Pop 18

Make it stand out

Ashton eased into the plush chair at their reserved table,

the golden glow of the chandelier bathing the room in warm light.

Across from him, Leo tilted his head,

watching Ashton with that curious sparkle in his eyes.

“You know what’s strange, Leo?” Ashton leaned in,

lowering his voice. “That young lady we ran into earlier… it felt like

I’d known her my whole life.”

Leo nodded slowly, concern flickering across his face.

“She looked shaken. Maybe we should check on her—

just in case something happened.”

Ashton sighed, brushing it off with a wave of his hand.

“She dashed out so fast she’s probably already halfway down the road.

Too late now. Besides…”

He glanced at Leo with a playful smile. “Shouldn’t we order first?”

Leo grinned, just as a tall, devastatingly handsome waiter glided up to their table.

He handed them menus, and as his fingers lingered—just a little too

long—against Leo’s hand, he winked.

Ashton’s eyes narrowed instantly.

“So,” Leo asked with an easy smile,

“what would you like, Ashton? Dinner’s on me.

You can have anything in this restaurant…”

He paused, letting the silence hang just long enough

before adding with a smirk, “…including me.”

Ashton chuckled, shaking his head.

“I never thought I’d find myself—at this age—going out with someone younger.

Feels surreal, like I’m trapped in some kind of dream.

Don’t pinch me hottie, I don’t want to wake up to my reality”

Leo laughs, he then flagged the waiter to take Ashton’s order first,

but the man hesitated, his lip curling slightly.

“I suppose,” the waiter muttered, leaning closer,

“your… grandson wants me to ask you first. We have an excellent wine list—”

Leo snapped before Ashton could speak. “He’s not my grandpa. He’s my date.”

The waiter blinked, then bent down with a whisper

he clearly didn’t keep low enough. “Your… date? But he’s like… nursing home material.”

Leo’s eyes turned sharp, a cutting glare that could slice glass.

“That’s right—he lives in one.

But tonight?” His hand slid across the table, claiming Ashton’s. “Tonight, he’s my material.”

Ashton coughed to break the tension,

pointing at the menu. “Any red wine will do. And Leo—?”

“I’ll have what he’s having,” Leo said smoothly, his gaze never leaving Ashton.

The waiter stiffened, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.

He nearly collided with another server, almost sending a tray flying.

His eyes darted between Ashton and Leo, disbelief written all over his face.

Leo, meanwhile, leaned across the table,

brushing his thumb over Ashton’s knuckles.

“So yes, Ashton. This—right now—this is called a date.

Which means…” His voice softened, “we’re officially dating.”

Ashton hesitated, glancing around the crowded room.

But Leo held on tighter, refusing to let go.

The wine arrived—barely.

The waiter’s hands shook as he poured,

splashing crimson liquid onto Leo’s hand.

“Oh! Terribly sorry,” he said, grabbing a towel and

patting Leo’s hand with far too much interest.

Leo jerked back with a disgusted frown. “That’s enough.”

The waiter scurried away, his ears red.

Ashton rolled his eyes. “Looks like someone’s jealous. Cute, but I mean...sad?”

Leo smirked. “Ignore him. I asked you a question,

Ashton—you never answered.”

“What question?” Ashton blinked innocently.

“That we’re officially dating.”

Before Ashton could reply, the waiter returned with a replacement glass—

only to “trip” dramatically.

He stumbled forward, face landing directly in Leo’s lap.

The entire restaurant gasped.

Leo shoved him off, wide-eyed. “What the hell was that for?!”

The waiter scrambled upright, smoothing his vest like nothing happened.

“All good, sir. Just tripped. Just got tipsy tonight maybe I’m staring at you too much.”

Leo gave Ashton a look that screamed creepy. “Want to get out of here?”

“But we already ordered…” Ashton began.

Leo didn’t even hesitate. He pulled out a wad of cash, dropped it on the table,

and stood. “Then consider this settled.”

He leaned down, smiling in that way that made Ashton’s heart skip.

“Are you in the mood for something quick and easy?”

Ashton chuckled, eyes twinkling.

“Leo, when you asked me out, I said yes instantly.

I’m easy—always easy for you. Just give me a second,

I need to take a leak. Meet you at the car.”

Leo nodded and left, his figure turning heads as he strode through the restaurant.

Ashton barely made it to the restroom when the waiter lunged in behind him,

snapping the lock. His face twisted with jealousy.

“How much are you paying him?” he hissed.

Ashton blinked. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me. That guy’s way out of your league. No way he’s with you for free.”

Ashton laughed softly. “Newsflash: he paid for dinner. That should tell you plenty.”

The waiter stepped closer, invading Ashton’s space.

His breath was hot against Ashton’s cheek.

“Listen, old creep. Stay away. I’ll stalk his socials, I’ll find where he lives, and when I do—”

“What?” Ashton cut in, raising a brow.

“You’ll date him? Please. He’s a man, not a prize at a carnival booth.”

The waiter leaned closer, his lips nearly brushing Ashton’s.

“He’s mine. I saw him first.”

Ashton rolled his eyes, then—without warning—pressed a quick kiss to the waiter’s lips.

A soft peck. Nothing more. But the effect was nuclear.

The waiter froze. Ashton calmly unlocked the door and walked out.

Two beats later, a high-pitched squeal erupted from the restroom,

echoing across the restaurant.

Diners whipped around in panic, assuming the worst.

“Fire! FIRE!” someone screamed.

Chaos exploded. Chairs toppled. People dashed for the exits.

The manager was already on the phone with the fire department

as servers scrambled with trays flying.

And outside, Ashton slid smoothly into Leo’s car like nothing had happened.

Leo glanced at him, brow raised. “What was that? Ashton, you didn’t just burn the restaurant down, did you?”

Ashton chuckled, fastening his seatbelt.

“Let’s just say… things got a little heated.”