AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hey guys! Got a Chunk-heavy chapter for you today :D Aw I love him so much <3

Also, big thank you to @fni-bee who has set up an Ask Blog for The Apple Inn on Tumblr! If anyone has any questions for Ash, Benji or Taylor then feel free to send them a message there:

http://ask-appleinn.tumblr.com/

Hope you're all still enjoying this story, can't believe it's been running 11 weeks now eeek :D

Much love,
Becky xxx

***

Chapter 11

Crush

I peer through the window of Chunk's shop before I walk through the door. Sure enough, he's there at the counter, looking a little worse for wear after our big night out. I can tell that he's also watching the racing on his phone because he doesn't look up once, not even when I finally enter the room.

"You know I don't get the appeal," I say, making him jump. "It's just a load of cars going round in a circle. You can't even see the hot guys under their helmets."

He rips a pair of headphones out of his ears and throws them hastily to the side. "Ash! What are you doing here?"

"Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt," I titter. "I know you were probably expecting an easy morning."

"Saturday's never an easy morning," Chunk answers, rubbing his face in his hands. He looks deathly white. I think he had a lot more to drink than I did last night. "I begged my Dad to swap shifts but he wouldn't do it. I think he just loves seeing me suffer."

I start to wander around the little store, looking for something I can pretend to buy. The truth is we don't need much, just potatoes. But I need to be in here longer if I want to get any info on Jaxon.

"You've got a brother right?" I ask, striking up conversation. Come on Ash, try to sound at least semi-normal. "Doesn't he ever do a shift here?"

Chunk shakes his head. "Nah, Max moved away last year. He's never been interested in the family business, he wants to do filmmaking instead. Dad was so disappointed."

My eyes widen in interest. "Really? Filmmaking sounds quite cool to me."

"Oh yeah, he's really good too. Luckily he's got his baby bro to step in and do fruit and veg duty while he gets to go off being all creative."

It's weird. I know so many people around my age in the village who work in their parent's shops or businesses. Most places in Westerfield are family-run and it prides itself on not having any chain stores or restaurants. That's why it's so surprising to hear of anyone leaving here to do something like Chunk's brother is doing. Sometimes you just forget that there's actually a whole world outside of Westerfield.

I feel a small pang in my stomach. A world outside of Westerfield. A world that my best friends and maybe even my brother might be venturing into very soon. Without me.

I have to change the subject.

"So, it was a great night last night wasn't it? Thanks so much for inviting me out."

"No problem," Chunk replies. He seems a little more subdued than normal. I hope he's not still feeling awkward about interrupting my kiss with Jaxon. It wasn't his fault, he was only trying to be helpful.

"And thanks for bringing me that glass of water," I continue, trying to make him feel better about the situation. "It was very thoughtful of you."

"You're welcome." Chunk doesn't meet my eye. Oh gosh, it's definitely still awkward. "How are you feeling now?"

I wander over to a big crate of melons as I talk and start inspecting them. It's way too intense to keep standing and staring at Chunk while he refuses to look at me. "Loads better. I think it was just a bit of a funny turn because the club was so hot. Luckily Jaxon was there to help me."

"Yeah, it really looked like he was cooling you down." I peek behind me to see Chunk pursing his lips together and looking like a strict schoolteacher.

OK, I can't take this anymore. Time to step away from the melons and confront this head-on.

"Oh, don't be like this Chunk!" I scurry to the counter and lean over it until our faces are practically touching. "I know it must be really weird catching two of your mates snogging, but it's not like we planned it. It just sort of happened out the blue. So don't feel embarrassed about it. I'm the one who's embarrassed!"

There's a moment of painful silence where all I can hear is Chunk breathing in and out. Finally, he looks me straight in the eye. "You think that I'm embarrassed?"

"Well, yeah. Aren't you?" I take a tiny step backwards away from the counter. Have I just totally misread this situation? "You seemed a bit freaked out last night when you came outside to find me. And then we never really said goodbye properly."

We had all rushed out of the club just before the last train home back to Westerfield. As a result, our goodbyes to the boys had been very unceremonious. Just a garbled string of "see you later" and "let's do it again soon" from various different directions. Plus I had been in such a daze of joy that I wasn't really thinking clearly. Hence, the lack of Jaxon's contact details.

Chunk rubs his forehead and sighs. "No, Ash, it's not like that. I..."

Suddenly the bell in the corner lets out a high-pitched ring. A lady and her young daughter walk into the store, heading straight over to a row of bananas and bringing the juiciest bunch to the counter. I step aside and let Chunk get on with his job. He smiles happily at the lady, giving her a bright and friendly service in spite of the odd conversation she has just interrupted.

After five minutes or so she leaves and it's just us again. I'm not sure what to say anymore. The atmosphere feels really tense and I have no idea why.

"Soooo," I begin hesitantly. "Back to what we were talking about..."

"Yeah," Chunk answers curtly. "I don't know, Ash. It's none of my business." He sits back on the seat behind him, looking down at the counter once more. "...Just be careful, OK?"

As soon as the phrase leaves his lips I am hit with a lightbulb moment. It all makes perfect sense now. He's worried about me. Just like Benji and Taylor and my Mum. They probably all think I'm going to end up with a broken heart again so they're going into overdrive protective mode. Only it's harder for Chunk to show it since he's not part of my family. Bless him.

"There's no need to worry about me, I'll be fine."

He doesn't respond, but he's looking at me with an expression I can pretty much sum up as sceptical. OK, I know I don't have the best track record when it comes to boys. All the tears and emotional meltdowns can't really give people much faith in me. But I'm still a grown-up. I know what I'm doing.

"Honestly," I insist. "It was just a kiss in a nightclub. I'm not going to get all carried away." I stop and give a guilty smile. "Not this time. I've learned my lesson."

"Ash, you were literally in floods of tears yesterday afternoon," Chunk answers. His words are harsh but his tone is kind. "The last thing you need right now is to start getting involved with Jaxon. He's one of my best mates, but I know what he's like."

What does he mean by that? What is Jaxon like? Does he always go around kissing girls in nightclubs? Because it felt like something incredible was happening between us which I'm sure doesn't happen with just anyone.

I bite my lip, stopping the questions from escaping. They are not going to help my case whatsoever.

"We were just having a bit of fun," I say breezily. "You were the one who said I needed to forget about Kieran and you were absolutely right. It totally helped me see the light!"

"Mmm."

It looks like a non-committal noise is all I'm getting back from Chunk. Wow, he really doesn't approve at all. Maybe he's worried that me seeing Jaxon might come between our friendship in some way. But I would never let that happen. Especially not now we're getting to know each other so well.

"I know he's your best friend," I continue valiantly. "And I know we're friends too. But I swear it won't be a problem. Even if it doesn't work out, it's not like it will affect anything between me and you. Maybe we could even all hang out together."

"I thought it was just a bit of fun?" Chunk says sarcastically. "It sounds like you're already dating him in your mind."

Well, it looks like this conversation can't possibly go any worse. So I decide to just take the plunge and derail it even further.

"I'm not insane, I know we're not dating! Not yet..." I shuffle about on the spot a little. "I was sort of hoping you might be able to help with that..."

"NO." Chunk's refusal reverberates ferociously around the entire room. "Before you even think about finishing that sentence, the answer is no."

"But why?" I whine. "All I want is his number. That's it! You don't have to speak to him or even mention that you gave it to me. I'll just say Sarah got it from Raj or something."

Chunk crosses his arms. "I'm not getting involved."

I mirror his action, crossing my own arms. "You're being a right Grumpy Gus over this, Charlie Monk. I thought you were the type to help a damsel in distress."

We stare each other out for what feels like forever but is in actual fact about three seconds. Chunk is the first one to look away so I can tell his resistance is starting to waver. I try and force my eyes to look as big and pleading as possible, hoping it will tip him over the edge.

"Don't give me that look. You know I won't be able to say no that look."

I jut my bottom lip out and make it quiver.

"No, Ashleigh," Chunk commands, as though he is telling off a naughty puppy. "I am not giving in to you. If you want to contact Jaxon then you'll have to find him some other way."

I throw my arms up in exasperation. "Don't you think I've already tried that?! Annabelle is stopping me from asking your other friends and I've looked on Facebook but he's not even on there." I pause, letting that little fact truly sink in for a moment. "What kind of person doesn't even have Facebook?!"

"A kind of person you're desperate to get hold of apparently," Chunk replies. Then he shakes his head. "The virtual world isn't everything you know. Jaxon always says it's just for sheep and people who are sleepwalking through life. I think he might have a point."

It's impossible not to notice the hint of admiration in Chunk's voice when he talks about Jaxon. I can tell they're close and I want to know more.

"How long have you two been friends anyway?"

"Since junior school," Chunk answers. "Back before he had all the tats and jet-black hair."

"Oh, so he was a nerd?" I ask teasingly.

"No, he's always been annoyingly cool. And tough. He actually used to stop the bullies in our year from giving me Chinese burns." Chunk looks a little nostalgic at the memory. "When you're growing up the pudgy son of a greengrocer it definitely helps to have a mate like Jaxon on your side. He gave me a lot of confidence when we were younger, you know?"

Right now, Jaxon is like a jigsaw puzzle and I'm learning a little more about him piece by piece. He's a rebel. A man of mystery. Someone who protects his friends. Someone who questions the way things should be.

Someone whose kisses I need to taste again. Immediately.

"If he's such a good friend, then surely he'll forgive you for giving his number out," I say in the sweetest voice I can muster. "Maybe he'll even thank you for it."

"No," Chunk repeats. I've lost count of the number of times he's said that now. "I've told you, he's my mate but he's difficult too. Typical moody artist type. I couldn't bear it if he..."

He trails off. I blink, waiting for the end of the sentence. "You couldn't bear it if he what?"

"Nothing," Chunk mutters. "It's just..." He stops again. I am so confused. Then he looks me square in the face. "I just want you to be happy Ash."

His directness catches me off guard. And his concern for me makes my heart melt.

"Oh, Chunk. I am happy. Hones. Last night was one of the best nights of my life. And if one night was all it was destined to be then I'm fine with it."

It's only as I'm speaking aloud that I realise how I truly feel. This won't be a repeat of Kieran. If Jaxon turns out to be a disappointment then I won't let it crush me. Not this time.

"But I have to find out for myself. I need to know if he wants to see me again."

I could think up another thousand reasons why Chunk should help me out, but for once in my life I think I've actually said enough. I don't want to compromise his friendship with Jaxon. If he feels too uncomfortable to meddle then it's not fair of me to keep pushing him.

After a long silence, I finally get the hint.

"OK, don't worry about it. You can't blame a girl for trying right?" I scan the racks of vegetables behind me, turning back into polite customer mode. "Now, the next big question is do you have any deals on potatoes? Because my Mum will kill me if I don't at least come back home with her shopping."

Chunk continues to say nothing. Instead, he rips off a blank piece of receipt paper from his till and pulls his phone out of his pocket.

"What are you doing?" I ask breathlessly. Hope is starting to rise in my stomach but I'm scared to let it build too much.

"You'll only get this some other way," he sighs, reaching for a pen under the counter. Then he scrolls through his phone and copies down some information from it. I shuffle forward for a closer look and discover it's a number. A phone number. The hope explodes inside me.

"Oh my God, you are literally the greatest friend in the entire world EVER!" Before I can stop myself, I'm leaning right over the counter and kissing Chunk on the cheek. He freezes in shock and I pretend not to notice the blush that spreads across his whole face.

"Right, well," he splutters, shoving the piece of paper in my direction. "Just don't tell him you got it from me, OK? I should know better than getting involved in other people's business."

I hug the number to my chest like it's written in solid gold. "I promise I won't. Thank you so, so, so, so much."

Chunk gives a little half-smile. "Like I said, just make sure you're happy. All the time you're happy then nothing else matters."

I seriously never knew Chunk cared so much. He's such a sweet, caring person, always looking out for everyone. He's like the wise protector of Westerfield.

"Trust me, I am VERY happy," I squeal. My smile feels like it's breaking my face. "And it will all be absolutely fine. I can tell."

"I hope so," Chunk replies. "But if for whatever reason it doesn't work out then don't go getting into another big state about it."

"I won't. I swear." Because it will work out. After that amazing kiss, it HAS to work out.

"Good. Because if he hurts you then I'll have to kill him."

I laugh at the joke, but Chunk doesn't laugh back. Goodness me, this over-protectiveness from everyone in my life is getting a bit much. I'm not some fragile little bird with a broken wing. I know I'm emotional and passionate and I cry a lot, but I'm stronger than people think.

"Don't say such silly things," I warn. "He's your best friend. And I can take care of myself."

Slowly, Chunk seems to soften. "Damnit Ash. I know you can. You're tougher than I give you credit for." He smirks at me. "I'm not going to lie, the way you threw yourself into the pit last night left me feeling rather intimidated."

I flex my (now rather bruised) arm triumphantly. "That's because I'm superwoman."

"Or maybe just insane?"

"Yeah, maybe." Cheekily, I stick my tongue out at him. "Guess I've got to be if I'm chasing a moody artist type, right?"

I expect Chunk to banter back with me, but instead, he walks over to the bags of potatoes at the side of the room. "Did your Mum want a whole bag by the way or just loose?"

It looks as though the Jaxon conversation has come to an abrupt end. But I get it. When two of your friends are involved in a relationship then it can be weird to keep talking about it.

He's given me what I wanted, that's the main thing. And I really appreciate it.

---

When I get back to the pub, Dad is still fixed on the racing. I grab my phone from under his nose.

"Sorry, Dad I need this. Shopping's in the kitchen. I'm just taking a quick break for fifteen minutes, be right back!"

"Hey!" he protests, trying to follow the screen as I swipe it away. "There's only five more laps!"

I totally ignore him and run out the back, clutching hold of my phone with sweaty palms and a beating heart.

"Hang on, why am I still covering your shift?" Dad calls out after me. "What are you doing?"

"Five minutes!" I screech, running up the stairs. The scrap of receipt with Jaxon's number on is burning a hole in my pocket. I scramble for it as I reach my bedroom, then dive onto my bed and start composing my message. I spent the whole walk back from town constructing what I wanted to say inside of my head so I know exactly what to write.

"Hi Jaxon, it's Fiery Minx here. Hope you don't mind me messaging you out of the blue like this, but just wanted to say I had an amazing time being out with you. If you ever want to meet up again then I'd love to see you. Just let me know! Ash xx"

I re-read it a couple of thousand times to make sure it looks OK. I think it's just about right. I want to sound keen, but easy-going. Flirty, but casual. Two kisses are probably about the right number, three would be overkill but one would seem too formal. And I decide I'll just skip over the hows and whys of where I got his number from.

Right, I'm going to send it. Here we go.

I pause for a few seconds. Something is holding me back for some reason. Maybe it's Chunk's warnings ringing in the back of my mind. He seemed so unwilling to help me out and he was kind of down on Jaxon. What if he really is a player and I'm just being stupid again? I've felt the pain of seeing a guy I like with someone else, I'm not sure I could go through it all over again.

No. This is different. This is real. We had the kind of chemistry that doesn't come around very often. Even if he is dark and moody, I can be the bright sunshine to balance him out. And even if he's been a player before, it's probably just because he hasn't been with the right girl yet.

He hasn't been with ME before. I could be the one to change everything.

Feeling convinced, I take a deep breath and hit send. Then I watch my phone like a hawk, waiting for a reply.

One minute. Nothing. Two minutes. Nothing. Guess he's busy then. Or still asleep. Or maybe he just doesn't like texting back. If he's not a Facebook person then I can well believe he's not much of a phone person either.

"ASHLEIGH EVELYNN APPLE," Dad shouts up the stairs. "Get back down here now, I've got things to get on with."

Time's up. You'd think that working with your family would mean you can sneak off your shift more easily, but it doesn't ever work out like that. "OK Dad, I'm coming."

I slope towards the doorway, trying not to sigh in disappointment. And then I feel my phone buzz inside of my hand. My heart speeds back up as I unlock the screen and see Jaxon's name lit up in my new message folder.

This is it. This is the text where everything starts. I open it up, unable to contain my excitement at what it might say.

And then my heart drops into my stomach with a heavy thud.

"Hey. Who is this? I don't know anyone called Ash?"

I know I promised myself that I wouldn't get carried away, that I wouldn't let myself get crushed again. But there's no other way to describe the way I'm feeling right now.

I'm beyond crushed. I'm positively mangled.