He Has My Heart

Ashleys POV

Riley couldn't run upstairs fast enough. I could see her hands shaking.
"What the hell just happened? Why did Riley kick her out?!" Kimber said confused.
"That was my ex. Bit of a bitch isn't she?" I said sitting on a bar stool next to CC.
"That was your ex! She's a piece of work. I tried serving her one time and she completely ignored me and asked for Riley" Kimber said grabbing us another beer.
"She's always been that way Kimmie. We hated her with Ash" CC said taking a sip.
"Yeah, it was hard. It was like choosing her or the band. In the end she just got in the way of things and I ended it. We ran into her when we were playing a show in Vegas last year and she started hitting on me like old times. I told her straight out no and that I was in a relationship, but she didn't believe me" I said, getting frustrated by the memory.
"I over heard what she said. You realise Riley is probably freaking out?" Kimber said.
"What do you mean?" I said frowning.
"Ashley, your ex said that Riley was a nobody and that you can do better. Do you believe that she is going to okay?" Kimber said. Making it obvious that she probably isn't.
"I should go check on her then" I said getting up.
CC and Kimber both nodded at me.
I went upstairs and noticed Riley out on the deck. Was she smoking?!
"Riles, what the fuck are you doing?!" I said completely outraged.
Her eyes widened and then tried to hide it. Tears streaked her face and made her eyeliner smudge.
"Nothing. Just, can you leave me alone?" She said taking a drag.
"Umm, no. Not until you tell me what this is all about" I said pointing at the cigarette.
"Okay, well your ex girlfriend pretty much pushed my anxiety levels over its edge. Okay! Cause I'm some nobody that you just chose! But I'm not good enough for you! No! You can do better than me!" She yelled, then took another drag.
"Riley, you can't believe a word she says. She's just jealous that I'm happy with you and not her. To be completely honest, I can't do better than you" I said reassuring her. "Now, why the fuck are you smoking! You know I hate smokers!" I said taking the cigarette out of her hand.
"Hey! Give it!" She snapped trying to get it back from me.
"No! Tell me why you're smoking!" I said butting it out and throwing it off the balcony.
She gave me an annoyed look.
"She just got to me! I freaked out! Okay? I don't usually smoke, hell, I haven't had a cigarette since me and Andy broke up" she running her hands through her hair.
"I never saw you smoke when you were with Andy" I said confused.
"Only did when he pissed me off or caused my anxiety to flare. He got annoyed cause I would steal his smokes. It's purely a stress release. I promise Ash, I haven't smoked in the time I've been with you. Just, Kina... And you... Things are shifting in my head. I'm nothing like Kina! I'm not like the girls you like!"
"But that's what I love. I love that I fell you while getting to know you properly. I thought you were so beautiful when Andy pulled you on stage. I think we were both looking at you at that concert. I don't know, there's something about you that I love that I have never seen in anyone else. Riley, when will you realise that I love you and it doesn't matter what other people say" I said trying to make her smile.
"Ash, you don't have to say stuff like that. She's right, isn't she? I mean, I am a nobody. I'm just some random that was lucky enough to meet her heroes and actually get to stay with them."
"Then you're not no one. You are someone special! To all of us!" I said grabbing her hands and pulling her closer to me. "Riley, I gave you this ring cause I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Without you I wouldn't be the same person. I love you. Can you please just tell me if something is wrong! You don't have to battle these things on your own" I said hugging her.
She hugged back and buried her face in my chest.
"I'm sorry" I heard her mumble.
I pulled her out of the hug and cupped my hand under her chin. I touched my forehead to hers and kissed her.
Riley was just so fragile. Of course Kina would say something that would tip her over the edge. I wish she would just come to me if something was wrong.
She pulled away, but kept my hand in hers.
"Come on, I have to get back to work. I really do have to make some calls" she said as she took me back downstairs.
I went back to Kimber and CC, while Riley went back to the office.
"Is she okay?" CC asked.
"She will be. Kina did get to her. Damn Kimber, she was right. She was fucking smoking!"
"Hmm, wouldn't pick her for it."
"Only when she's stressed. She said she hasn't smoked since her and Andy broke up."
"Did Andy ever say anything about that?" CC asked.
"I don't think so..."
"Yeah, you were too busy wondering what having sex with her would be like" he said laughing at me.
"Oh ha ha... She's awesome by the way. Be jealous"
"I believe you. She was a stripper! Only you Ash" he said shaking his head.
"Well none of us knew that when we met her."
"Still, it's so you. I'm really glad you found someone like you. You know? She's suited to you. It's weird seeing you so in love" CC said taking a long swig of his beer,
"Never thought I could love someone as much as I love her" I said wanting to just hug Riley again.

Notes