Mr. Doctor Man by Palaye Royale plays softly in the background as me and the girls are sitting in the back room playing Cards Against Humanity. The boys are all still passed out which makes the bus pretty boring but it gives me some needed girl time; especially with my date with Ashley coming up.

“So has Ashley told you what’s gonna happen?” Lola questions. “We can’t help you prepare if we don’t know anything.”

“I can’t tell you anything because he hasn’t told me anything.” I reply, sipping my Georgia Peach Coke. “All I know he’s gonna wine and dine me. I don’t know why I’m so nervous; this is Ashley for fucks sake. This isn’t some new guy I’m trying to impress and seduce.”

“Maybe it’s different this time around because both of you kind of want this to be serious.” Meadow shrugs. “Neither one of you have had serious relationships before. Maybe you’re nervous because you’re sick of just hooking up with people or each other. Maybe you want to see where this’ll take you.”

“I hate when you’re right and go all Yoda on me.” I mutter as I toss my cards on the table. “Why am I suddenly getting nervous around him? And why now? Why not 2 years ago?”

“You did run away two years ago.” Lola notes. “Maybe you were nervous then and ran away from your feelings.”

I just sigh, running my fingers through my hair. They’re right and I fucking hate that they are. I also hate how my mom’s right and my dad’s right. I probably should have listened to them and not come on this tour. Because right now, I’m overthinking things and that’s never good.

“You and Ashley are perfect for each other.” Tanis states. “I’ve never seen him happier. He may hide it under that machoness but you’re his soft spot.”

“Even Andy said something about it.” Lola notes. “We were talking the other night in bed and…”

“I don’t want Andy talking about me in bed.” I interrupt, chuckling.

She laughs. “But seriously, he said that the two of you need to stop pussyfooting around and just take the leap and make it official. He even mentioned that your niece calls him Uncle Ashley. And that your mother’s side of the family still wants you two together.”

“I still can’t believe he still talks to my brother.” I roll my eyes. “Both my parents said something about me not taking this job until I got my heart straightened out. Maybe they were right. Because what if this whole dating this doesn’t work? The rest of this tour will be awkward as fuck.”

“This tour was always going to be awkward as fuck.” Meadow states. “We’re just glad that we just have to deal with sexual tension and not screaming matches…”

**

While the boys are in soundcheck, I get a text from my dad telling him to call him. Since it’s been a couple days since I talked to him, I call him up.

“Hey Shortie, how’s tour?” He asks, almost inaudible over his dogs’ barking.

“Peachy for the most part.” I tell him. “Lead singer of Asking Alexandria is still an asshole and some former feelings for Ashley are making an ugly comeback.”

“I told you this would happen if you didn’t get your heart straight.” He tells me. “Have you guys hooked up or no?”

“No.” I tell him. “He kissed me and on our next day off he’s taking me on an actual date. Like he’s trying to makeup for the three years of constant hookups. It’s like he’s really trying to win me over and woo me.”

“And how does this make you feel?”

“I honestly have no idea.” A humorless chuckle escapes. “I haven’t exactly had a good track record in love or relationships.”

“I’m partially to blame for that, I know.” He sighs. “And despite me being in the exactly same boat, the only advice I could possibly give you is to follow your heart. Cliche I know but it’s the truth. Your heart and your gut will never lead you the wrong way. So what are they telling you?”

“My heart is telling me to run.” I tell him. “But my gut knows Ashley is the one; as cliche as that sounds. My gut is telling me to stop being afraid and to go for it. My heart doesn’t want to get hurt though.”

“Which one is louder?”

“My gut, hands down.”

“You have your answer then. But let him know if he dares to break your heart; he’ll have to deal with me, Gunner and Decker. And this’ll be before your mother’s side gets a chance.”

“Thanks Dad.” I smile, despite him not being able to see it. “Hopefully my gut doesn’t let me down.”

“I’m sure it won’t baby girl.” He assures me. “He really does love you; a blind man can see that…”

**

I walk back to the stage area just as they finish. Ashley puts down his bass and walks over to me; kissing my cheek.

“Where were you?” He asks. “I looked up and you disappeared.”

“My dad wanted to talk.” I tell him.

“Does he know about…”

“He knows you kissed me and then asked me on a date.” I tell him, earning a scared look from Ashley. “He happy. But mentioned that if you break me heart you’ll face the wrath of him, Gunner and Decker.”

“I’m honestly surprised Motley Crue wasn’t thrown into that.” He chuckles as he throws an arm around me as we walk towards the bus.

“I’m pretty sure it’s implied.” I laugh. “Honestly I’m pretty sure Tommy knows how to hide a body. Drummers can be some crazy motherfuckers….”

Notes