< November >
{ Tatum }
I climbed into the passenger seat while Ashton put our suitcases in the trunk. It's 5:30 am and we're about to head to the airport to go to Florida. Originally, Ashton's friend group, well I guess mine now too, were going too but things came up and everyone had to cancel. Ashton and I were still free, so Ashton kept our hotel room and flight booked, making it a little vacation for us.
I know what he was doing by keeping it. He was trying to get my mind off my dad and stuff- which I respect. He's doing so much to help me.
"Okay. I just got to lock up and then we will head out" Ashton called as he closed the trunk.
I sighed and settled into my seat, pulling the hood of Ashton's hoodie I was wearing over my head. I was exhausted. I haven't slept very well since the night my dad attacked me. I've pretty much stayed at Ashton's since and when I've gone home, I've slept in Grace's room with her or Ashton has stayed over.
Ashton climbed into the driver's seat, startling me, and started the car. He backed out of the garage, closing it, then turned his house alarm on from his phone,
"Okay" he exhaled, "To the airport"
The ride was silent, just the sound of both of us yawning present. Ashton's hand rested on my bare thigh, rubbing circles with his thumb. I lightly hummed and saw a smile appear on Ashton's face.
****
We arrived at the airport and parked in long term parking. We hopped out, tossing our backpacks on our backs and getting our suitcases out of the trunk. Once we were ready, we headed inside. We got through security easily and went to our terminal, taking a seat by the window.
I couldn't help but yawn and lay my head on Ashton's shoulder. As soon as I did that, Ashton's arm came around me and he kissed my head,
"Please try and sleep on the plane" Ashton spoke, making me look at him,
"Baby, I'm not dumb. I know you haven't slept in weeks. I'm a light sleeper and every time you've slept over or I've slept at yours, I can tell you're awake" he explained. I sighed and rested my head back on his shoulder.
We boarded our flight. I took the window seat and Ashton took the center seat. A stranger sat on the aisle. I put my backpack under the seat. Ashton pulled out his AirPods before doing the same with his.
As soon as we took off, I lifted the armrest between Ashton and I, and laid with my head in his lap. Thankfully, I'm tiny enough to curl up in the seat. Ashton smiled at me then pecked my lips,
"Sleep. I'm right here" he whispered. I nodded and closed my eyes, my head leaning on his stomach.
****
After what felt like 5 minutes, I woke up. It was now daylight outside,
"Morning" Ashton giggled, looking down at me. I smiled and slowly sat up, yawning,
"Sleep okay? It seems like you did" he asked, his hand now on my thigh,
"Yeah. No dreams" I told him. He smiled and pecked my lips, putting one of his AirPods in my ear,
"What playlist is this?" I questioned, taking his hand and interlacing our fingers,
"It's the playlist I have for you" he told me. My heart fluttered,
"You have a playlist for me?"
"Of course. Every time you say you like a song- I add it. If it reminds me of you- I add it" he explained with a smile. God, I just keep falling in love with him.
****
We listened to that playlist all the way until we landed at Tampa International Airport. Once we were able to exit, we grabbed our carry-ons and got off the plane.
We walked through the airport hand in hand to baggage claim. I've been to this airport multiple times before, so I had a really good idea of where we were going.
I stood off to the side while Ashton walked up to grab our bags. He grabbed one and checked the tag, smiling to himself, letting me know it was one of ours. A few seconds later he grabbed another and checked the tag as well before walking back to me.
I took my suitcase from him and we went to get our rental car. I took a seat on a bench with our bags while Ashton walked up to the rental desk. I couldn't drive the car anyone, seeing as you had to be 25, so I wasn't needed anyway.
Ashton came towards me, swinging the rental keys on his finger, pressing a kiss to my lips before dragging me out to the parking garage where the rentals were.
We found our SUV, a Tahoe, and loaded our stuff into the trunk then hopped in the front seats. Ashton sat his wallet and phone in the cupholder and we both buckled up, but he didn't start the car,
"Okay, so you know how we are going to Treasure Island?" He asked. I slowly nodded,
"I lied. I changed the plans" he smiled,
"Uh okay.." I dragged,
"We're going to Longboat Key" he told me. My smile grew. I love Longboat Key, Florida. I want to live there one day,
"Really!?" I beamed, "Why'd you change plans?"
"Because I remember you telling me that your favorite beach is Longboat Key, even if you can't surf there. It's your favorite, and go to beach for vacation and relaxation" he smiled,
"I love you" I leaned over the console and kissed him,
"I love you" he smiled once he pulled away,
"Now how about some lunch before we start our hour and a half drive to Longboat Key" he grinned, starting the car and backing out.
We just went through a drive thru for lunch, wanting to get to the beach as soon as possible. So now, we were on the long bridge to the island area.
****
We pulled up to the hotel, parking in the lot. We both hopped out and met at the trunk where we grabbed our bags. Ashton shut the trunk then we walked inside to check in.
We walked up to the desk and the lady smiled, asking for the name,
"Ashton Irwin" Ashton smiled. The lady nodded and took his ID and credit card, double checking things, then handed them back, along with two room keys,
"Okay, you guys are on the fourth floor, room 426" she smiled. We thanked her then got on the elevator.
Ashton opened our room door and held it open for me to walk in.
I entered the room with a smile. I left my suitcase and backpack by the bed and walked to the balcony. I've stayed here before and it's one of my favorite places.
I leaned on the rail, hearing Ashton walking out behind me. His arms snaked around my waist and his chin rested on my shoulder,
"How about we hit the beach for a bit then go to dinner?" Ashton asked, kissing behind my ear, making me laugh and scrunch my shoulder up,
"Sounds good" I spun around and kissed him