The Scandal (Under Edit)

CHAPTER 15

When the meeting got over, everyone was so excited about the dinner. By the time the place was decided and the reservations were made it was already 06:30 in the evening.  The place that was decided was called "Ambrosia", run by one of Adam and Ashton's mutual friend. 

Most of us decided to leave directly for Ambrosia from the office so Jennifer and a few other girls who wanted to go home and change first begrudgingly had to agree. 

Whoever had their own car decided to give a ride to those who didn't. Since I didn't have one I wondered with whom I should go and the solution to my problem came automatically when Noah offered to give me a ride.

Everyone scattered off to either collect their things or touch up a little. I was in my cabin gathering my things when all of a sudden Ashton barged in telling, "Are you ready to leave? Let's go"

I was bending down and gathering my stuff, so I just glanced back at him and said, "Oh, it's alright you can leave without me. Noah is giving me a ride"

He was looking at me but wasn't exactly looking at me. More like he seemed a little distracted.

So I had to tell him again. 

"Did I tell you that you can rid... go with him?", he asked a little annoyed.

"Why, What's the matter?", I asked confused with his behaviour.

" I am giving you a ride. You're riding with ME because you work for ME", came his reply.

Now, I straightened up and turned to look at him.

What a walnut head he is.

I explained to him, "I know I work for YOU but we are going out in a public place. Remember! I am not supposed to be seen with YOU in the public."

That shut him up and this time he did seem pissed off and stood there for a few seconds before he gritted out, "Fine!"

"But after the dinner I am dropping you home. Tell your "new bestie" and don't worry I'll manage the seen and unseen problem", he said formulating some kind of action plan in his head.

"Okay, I will see you at Ambrosia then", I told him.

He stood there staring at me quietly for a few seconds and then left.

What's up with him today?

After gathering my things I went down to find some people had left already and some people were getting ready to leave. I noticed Ashton's matte grey car still there and he was inside it. Just looking at the car reminded me of that little kiss and strange thoughts started filling my head.

Suddenly, a car honked and stood in front of me. It was Noah in his car motioning me to get inside. He started driving when I got in.

The radio was playing in the car and through the ride he was trying to make small conversations which I didn't mind. 

All of a sudden my eyes fell on the rear view mirror, and I spotted a very familiar matte grey car at a safe distance behind us. I very well knew who was inside it. Since his car is way faster than Noah's I thought he is going to take over us and go ahead. But no, he kept driving behind us like an old lady behind the wheels. I almost laughed.

Just a few seconds after we reached, he reached too. We all joined the rest who were already there waiting for us in the lounge.

Ambrosia looked so fancy from the outside. From the inside it looked even more expensive. The best part about this place was the ambiance. Inspite of being such an expensive place, it had a very comfortable atmosphere. 

I spotted a group of very famous actors dressed casually like us enjoying their dinner. Many people here seemed like pretty important people. No wonder no one batted an eye at Ashton or our little group here dressed so casually.

While we reached our table, Ashton pulled me back by my arm and made me sit in a chair and quickly sat next to me before anyone can notice or react to anything. Others slowly occupied their seats. Adam sat on the other side of Ashton and in the chair that was free next to me was occupied by Noah.

Ashton made an annoyed expression but didn't tell anything. Since no one noticed, even I pretended to not notice.

Everyone was placing their order for food and drinks. As I have never been to such a fancy place, I didn't know what to order. I was kind of lost to be honest.

I thought of getting help from Ashton but decided against it and when I was turning towards Noah to ask him, Ashton touched my arm and got the menu from my hands. He explained me what was what and helped me place the order. I didn't even know what I placed an order for because I found Jennifer throwing daggers at me from the other side.

Ashton asked me about drinks to which I refused since I didn't feel like drinking so I just stuck with my glass of water.

Conversation was flowing around freely, everybody was drinking except the ones who were going to drive. There were laughter and jokes going on. The mood was great and I was honestly enjoying it. 

The food arrived and everyone launched into their food and so did I. Most of the night I was talking to Noah, who was really a funny person. Jennifer too who was fixated on staring at Ashton, was now involved in a conversation with people sitting next to her.

I felt like Ashton moved his chair a little closer to mine but I ignored thinking I was thinking too much. During the meal, Ashton's hand or leg sometimes brushed mine and certain thoughts started creeping in my head. I mentally scolded myself for being high from food.

While talking with Noah, I reached out my left hand and took a sip of water from my glass only to notice that it didn't taste like water but more like champagne. When I looked properly, I saw I had accidentally picked up Ashton's glass instead of mine and drank from his.

I looked around to see no one had noticed so I breathed a sigh of relief and quickly replaced the glass. I felt bad for Ashton but couldn't open my mouth to tell him out of embarrassment. I became even more embarrassed when I saw him drinking back from his glass again after some time.

Noah tapped my hand, trying to get my attention.

"That girl over there looks so hot. If I weren't at dinner with you all I would have definitely approached her", he said.

I looked up trying to find out who he was talking about when all of a sudden I went,

"F&CK", it was neither too loud nor too soft but both Ashton and Noah heard it and turned to look at me to see what is wrong.

Right in front of us a few tables ahead was occupied by none other than Brianna, James, and John. Because of too much crowd at our table thankfully she didn't notice me yet but who is to say she won't notice me.

Ashton gently touched my thigh and when I faced him his eyes went, "What's wrong?"

Don't ask me how I knew, I just knew. I shook my head at him.

I decided to make some excuse about some emergency and leave from here.

It was time for dessert and I almost didn't want to leave. I was telling Noah that an emergency has popped up and it was almost as if Ashton was eavesdropping on our conversation because he interjected, "What emergency".

I told them it was nothing big. Noah offered to give me a ride again but I refused, telling that I can manage. Laying low, I wished everyone goodbye and thanked Adam for the dinner and quickly made my way towards the exit. 

At the exit I turned back to see if anyone was looking at me. And someone was indeed looking at me. It wasn't Bri or James or John. It was Ashton who was looking at me with a worried expression. I mouthed an I'm fine to him and finally left the place.

Since I was in a main area, there were lots of cabs around, so I hailed one and went home.