Disclaimer: I don't own Austin and Ally or anything else mentioned in this chapter.
Key West Chapter 4:
. . .
The next morning Ally got up for her run like usual. She had slept poorly, holding the small silver key and wondering what on earth it was for as Austin's words from the night before ran through her mind. At least now she didn't have to wonder how Austin felt about her. She just had to figure out her own feelings.
It could be easy to fall into a relationship with Austin. She had experienced that first hand last year. But she wasn't sure she could trust him. Once he got what he wanted would he take her for granted again? Just because he hadn't been seen dating anyone didn't mean anything if he had simply figured out how to avoid the media. There was so much she couldn't know about the future and it was driving her nuts.
So she got dressed for her run and headed for the ferry. Halfway there she realized her heart wasn't in it and she just wanted to go back to bed so she turned around. She walked into the cottage and the first thing she saw was Austin at her bedroom door. He knocked lightly and when there was no response he began to open the door.
"What are you doing?" Ally asked.
Austin jumped and screamed like a girl. He backed away from the door and leaned against the opposite wall.
"Ally! I thought you were out running." he said.
"If you thought I was gone there is no reason to go in my room. So I repeat, what are you doing?" Ally said with her arms folded and a no nonsense look on her face.
"I . . . was . . . going to ask if you wanted me to make pancakes?" He stuttered out. "I could make you breakfast in bed to cheer you up since you were so upset yesterday. Or I could just go back in my room and leave you alone. Yeah, I think I'll do that."
Austin quickly moved past her and into his room where he shut the door firmly. Ally stared at it for a moment and then had an idea. There was something in her room he wanted. Was he going to take the key back? She patted her pocket and felt its small weight there and sighed in relief. Then she went to her room and closed the door loudly. She listened for movement next door and when she heard Austin's door open again and footsteps into the main room she quietly opened her door that opened directly onto the beach and crept along the outside of the cottage to get a glimpse of him through the window.
Austin went to a small bookcase in the front room on the wall closest to his bedroom. He took a small wooden box from a shelf at eye level. The moment it was in his hands Trish spoke up from her doorway.
"What are you doing?" Trish asked as she and Connor came out of their room.
Again, Austin jumped and screamed his girlish scream. Ally had to stifle a laugh as she watched.
"Why do people keep doing that?" Austin demanded.
"Maybe because you are acting weird. Are you stealing something?" Trish asked curiously.
"No, I am not stealing. I put this box here the day we arrived." Austin said.
"I didn't see you put it there." Trish challenged him.
"Neither did I." Connor backed her up.
"That's because I was the first one here." Austin said.
"That is pretty strange. You are never the first one anywhere." Trish said and held out her hand. "Let me see it."
Austin turned his body away slightly, shielding the small object in his hands with his body. "No."
"Hand it over Austin." Connor said.
"Connor! Come on man." Austin whined.
"Give it to me." Trish demanded menacingly as she moved closer. Austin huffed but relented, handing over the small box and pouting.
Trish held the box in both hands. She studied it for a moment and then tried the lid. "It's locked. Do you want to tell me what's inside?"
From her hiding place Ally slipped her hand in her pocket and fiddled with the small key. It was just the right size to fit the lock on the box.
"No. It's personal and I should never have left it out here." Austin said.
"I don't know. Unless you have the key and can prove this is yours, I don't think I can let you take it." Trish said.
"Trish, please." Austin begged, knowing that she remembered what he said about giving a key to Ally last night.
"Okay, I don't know what's going on anymore but I don't think either of you should have it." Connor stepped in and took the box from his wife.
"What? Connor!" Trish yelled in surprise. Austin snickered until Trish turned her glare on him.
"What is going on out here?" Dez asked, coming out of his room.
Ally then walked casually to the porch and into the main room with the same question. "Is everything okay in here?"
"Oh come on!" Austin said, exasperated.
"I'm not sure. But we have a mysterious locked box here that both Trish and Austin want. I'm going to keep it safe until I find out what's really going on." Connor said.
"A mystery? Ooh, I love mysteries!" Dez jumped up and down excitedly.
"Okay, let's all calm down." Connor said, taking charge. "Does anyone recognize this box?" He held it up so Dez and Ally could get a look since they were new to the situation.
Austin clamped his mouth closed and Trish stared at him.
"Interesting." Dez mused.
"Can I look at it?" Ally asked.
Connor hesitated but then handed it to her. Ally ran her fingers along the carved wooden surface.
"It has really fine detail. It's beautiful." She tested its weight in her hand and shook it gently which produced a low dull thud. "There is something inside. It must be important if it's locked."
Ally looked at Austin who seemed to be on the verge of a panic attack. His hands were shaking and she saw a light sheen of sweat on his face. She guessed this was the grand gesture he mentioned. He had changed his mind about giving her the box last night. She handed the box back to Connor.
"You should keep this somewhere safe for now." Ally said.
Austin let out a breath and slumped against the bookcase.
"That's it?" Trish asked. She looked from Austin to Ally, waiting for either of them so speak up.
"I'll take care of it." Connor said.
"But, . . ." Trish complained.
"Let it go honey. We can talk about it later." Connor tried to placate her and Austin began to protest. "But I won't give this box to anyone until I can determine who it belongs to without a shadow of a doubt."
"This makes me want to dig for buried treasure! What do you say Austin, want to go on the search with me? Maybe pirates left something here." Dez said excitedly.
"There is no buried treasure here, but the beach is a good idea." Austin said and retreated to his room with a final glance at Ally.
After eating breakfast and wasting quite a bit of time in her bedroom with a book, Ally went out to the main room and drew Connor aside.
"I'd like to talk to you about that box." she said.
"I don't have the box." Connor answered.
"What? But I didn't talk to you yet." Ally said.
"I already got proof who it belonged to and it's been returned." Connor said.
"Oh."
"If you know who that is you can talk to them about the box." he suggested.
"Okay, yeah, of course." She said. That meant she had to talk to Austin, and not just about the box. She took a deep breath. It was time.
. . .
Ally found Austin sitting on a chair out on the beach. He looked up from his phone when she came near.
"Can we talk?" she asked.
Austin shot to his feet. "Of course."
Ally nodded but still looked nervous.
"Hey, just promise you'll vouch for me if Trish sees us. Otherwise she might hang me from the nearest palm tree." Austin joked, trying to lighten the mood. It worked and Ally laughed.
"Okay. Walk with me?" she asked and held out her hand. She did it without thinking, but it was just something they often did. Austin's eyes widened as he looked at the proffered hand. He slid his hand around hers, intertwining their fingers, and then sighed as they began to walk along the sandy beach.
"Do you realize this is the first time we've touched in a year?" he asked.
Ally paused in surprise but then realized he was probably right. They had not touched since she arrived at the cottage for this trip and before that was last year when she left in a rage.
"Oh." she said.
"Is that okay? I mean, you did initiate the hand holding just now." Austin asked to confirm.
"It's fine. No, it's good. I missed this. I missed you." She admitted.
"I never thought I'd hear you say that." he said.
"I'm sorry if I've been hard on you, but I was hurt." Ally said.
"I know, and you had every right to be. I just, Ally I would do anything if you'll let me be your friend again." Austin said.
"I don't want to be friends." she said.
"Oh." Austin looked like he was going to be sick.
"That's not what I meant." Ally rushed to say. She stopped walking and looked at Austin seriously. "Why is it I have words for everything in life except you?"
He smiled sadly. "I have the same problem with you."
"We didn't talk like we should have a year ago. In your first letter you wrote that you planned on leaving here with me as your girlfriend last year. Well, I had the same plan. I mean, I was ready to start a real relationship with you and never look back. We didn't get around to saying it that day, even though we were already acting like a couple. Then your ex showed up, and . . . you know." Ally said.
"I wish I had said something back then so you wouldn't have a reason to doubt my feelings for you." Austin said. "Last year should have ended so differently."
"Maybe we can do better this time." Ally suggested.
"Does that mean you don't completely despise me?" Austin asked hopefully.
"I don't despise you. But I am still afraid to trust you." She answered honestly.
Austin nodded. "I understand." he started walking again but kept hold of her hand.
Ally moved closer and leaned against Austin's side as they walked. His hand tightened around hers in a comforting squeeze. This felt right and she wished the doubt in her mind and the ache in her heart would just go away. They walked in silence for a bit.
"The key you gave me goes to that box, doesn't it?" she finally asked when they turned to begin walking back the way they came.
"Yes." Austin answered.
"And you already got the box from Connor." she said.
"No. You could probably show him the key and get it." Austin said. "I thought you would have gone to him first thing."
"I waited a while in case you didn't want me to have it. Then I asked Connor about the box just before I came out here and he told me he gave it to the owner." Ally said.
Austin looked down at her. "But I don't have it."
"Then who does?" Ally asked.
"I don't know." Austin said. They stopped walking and faced each other with matching looks of puzzlement.
"It's okay if you changed your mind about giving it to me. I'll give the key back if you want." Ally said.
"No. You hold onto it." Austin said as a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it, never taking his eyes from hers as he did so. Ally caught her breath. Her body was buzzing and her hand tingled where his lips had touched her.
"I'm going to treat you the way to deserve Ally. I promise. And if you want me to back off, all you have to do is say the word." he told her.
She nodded. She was overwhelmed. He was being incredibly sweet to her and as he turned to continue their walk with their hands still intertwined she followed, trying to sort her emotions. Talking to him now hadn't been as hard as she feared it would be. He accepted her criticisms and didn't make excuses. He still wanted her to keep the key to his grand gesture. She was beginning to believe him and let down her walls. The message from his songs, the way he sang them to her, not dating and then changing the way he interacted with his fans, and how he got here early just to see her. . . she never imagined he could be so mature. She was surprised to realize that for her, it was hot. She was walking next to a man millions of girls found attractive and he was doing everything he could to prove that he wanted her, Ally Dawson. That made her head spin even more.
"Uh oh." Austin stopped and Ally looked ahead to see what he was talking about.
Trish stood on the porch looking out over the beach. Austin pulled Ally behind a beach umbrella as she turned their direction. Ally couldn't help but giggle about hiding from their friend.
"If she sees us alone I'm dead. She's convinced I'm going to ruin this trip by upsetting you and she's determined to keep me away from you." Austin said. He peeked around the umbrella and then ducked close to her again.
"But you don't want to stay away from me do you?" Ally guessed, feeling giddy at hiding like this.
"Being cut off from you is my own personal Hell, Ally." He said and pressed his forehead to hers, his eyes closed tight as he took a deep breath.
"Austin." she didn't know what to say. Had the last year really been that bad for him?
"Have you had lunch yet?" he suddenly asked as he peered around the umbrella toward the cottage again.
"No." Ally answered.
"Good. Come on." he grinned at her and pulled her, running, to the protection of the next umbrella on the beach. Ally laughed out loud as he guided her, running from one hiding spot to another across the sand until they passed another cottage and were out of sight. Ally ignored the strange looks they were getting from other people on the beach.
"Where are we going?" Ally asked as they started walking away from the cottage.
"Lunch." Austin said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"I don't have shoes or money. I wasn't planning on leaving the cottage." Ally pointed out.
"It's okay. I've got a plan." Austin said and smiled.
And Ally was melting again. She couldn't believe what this boy did to her sometimes. They got on the ferry and crossed back to Key West. They stopped at the little store next to the lobby in the hotel entrance and Austin bought them each a pair of flip flops which they put on and then went out the front doors. Austin grabbed her hand again and they walked through the tourist area to some food stands.
"Alright, what looks good to you?" Austin asked.
Ally surveyed the stands and trucks and then her eyes lit up. "That one." she said, pointing to a food truck nearby.
"Creeps? What's that?" Austin asked.
"It's Crepes, and they are like really thin pancakes. You can get sweet or savory filling and they are so good." Ally explained.
"Like pancakes, huh? Okay, I'll give it a try." he said with a shrug but he still looked uncertain. They went over to the truck, looked at the menu and ordered. Ally convinced Austin to try a savory crepe with chicken, peppers, onions and chipotle sauce in it and she was feeling bold so she tried a flavor she'd never had before with turkey, apple, bacon and brie. They found a bench and sat down to eat. Austin was pleasantly surprised and liked his, but he still offered a bite to Ally to try. She let him try hers as well.
"Well, I'm sold. Besides, it's just another way I can eat pancakes any time of day, right?" Austin said when they finished.
"Yeah, but now we need dessert." Ally said and dragged him back to the truck where she ordered something for them to share with chocolate and raspberries and it came dusted in powdered sugar. Austin's eyes widened when the vendor handed it to Ally. She held it out for him to try first so he took a bite. His eyes rolled back in his head as he chewed and groaned in ecstasy.
"I think I've died and gone to heaven." he said after swallowing the bite.
Ally giggled as she took a bite and held it out for him to eat more. Soon they finished off the crepe and threw away their garbage.
"Okay, so now what?" Ally asked.
"I don't want to give you back yet." Austin said and then he grinned again. "I know."
They walked across the square to some stores and Austin went straight to a flower cart out in front of one and bought her a small bouquet of white daisies. Ally smiled as she took them from him.
"Thank you." she said.
"Such a lovely couple." the florist said as they walked away.
Ally stopped. "Wait, is this a date?"
"Uh, I guess. I mean, we've done some date-like things." Austin said.
"You bought food, we shared dessert, holding hands, flowers." Ally listed off. Austin nodded to each one.
"Is that okay with you?" he asked.
Ally looked him in the eye. They were doing well now that they cleared the air and were trying to move forward. She didn't want to hurt anymore and she didn't want to hurt him either. Being with him like this was so much better than trying to stay away. She couldn't lie to herself anymore: she still wanted to be with him.
"Yes." she said.
Austin released the breath he was holding and pulled her into a hug. He pulled back with a smile and kept one arm around her shoulders.
"Okay, so what kind of trouble do you think we can get into before we have to go back and face the others?" he asked.
Ally rolled her eyes. "Don't push it, mister."
"Alright, fine." Austin relented good naturedly. "But how about we do this right: will you go out with me tomorrow night?"
"Yes." Ally said without hesitation.
"I love it when you say that word!" Austin said.
They made their way back to the main hotel and rode the ferry back to Sunset Island.
. . .
Trish was pacing and Dez and Connor were on the beach halfheartedly searching at her command. Austin and Ally had disappeared over an hour earlier and she was starting to freak out. Austin wouldn't kidnap Ally would he? He wasn't that desperate yet. She was just debating calling the cops when Connor called out.
The couple in question were walking along the water's edge, each holding a pair of flip flops in one hand. Ally held a small bunch of flowers in the other. They looked like they were talking and it was peaceful. Trish slumped into the nearest chair in relief. Maybe Austin and Ally were on their way to being normal again.
"Where have you been?" Connor asked when they got closer. Dez walked up beside him, eyeing his friends and their oddly happy demeanor.
"Just out walking." Austin said.
"And talking." Ally added.
"You guys wouldn't let us do that." Austin pointed out.
"So we ran away. Temporarily." Ally said.
Dez grinned at them both and then turned toward the porch and gave two thumbs up to Trish.
"You had us worried." Connor said.
"Sorry, dad." Austin said. "But we were fine."
"What are the plans for tonight?" Ally asked.
"That's it? That's all you have to say? I was worried sick." Trish said, crossing the sand.
"We needed to talk. Things will be better now." Austin said.
"Sorry Trish. You pick what we do tonight, okay? Anything you want." Ally offered.
Trish pointed to the flowers in Ally's hand. "What is that about? Are you guys okay now?"
"We're getting there." Ally said. "And thanks for reminding me, I should put these in water."
Austin watched her jog into the house and sighed.
"So?" Dez asked, hitting Austin's arm.
"She doesn't hate me anymore." he said with a goofy smile.
Trish rolled her eyes. "Here we go again. It's either love or misery with you two isn't it? Can't you find an in-between?"
"Calm down Trish. This is a good thing." Dez said.
The other three turned and stared at him.
"What?" Dez asked.
"You never talk back to me." Trish said.
"I had to do what I had to do." Dez said and walked into the house.
. . .
After breakfast the next day Ally and Trish went to the hotel spa on the island. Trish set up the girl's day there the day after Ally arrived so they could have some time away from the guys.
They got massages and then while they sat getting manicures they talked a bit.
"So, about Austin." Trish began.
"What about him?"
"Do you know what you are doing?" Trish asked.
"I thought you wanted me to figure things out with him." Ally said.
"I do, but I'm worried about you too. I don't know if you realize how deep he is in this and even though he can be a complete doofus, I don't want you to just mess with him while you sort out your feelings either." Trish said.
"I'm not messing with him. Yesterday was nice. We talked and I think we are starting to move in a good direction again. He asked me to go out tonight and I'm giving it a chance." Ally said.
"That's good." Trish said.
"And I heard you two talking last night." Ally admitted. "I know that he's scared of moving too fast or not doing enough, and believe me, I know how that feels."
"What did you hear?"
"Everything." Ally said.
"Does he know?" Trish asked.
"No. But I'm going to give him a chance to show me if he really wants the things he said." Ally said. "Please don't tell him I know. It might be too much pressure and he could change his mind. Like with the box. He had a plan before we ever came here but he's questioning it. I want to give him space and see what he decides to do when it comes to us."
"Are your expectations high now?" Trish asked.
"No. I'm trying not to overthink this or plan anything. We need to see how the next week goes and then we'll figure out where to go from there. We are both figuring this out right now." Ally said.
. . .
When they went back to the cottage they found the guys on the beach. They all spent a leisurely afternoon in the shade and the water and eventually Austin and Ally excused themselves to get ready for their date. Austin simply told the others that he and Ally had different plans for dinner that night when they got curious looks. She put on a floral sundress with strappy sandals and curled her hair while he wore khaki shorts and a dark blue short sleeve button up over a white t shirt. They met back in the front room and were surprised to find they had an audience waiting for them.
"Now don't be out too late." Dez said to Austin with a smirk.
"Make sure you are polite and open doors for her." Connor added.
"If he doesn't treat you like a lady I'll punch him for you." Trish offered Ally.
"Thanks guys." Ally said and rolled her eyes. They weren't exactly teenagers going on their first date.
Austin offered his arm to Ally and they left. They didn't walk far before he turned toward the beach near the hotel restaurant. Out on the sand a single table for two was set up surrounded by tiki torches and candles. A hostess greeted them and ushered them to the table. The sun was dipping low in the sky and a light breeze played in the palms above. It was a perfect, peaceful evening and Ally smiled at Austin as they sat down and admired their surroundings.
"This is beautiful." she said.
"I always wanted to do this with you." Austin said.
"I didn't even know they did this kind of thing. I love it."
"Good." he smiled at her. "You look gorgeous."
"Thanks. You do too."
"So my charm isn't lost on you. I was afraid that I was losing my touch." Austin teased.
"No, not at all." Ally shook her head and blushed. She might not let it get to her often, but she wasn't immune to the handsome man sitting across the table from her.
Austin reached his hand across the small table and she placed hers in it. He closed his fingers around hers and smiled warmly.
A server came out with the first of a five course meal personally created by the hotel's featured chef. They ate and talked, finally catching up on the last year of their lives. Austin talked about tour, highlighting the good times and glossing over his growing depression. He finally felt more like himself here and now that he was mending things with Ally he hoped his old confidence would return eventually. Ally told him about her students and the few who were going on to make records with Ronnie Ramone or Jimmy Starr. She didn't say much about her failed dating life.
By the time dessert was served the sky was a blanket of stars and the torches and candles surrounding them provided a pleasant warm glow. Other than the occasional presence of their server, they were alone in a bubble of light on the white sand beach.
When they finished Austin took Ally's hand and led her out onto the end of the dock overlooking the water and the lights of Key West across the channel. Austin stood behind her and put his arms around her and they stood quietly for a while just enjoying the night. Eventually Ally turned around and hugged him, loving the feel of his arms enveloping her. She was starting to feel safe with him again and it was such a relief to her.
"Ally." he whispered her name and she lifted her face to look at him. He lifted a hand and brushed her cheek with his knuckle as he looked into her eyes. His hand slid back into her hair and when he began to lean in Ally's heart raced with panic. At the last second she turned her head so he kissed her cheek. When he straightened up again she pressed her face against his chest, embarrassed and scared.
"Too fast?" he asked quietly. He sounded disappointed.
She dared to look at him again and shook her head.
"I'm sorry. I'm trying to be brave and trust this, but I'm afraid of getting hurt again." Ally said.
"I know we've tried to date and failed in the past, but Ally, failure isn't an option for me this time. I need you. I won't let us fall apart again." Austin said.
Ally hugged him tight. "Just be patient with me." she pleaded.
"Okay." Austin said as he held her.
They were quiet again as they stood on the pier clinging to one another. They began to sway lightly in a slow dance and then Austin started to hum a Jason Mraz song Ally recognized from the radio. The rumble of his chest under Ally's ear made her smile softly. He began to sing quietly to her.
.
I won't give up on us
even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up
.
Austin kissed the top of Ally's head and gave her a final squeeze.
"Let's go before Trish sends someone to look for us." he said and then chuckled. "She's way more strict than your dad ever was."
"Yeah she is." Ally agreed. She slid her hand into Austin's again as they walked along the pier back to the beach. The cottage wasn't far so they were home soon. Their hands remained linked as they walked inside to find the others watching a movie in the front room. Dez beamed at them when he saw them holding hands. Trish and Connor said hi.
"I'm going to bed. Goodnight everyone." Ally said and excused herself. Austin sat on the chair closest to Dez and finished watching the movie with the others.
. . .
Okay, what do you think? I'm not getting many reviews on this one. I guess I got spoiled on my last story but I want to make sure I'm doing a good job with the characters and plot etc. . . so let me know! Is Ally being too stubborn or a push over? Is Austin believable? Should I do more with the other characters? I've been trying to hit a good balance with all this stuff and your feedback helps my writing. thanks!
-weesh