no objections.” He smirked.
“You would use that in your advantage.” She shook her head with a chuckle as the waiter came back over with the bottle of white wine letting them taste it before filling their glasses.
They took the time to place their orders and handed the menus back before the waiter was on his way.
“So how did you even order wine anyway?” Nick asked questionably.
“The same way I order drinks when we go out.” She laughed. “It’s the wonders of fraudulent identity.”
“You make it sound so sophisticated.” He laughed.
“I try.” She shrugged with a laugh. “The trick is to hall out the money for the expensive kind.” She removed the ID from her wallet to show him. “And never stray too far from the truth.”
“This looks exactly like the real one.” He said examining it.
“Yeah, except minus the whole under twenty one. “ She laughed. “Me and your sister have the hookup at the DMV.”
“You girls always know somebody.” He laughed.
“Of course. It’s the only way to survive in Hollywood.” She teased.
“So have I told you how amazing you look tonight?” Nick asked.
“Maybe.” She smiled. “But I’m not opposed to hearing it again.”
“Well you look incredible.” He said causing her to blush slightly. He leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. “I missed you today.”
“Did you really?” she said trying hard to mask the smile that was growing on her lips.
“Yeah.” He nodded and kissed her again, this time for a moment longer. “I couldn’t concentrate on my game, the guys kept laughing at me.” He said with a slight pout.
“Aww, poor babe.” She gave him a sympathetic frown. “I’ll beat them up for you later.”
“Or you could just kiss me which would be instant gratification.” He said his pout turning into a smirk.
“I suppose that’s a possibility.” She laughed and leaned up welcoming his kiss. She usually wasn’t a fan of PDA, but she couldn’t resist his smile. The kiss deepened as Nick wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in closer to him. The kiss was interrupted when the waiter accidently clanked a glass as he tried to put their plates on the table.
“Sorry, sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt.” He said slightly embarrassed.
“No problem man.” Nick said looking over to Ashley who’s cheeks were bright red. “Sorry, got a little carried away.” He apologized.
“No apologies, just didn’t know we had an audience.” She laughed it off.
“I’ll be good the rest of the night, promise.” He smiled.
“Well no one said anything about being good.” She laughed.
“Don’t tempt me.” He smirked.
“Or what?” she asked deciding to tease him by placing her hand on his leg and kissing his neck. He shuddered and she couldn’t help but laugh. “Something wrong?”
“You’re evil.” He shook his head.
“And you love it.” She snickered, sliding away from him with a smirk as she began to eat her dinner.
“I will get you back.” He warned.
“Uh huh.” She just laughed. “I’d like to see you try.”
“You better watch your back.” He laughed pulling her back over closer to him. “And you’ll get it when you least expect it.”
“Just eat your dinner Carter.” She laughed.
They continued to eat playfully joking with one another. After ordering dessert the waiter came back over to bring them their check. Nick went to reach out his hand to take the check but Ashley pushed it away.
“Here’s you’re receipt.” he said handing the small booklet to Ashley.
“Receipt?” Nick looked at her confused.
“Did I not say I was taking you out tonight?” she laughed. “It’s paid for already. My treat.”
“You didn’t have to.”
“But I wanted to.” She smiled. “When was the last time someone bought you dinner?” Nick thought about it for a moment but came up blank. “Exactly.”
“You know you’re just moving higher and higher up on the incredible list right?” he smiled and gave her a quick kiss.
“I try.” She smiled back. “I like to break the rules occasionally.”
“Well thank you for dinner. It was a good surprise.”
“You’re welcome.” She said as they slid from the booth and made their way outside.
“How come you never feel the wine until you hit the air.” Ashley laughed as they made it outside.
“Lightweight.” He teased.
“Shut up.” She shoved him playfully.
“So any more tricks up your sleeve?” Nick asked as they walked down the cobble stone streets of the down town area.
“You’ll just have to wait and see.” She smirked.
“Always gotta keep me on the edge huh?” he laughed wrapping his arm around her shoulder.
“Its fun to keep you guessing.” She laughed. “Promise it will be fun though.”
“I’m holding you to that.” He laughed.
