Chapter 15: Hickeys From Hell

John woke up right where he passed out. On Richie's bedroom floor.

"Damn." He grabbed his head as the pounding inside got even louder. He got up and headed to the bathroom in search of Tylenol or something to relieve the pain.

Richie and Tico were in the kitchen downing coffee. They had already hit up the medicine cabinet.

"Damn you look like shit." Richie grinned looking at John.

"Damn I feel so much worse." John replied. Filling a cup with coffee. "I'm still buzzing a little and my head feels like it's exploding." He moaned as he plopped in a chair.

"At least you don't have a gig tonight. I've got to get it together. I'm playing with Message at the Fast Lane later." Richie massaged his temple hoping to relieve some pressure pounding his brain. 

"Sorry I got a little out of hand about Ashley, Johnny. I guess I was a little wasted and it just pissed me off that you acted like Ash was out of my league."

"I was a little loaded too, man. I'll admit I was  jealous you went out with her. I wanted to be with her so bad and it drove me crazy that she went to the wedding and out to the club with you."

"Good, I'm glad you two boneheads are clearing the air." Tico sat back holding his coffee. "So how the hell are you going to explain the shit all over you neck to her?" Tico grinned.

"Hell if I know. Maybe she'll believe the truth."

"Oh you'll get your balls bashed in with the truth, man." Richie laughed.

Tico grinned. Yeah ain't no self respecting chick believing hickeys like that came from innocent interaction. She'll kick you in the nuts for sure."

"Damn man what should I do?"

"Hide that shit, hold up." Richie went to his room digging in his drawer and came back holding a bandana. "Here let me tie this around your neck and pull your hair forward. Poof, hickeys from hell, instantly gone."

 "I don't know if it will work. If she finds it she'll be pissed." John pulled the bandana off and shoved it in his pocket.

"If you tell her she'll be really pissed." Richie laughed.

"But if I explain what really happened."

"She'll think your lying. Think if it was her, would you believe it?" Tico asked.

"Hell no, not with hickeys like this!" John blurted out.

"Then keep your trap shut. Hopefully they'll fade in a couple days. And maybe you can hide it later with some of your Mom's makeup. But not yet, that shit looks raw!" Tico laughed.

"I need to go home. I'm supposed to go see Ash later and  I've got to go look for that crazy bitch to get my damn jacket back somehow."

Good luck finding your jacket bro." Richie grinned finishing his coffee.

John went outside and cranked up the Harley and rode home.

His Mom met him at the door. "Who's motorcycle is that?"

"It's mine, I won it in a card game."

"A card game! You know I told you that I didn't want you having a motorcycle! You're going to kill your fool self on that damn thing! You just give it right back to who ever you got it from!"

"Ma you're crazy if you think I am giving back a Harley Davidson motorcycle that didn't cost me a dime!"

"You better watch that smart mouth of yours! Now the deal was you could have whatever kind of foolish motorcycle you want, when you move out and live on your own, but not under my roof!"

"Well I'm keeping it! So if I have to move out I will!"

He flung his head back and his hair moved off his neck and she saw the hickeys.

"Oh my lord, what happened to your neck?"

"It's a long story Ma."

"Did Dorothea do that to you? That is so trashy. You don't need to let girls do that to you son!"

"No Ma it wasn't Dot, we broke up."

"Finally, I have waited for this day for a while. Now please don't go back to her."

"Don't worry. Not this time. I caught her cheating on me with Bobby."

"You're kidding. Well I guess it's poetic justice. She cheated on him with you and now you with him. I warned you son, if."

He cut her off. "I know Ma, if she will cheat with you she'll cheat on you. I know you've told me a thousand times."

"I'm sorry son, but you can do a lot better than Dorothea Hurley."

"Now did the girl next door do that to your neck?"

"Ashley? Heck no Ma! Some girl that you don't even know."

"Are you seeing that girl now?"

"No way! I can't stand her!"

"Well then how did she do that, to you? Wait, nevermind. I don't even want to know. Lord, teenagers, you're driving me crazy!" She went in the kitchen to refill the coffee pot and John followed her.

"Look Ma I'm sorry. You know I love you, but I'm a grown man now. I'll be careful on the motorcycle, I promise."

Even though she hated it she knew he was right. He was old enough for a motorcycle if he wanted one. "Make sure you always wear that helmet. I don't want anything to happen to you."

He put his arm around her and smiled. "I'll wear it Ma, I promise. Am I still your favorite?" He smiled and she smiled back at him.

"Only when your not on that damn thing." She grinned.

John went to take a shower. When he got out, he stood in the mirror thirty minutes looking at his neck. He was trying to wish it away. He had scrubbed it hard in the shower hoping it would help it disappear.

He got dressed and looked over at Ashley's from his window. I need to call her. He mumbled. He picked up his phone and began dialing.

"Hello."

"Hey baby it's me."

"Are you okay John? You sound horrible."

"Yeah, I just had too much to drink last night at Richie's, I've got a bad hangover. Can I come over?"

"Yeah you can."

"Okay, I'll be over in a minute. Bye baby."

"Bye John."

He hung up and tied and retied the bandana. He couldn't get it just right. He bolted downstairs. "Can you tie this for me Ma? I'm trying to cover this crap up."

"I don't blame you son." She grabbed the bandana and tied it perfectly to hide all of the unsightly bruises."

He walked to the door. "I'm going to go see Ashley."

"Okay dear."

John nervously knocked on Ashley's door.

She pulled it open.

"Hello beautiful."

"Hey John." She smiled.

"Come in."

They walked over to the couch. John was nervous and kept rubbing his hands down his jeans to dry his sweaty palms. He didn't want to get too close to her. He didn't trust the bandana would stay put. He sat at the opposite end of the couch, which Ashley thought was very odd.

"So I have some good news baby."

"What is it?" She asked hesitantly.

"But first, did you miss me? I've been thinking about you baby." He smiled.

"Yes I missed you. Now please tell me your news!"

"Remember I told you the next time you saw me, I'd be single."

"Yes, oh God John, tell me what happened!"

"I went looking for Dot to tell her it wasn't working out and her boss said she hasn't worked nights in a couple of months."

"But she's always working nights? What's going on?" She questioned.

"He said she had gotten off hours ago but her car was still there. I went outside to check it out. She pulled up all smiles with my ex bestfriend and her ex boyfriend Bobby."

"Oh damn John, I am so sorry. I know what that feels like. What happened after that?"

"I confronted her and she told me she's been back with him and she's been screwing him for a while. That he was her first love and shit. The first guy she ever had sex with and she still loved him. That everything we ever had was a mistake." He was trying to hide it, but the pain was coming through.

"I'm so sorry John. I can't believe she said that to you! What a bitch! Are you okay?" She asked showing her concern on her face.

"Yeah, I'm good. I went there to end it. I just didn't know she had beaten me to the punch." He said kind of sadly.

Oh John, come here." She pulled him into her arms and she hugged him in a tight embrace. He loved it, she was warm and smelled so good. He could stay like this all afternoon. She pulled back.

"Is that why you got so drunk?"

"I guess.  It was hard to take that she was lying to me, you know?" He pushed  his sunglasses up on his head and looked at her.

"Oh believe me I know. I won't ever forget the feeling of being betrayed like that. You look so tired. Are you sure you're okay?"

"I am, I passed out on Richie's floor and slept like shit. I've got a damn cramp in my neck."

"Well let me massage it for you. Come here, take your bandana off."

"Oh fuck, the hickeys!" He thought and jumped up. "I can't stay, my Mom wants me to help her with something!"

"Are you sure?" She asked kind of surprised.

"Yeah, I've got to get back. I'll call you later."

"Okay." She stood up and walked him to the door. She couldn't believe he was leaving so soon. He didn't slow up. He didn't try to kiss her or touch her at all. He couldn't leave fast enough.

"Bye Ashley."

"Bye."

She stood in the door and watched him walk away, wondering why he was acting so strange and why he left so quickly.

Stacey walked up. "What's his hurry?"

"I have no idea. He was in here acting so weird. I don't know what's going on with him."

"Dot must have him on a short leash."

"He told me they broke up. He caught her cheating with her ex."

"Wow I guess the tables turned on him. I bet he didn't like that!" Stacey laughed.

"I felt sorry for him. I think he's hurting. He was acting strange for sure. Maybe he's having second thoughts about the break up."

"Well forget about him. Let's go to the Fast Lane tonight. It's ladies night. I saw on the sign out front, Richie's band is playing there tonight."

"Really? I'd love to watch him play."

"Yeah and some other band but I doubt you've ever heard of them."

"Who?"

"Poison!" She laughed.

Ashley smiled. "Oh God well that settles it, I've got to go see C.C. he's my buddy."

"Damn, well your buddy is freaking fine."

Ashley giggled. "Yeah he kinda is."

"Be ready at seven."

"Okay, we can take my car." Ashley replied.

"Sure if you want to."

John was sitting in his room when Richie called.

"Hello."

"Hey man. I talked to Erica about your jacket she asked Lindsey about it. She said she didn't take it."

"Yeah, that bitch is lying."

"Well she said they are going to the Fast Lane tonight to watch our show if you want to confront her."

"Yeah I do. Thanks man."

"Did you go see Ashley yet."

"Yeah, I had to get the hell out of there she offered to massage my damn neck, to get the cramp out from sleeping on the floor last night. I couldn't let her find the hickeys. I bolted out of there. She probably thinks I'm fucking crazy. I just need to avoid her a couple of days I guess, to let them fade."

"Yeah probably. Okay well I'll see you up there tonight."

"Yeah I'll be there."

"Okay later."

"Later, man." John hung the phone and went downstairs looking for food.

Ashley had stayed around the house all day and John didn't call like he said he would.

"Oh well, I will just go out with Stacey tonight and have a good time." She thought while putting on her makeup and fixing her hair. She had on a dress she was a little nervous to wear. She knew Bret's new girl would probably be there and she wanted to make sure she  looked really good.

Stacey knocked on her door. "Wow! You are gonna turn some heads tonight in that get up!"

"What do you mean, is it too much?"

"No not nearly enough, but you've got the body to pull it off! So go for it."

They walked outside and got in Ashley's car.

As soon as they pulled up at the Fast Lane Ashley saw the sign out front listing the bands.

She thought back on how much she loved watching Poison play, especially Bret. She loved his voice, the way he would sing the songs right to her. Sometimes she missed it. Sometimes she missed being Bret's girl.

They walked inside and headed straight for the bar. Ashley had already been spotted.

She looked up and there Bret was, standing right beside her.

"Damn Ashley you are looking smoking hot tonight, you really shouldn't be wearing that dress baby. You might start a riot in here or something." He grinned.

"Thanks." She smiled.

"I was beginning to wonder if you were avoiding me on purpose." Bret chuckled as he lit a cigarette.

"I've been busy. I had a few things I had to do. I hear you have been busy yourself." She looked at him more like it was a question than a statement.

"I guess you mean Nikki?"

"Maybe, pretty blonde."

"Well now, when I hear pretty blonde, I am always reminded of somebody but it ain't Nikki."

He grinned. "Where's your boyfriend tonight?"

"You know good and well I don't have a boyfriend, Bret."

"Well I guess Johnny can't really be your boyfriend, now can he? Seeing that he's Dorothea's boyfriend. So what would you call him then? I like to call him an asshole, but that's just me." He chuckled.

"Honestly, the way John acted today, I don't know what to make of him. He told me he broke up with Dorothea. But he acted so strange like he couldn't get away from me fast enough. So I'm not sure what I would call him. I guess a friend."

"Is that what you call me now? A friend?You know I wanted to be so much more than that, Ash."

"Who is Nikki, Bret? Is she your new girlfriend?"

"Maybe, what's it to you? I thought you aren't interested in me anymore? Can't get in a relationship right now and all that shit?"

"I am just curious. Can't a girl ask a question?"

"A girl can when she hasn't stomped all over my damn heart."

"I didn't do that to you. But even if you think so, it sure hasn't slowed you down any. You aren't ever hurting for companions."

"Let me get you a drink. Mike, this is Ashley and her money isn't any good here.  Her drink of choice is champagne so keep it flowing."

"Bret you didn't have to do that."

"I know, but I wanted to. Now I'm going back to my office, I want to give you something. Come with me."

"Okay she got up. She looked at Stacey. "I'll be right back."

She followed Bret to his office and he dug in his drawer and pulled out a little red card.

"Here you go. This is a V.I.P. Red unlimited Pass. Hold on to this and use it for anything in the club. You won't ever have to pay for another thing when you're here."

"No Bret, I can't take that."

"Why not? I only get a few a year to hand out to pissed off customers. They usually have an expiration date on them, but this one is special. Just for you. It never expires. I haven't given out any this year, so take it. You know you love champagne and the good shit ain't cheap baby." He grinned.

"Well I don't know what to say. Thank you, I really appreciate it."

"No problem. The whole band will be here later tonight. We are going on stage about ten and I sure would like to see you up front, like the old days ." He smiled.

"If you want me to, I'll be up there." She smiled back.

Richie was setting up equipment when Jack Ponti from John's band, The Rest, jumped on stage.

"Richie, where the fuck has Johnny been? I can't get a hold of that asshole."

"He's got a lot of shit going on man, but he's supposed to come up here tonight."

"Well we have a gig here tomorrow and we all had a practice today and he blew it off."

"What's up with him?"

"He broke up with Dorothea for one thing."

"Well that's great news, she was only holding him back."

"Maybe but he caught her messing around so, he's a little bitter about it."

"Well damn. He just needs to get laid, that's the easiest way to get over it." He laughed.

Jack looked over and saw Bret with Ashley. "Damn that Bret is really rolling tonight. He has been with not one but two hot blondes since I got here a few mintues ago."

Richie didn't even look up. "I hadn't noticed, I've been busy setting this shit up."

"Here let me help you. Hand me that guitar. Where are the other guys anyway? Jack asked checking the guitar was working properly with the amp.

"Fuck if I know? They are always pissing me off, running late."

The other band members of Message finally showed up and helped to get things ready and Jack walked up to the bar to get a beer.

John arrived and walked up to the stage.

"Hey man, Jack was just up here looking for you." Richie informed him as he was tinkering with his amp.

"Damn, is he pissed?"

"A little, he said you blew off practice."

"Yeah you know I've got a lot of shit going on right now."

"I told him, but he's still pissed."

"Screw him, he's the least of my worries."

He looked around for Lindsey. Hoping she might be there and be dumb enough to be wearing his jacket tonight.

He glanced and saw Stacey at the bar. "Shit, I hope she don't see me and tell Ashley she saw me here. I never called her back, I didn't know what the hell to say. She's probably pissed at me. It's so damn hard avoiding her because of these damn hickeys on my neck." He thought to himself."

Lindsey came in the side door and she was wearing John's jacket. She couldn't resist, it looked freaking hot on her and she wanted everybody to see it. Hell she figured she deserved it, after he had treated her so shitty. She figured if he caught her she could break down in a little tear or two and he would let her keep it. She had no intention of ever giving it back. It smelled like John and his favorite Polo cologne and she was absolutely in love with it.

Bret reached inside the fridge in his office and poured Ashley a big glass of her favorite champagne. She was a little nervous to be alone with him. He looked so damn hot. Her mind was flashing back to nights with him back in Biloxi on the beach.
 

"Here you go baby, you look so beautiful tonight."

"Thanks Bret." She nervously drank as the bubbles tickled her nose and felt like they went straight to her brain.

"I've missed you so much. Everything about you and your body is burnt into my brain." He grinned, refilling her glass as she slipped her shoes off and leaned back on the sofa in his office.

She drank some more as she took in every curve of his tanned muscular arms. "Oh Lord, this guy knows just how fine he is. With and without his clothes on." She smiled to herself, remembering some great times they shared and how much she still cared for him."

Mike knocked on the door. "Bret, Nikki is up front looking for you."

"Okay thanks." He looked at Ashley. "Come on I'll introduce you."

Ashley quickley downed the champagne and grabbed the bottle to refill it. "Okay let's go."

They walked up to the bar. Stacey was there giggling with Dalton, who had showed up.

Nikki was standing up front by herself.

Bret kissed her cheek. Which shocked Ashley that he would do that right infront of her. "Hey baby here's somebody, I want you to meet. Nikki this is Ashley."

"Hello, nice to meet you." Nikki politely greeted her and looked her up and down and wondered just how close she was with Bret."

"Hey, thanks you too." Ashley lightly smiled checking Nikki out. "Stacey was right, she is pretty." She thought to herself.

"So what are you up to? Did you come to watch me sing tonight? Bret grinned looking at Nikki.

"Yeah I'm excited. I hope you are as good as you say you are."

"Oh I'm much better, baby." He grinned and looked over at Ashley, hoping she was jealous and the red flush around her face as she was looking back at him said that she was."

She pulled out that new card and ordered another glass of her favorite beverage.

Bret put his arm around Nikki and Ashley watched as he whispered in her ear and she giggled like a silly school girl. He ignored Ashley on purpose.

This was the most attention she had given him in a while and if her jealousy brought it out, then jealous he was going to make sure she was.

"I've had enough of this shit."  Ashley thought to her self as she stood and felt all the glasses of champagne hit her at once and her feet buckled just a little.

"Where are you going Ashley?" Bret asked with his arm still around Nikki.

"I thought I would give you two a little privacy. Three's a crowd, you know."

Lindsey was standing next to Ashley with her fake i.d. trying to order a daiquiri.

When she heard Bret say Ashley's name.

She turned toward her and tapped her on the arm. "You must be Johnny's friend Ashley?"

She turned beside her and saw this young blonde girl and the first thing she noticed, it looked like she was wearing John's favorite black leather jacket.

"Yeah, I am." Ashley answered surprised the girl had asked.

"Hi, I'm Lindsey. I feel like I know you, Johnny talked so much about you last night."

"You were with John last night?"

"Yeah at Richie's party, his parents were out of town. He said you were his neighbor and you had went out with Richie."

Ashley thought to herself. "Is that all he said about me?"

"Is that John's jacket you're wearing?" Ashley looked at her with a hint of disapproval showing on her face.

"Yeah he gave it to me this morning, when we woke up. We had such a wild night in Richie's guestroom, I couldn't find my top and I needed something to wear. She locked her green eyes with Ashley's blue eyes.

 Bret dropped his arm off of Nikki and tuned in to their conversation because this interaction between these two girls was about to get really good.

"You slept with John last night?" Ashley sort of yelled, with jealousy flaming in her eyes and a dagger ripping through her heart.

"Yeah, I did. She smiled as she watched a mix of hurt and rage build on Ashley's face."

"Damn. Bongiovi just fucked up his chance with her. Ashley ain't going to sit on the back burner while he screws around with this other chick." Bret thought to himself.

"We go way back. He told me he broke up with Dorothea and needed a little comforting. I felt a little sorry for him. But now I feel sorry for me, I could barely walk this morning!" She laughed. "I think I got a little rough with him too, I think he has a neck full of hickeys today."

Ashley saw red as she flashed back to that damn bandana around his neck earlier and the way he bolted out of her house when she told him to take it off.

"That was the reason he was acting so damn strange today. He slept with this girl and didn't want me to see his neck, because he knew I would know. Damn, what a  big ass fool I have been!" She thought as a tear entered her eye and she wiped at it with her finger before anyone could notice.

Nikki noticed Bret's fascination with Ashley and this conversation. She blew her breath at him ignoring her and stood up and walked off. She wondered how damn long it would take him to even notice she was gone.

Lindsey picked up her drink and looked at Ashley. "See you around."  She got up and walked off. Satisfied that she had put some real doubt in Ashley's mind about John.
"Hopefully she will move on and leave Johnny for me." She thought as she walked over to the pool table.

Ashley just sat there stunned. She really thought John cared about her. How did she fall for his lies? She realized now, he really was just a liar and a cheater. He just wasn't the type to be faithful after all. "Damn, I am such a fool."

"Are you okay?" Bret asked laying his hand on top of hers.

"How could I have been so stupid? Everybody warned me and I didn't listen. You must think I am a real dumbass." She looked at him with her eyes full of tears.

He handed her a napkin off of the bar. "Wipe those beautiful eyes baby. Bongiovi ain't worth your tears."

"Thanks." She accepted it and dabbed at the corner of her eyes.

Bret noticed that Nikki had walked away and truth was he really didn't give a shit.

"Do you want to go back to my office. It's quieter back there. You can hear yourself think and I've got plenty of champagne in the fridge." He smiled.

"Okay, thanks Bret."

They stood up and Bret put his arm around Ashley to steady her a little as they started walking to the back of the club.

John was looking around to see if Lindsey was there with his jacket when he caught a glimpse of Ashley in the hottest dress he had ever seen her wear. Bret had his arm around her and they were heading to the back. 

"What the fuck!" He shouted and it caught Richie's attention. He looked up and saw Bret with Ashley . "Did you know she was  here?" Richie asked.

"No, she didn't tell me shit! What the fuck is she doing here with him?" John yelled watching them walk away together.

Chapter 14: I Think I Love Her

David knocked on the front door and Alec pulled the door open.


"You said to stop by so here I am."

They walked to Richie's room. David saw the drinks in their hands and looked around and saw all the booze sitting on a table in the room.

"Damn you guys are partying without me? You know I'm the life of the party. So what are we drinking to?" He grabbed a shot glass full of Jack and held it up.

"Johnny here is a free man." Richie grinned. "It should take them a few days at least before they get back together." Richie laughed. 

"Hell no! Not this time! I'm finished with her for good!" John shouted with confidence.

"Yeah sure. David chuckled. "Like when she caught you kissing that chick behind the Stone Pony.  She dumped your ass and went home with that guy she met. Then you took her back when she came crawling a few days later."

"Not this time. She doesn't cut it for me anymore. I'm moving on to a hotter class of girls."

"Like who, Ashley?" David asked. "You might be making a big mistake with that chick."

"What are you talking about? John questioned.

"She's hung up on Bret and it's only a matter of time before she goes back to him. And she's a virgin and that would be a weak lay at best."

"Shut up Lemma, you don't know what the hell you're talking about. Deal with your own love life and get out of mine."

"I'm just kidding bro. When did you get so serious?"

John rolled his eyes and took another swig of his drink.

They heard loud music and car doors slamming.

"Damn, who is that out front making all that noise?" Richie asked pulling at the blinds.

"I see Erica and Lindsey, I can't tell who the other girls are." David answered.

"Not Lindsey Myers?" John asked swigging his vodka straight.

"The one and only." Richie replied. 

"Isn't that your stalker, John." David laughed.

"Hell yeah, the bitch is crazy."

"And hot." Richie laughed.

"They're knocking, open the damn door." David chuckled.

"Hold up, don't let her in here." John frowned.

"Why not, what's your problem with her?"

"She won't leave me alone. I banged her one time when I was loaded after a show at the Fast Lane. Hell, I don't really even remember it.  She's been in hot pursuit ever since."

"So let her catch you, one night of harmless fun. Who's going to get hurt? You don't have a girlfriend to worry about. You're a free man remember? Now try acting like it." Richie grinned and opened the door.

The girls came in followed by Tico and Alec, with a couple of other girls. Lindsey was already fixated on John. Alec handed her a fake red rose out of Richie's Mom's planter and was hitting on her pretty heavy. But she could not take her eyes off of John, who was keeping his distance away from her.

"Hi Richie, I just wanted to come by and say I'm sorry I surprised you at the wedding." Erica smiled. "I should have warned you, I would be there with Chris."

"It's fine. It all worked out. No harm done." Richie grinned. "What are you girls up to tonight?"

"Nothing much, just out riding around. We bumped into Alec at the gas station and he said your parents were out of town and we should stop by and say hi."

"Okay cool. Yeah they will be back tomorrow."

"Hey Johnny." Lindsey smiled.

"Lindsey." John sighed and drank some more vodka out of his glass without even looking up at her. He walked over to the window.

"I heard you play your new song at the Fast Lane. It sounds really cool."

"Thanks."

"So where's Dot?" She asked.

"I have no idea and I don't care."

"You and her on the outs or something?"

"Yep over and done. John announced as he stood up sliding his jacket on."

She looked at him and her mind began to wander back to the night they slept together. After his show, on an old sofa, in the back room at the Fast Lane. "Oh my God he is the hottest guy I have ever seen in those tight jeans!" She heard in her head. He turned around and she caught a glimpse of his rear end and she thought. "I love that fine ass of his!"

Richie started making mixed drinks and passing them out.

"Come sit by me Johnny." Lindsey patted the old couch in the corner of Richie's room.

"I'm good."

"Do you hate me or something, I try and try to get your attention and you never even seem notice me."

"Oh I noticed you alright. I noticed you calling my house at 3:30 in the morning waking my whole damn family up! I noticed you writing love letters to me all over the paint job on my car with a damn permanent marker! Took me forever to scrub that shit off! I really noticed you, when you told Dot that we slept together. She really wanted to kick my ass and you're damn lucky she didn't kick yours!"

"I'm sorry about that, but you pissed me off when you wouldn't talk to me. I have a lot of feelings for you Johnny."

"No, what you have is a crush, and I told you I'm sorry but I just don't feel the same way about you."

"But we made love. It meant a lot to me. I've always liked you Johnny."

"No Lindsey, I didn't even want to mess around with you that night. I was so drunk, I could barely stand up. You came on to me. You followed me into that room and you took your damn clothes off. I told you not to, remember that?"

"I remember you changing your mind. It was magical when we made love."

"Stop saying that! We didn't make love, we just had sex, I have to be in love to make love. It was two minutes tops and I was only half hard. If you think that was magical, the real thing would blow your damn mind." John took another swig of his vodka.

"I'm up for it, if you want to do it again Johnny."

John sort of choked, while he was drinking. "Oh no!" He coughed. "I can't, I'm seeing somebody."

"That didn't stop you last time. Who is it? You said you didn't care where Dot is."

"I don't. She's a new girl that just moved here. Her name is Ashley and she's the hottest girl I've ever seen and I'm crazy about her."

"Well I don't see her here. Maybe you aren't that important to her. She might be out with another guy right now."

"No she's at home in bed and that's where you should be."

"Do you ever think about me? Even a little Johnny? I think about you all the time."

"Nope, not even a little. I only have one girl on my mind."

"Have you slept with her?"

"That's none of your business." He looked at her with drunken glassy eyes.

"I'll take that as a no!" She giggled. "Are you making her up? Maybe she's not even real."

"Oh she's real alright."

"Richie." She yelled. "Who is Ashley?"

Richie had a pretty good buzz going on. " A smoking hot babe, I went out with the other night."

John thought Richie had a crush on Ashley and the more he drank, the more he was convinced.

"Well I know you're lying if she's dating Richie."

"They just went to a wedding together, it wasn't a big deal." John slurred.

Richie laughed. Oh it was a big deal for me.

John was pretty hammered and his jealous side was coming out.

"What's your problem Richie? Do you seriously have a thing for Ashley?"

"I already told you she's a great girl any guy would be lucky to be with her."

"Yeah and I remember telling you to back the hell off of her!"

Lindsey spoke up to deaf ears. Why are you guys fighting over a girl that isn't even here?"

"You know Johnny, she's a big girl. Ashley doesn't need you to protect her."

"I told you how I feel about her. She's not into you man. She probably thinks about you like a brother or something." John slurred.

"Brother hell." Richie laughed. She didn't think it was her brother she was rubbing that fine ass on when we were dancing!" Richie slurred.

John stood up and swayed a little and dropped his drink on the floor. His eyes were blazing at Richie."I'll kick your fucking ass, man!"

Richie yelled back. "Well come on then!" He balled up hist fist and gave John a a pissed off drunken glare.

Tico got in between them. "Come on guys, cut this shit out! you're best friends! I ain't ever seen the two of you go at it like this!"

John stumbled a little grabbed a glass of vodka off the table and downed it. Then he headed out the door and Tico followed him and stood beside him on the porch.

John dug in his pocket for his Marlboro cigarettes and lit one staring out into the darkness. 

"You ain't trying to leave are you? You're pretty trashed." Tico asked.

"Nah, I ain't going no where. I had to cool down, Richie just pissed me off!" John blew out his smoke and practiced making smoke rings with his mouth.

"I heard about Dot. That's a bunch of bullshit, man."

"I trusted her you know. It was like a punch in the gut."

"I've been there." Tico replied. Don't worry about Richie, he's just pulling your chain. Forget about it."

"I think he really has a thing for her, Tico. He's been giving me all this so called advice about Ashley. It's all bullshit, how she's hung up on Bret and would be too much trouble and I should just enjoy being single."

"I warned you. Beautiful women make men do crazy things. I learned that shit the hard way, when I came to blows with my cousin."

"Dot didn't have every guy she met hitting on her. I didn't have to worry about my friends. She hated everybody, except for Bobby."

"Hey it's the blonde thing. What is that saying? Blondes have more fun. Well sometimes they have it with your friends." Tico laughed. "You sure you didn't get so mad because there might be a grain of truth to what he told you."

"Aww damn it Tico. I know Richie's probably right. I know she'll be trouble for me. I fucking hate she was ever with Bret. I hate the way he looks at her. And the way I've seen her look at him. But I can't help it, I'm fucking crazy about her."

"I hear you. Just watch yourself. You can't go around fighting with everybody over this chick. It makes you look like a jealous dick and that ain't ever been you. I don't ever remember seeing you so jealous over anybody."

"Yeah it's not like me. Thanks Tico."

"No problem."

Lindsay walked out and stood beside Tico. He smiled at her and walked back inside.

"So are you going to stand out here all night."

"Maybe, what's it to you?"

"Why are you so hostile to me?" She asked as she walked toward him.

"I want to make it clear to you. That I am not interested in you." He emphasized.

"That is so rude! I have feelings you know!"

"Yeah okay as long as those feelings ain't for me. You know Richie is single and he said you were hot when he saw you outside."

"Richie's okay but he's not my type."

"You're too young for a type. Isn't it past your bedtime. Shouldn't little girls be home by now?"

"Why do you always act like I'm a little kid, I'm a year younger than you!"

"Because you're a girl and unless you want a bad rep you need to slow the hell down."

"You've got a bad rep. And it doesn't bother you at all. Love em and leave em Johnny. How many girls have you slept with?"

"None that I'm telling you about."

"You know you never kissed me the night we had sex."

"I'm sorry about that. I was so loaded I don't remember a lot about it."

He felt bad for sleeping with her. It meant something to her and he barely remembered it.

"Well if you feel so sorry about it, you could kiss me now."

"Oh no, that will just give you more ideas than you already have."

"Come on Johnny, just one little kiss. That's the least you can do after you wham bam thank you ma'amed me."

"Nope it ain't happening, sorry."

"Well I guess I'll go inside with Alec. He cares about me and he wants to make out with me in the back bedroom."

"No Lindsey, he wants to fuck you and believe me he don't give a shit about you!"

"If you give me one little kiss, I promise to stay away from him."

"I know I will regret this, but come here."

She smiled and moved a little closer to him. He gently kissed her lips. She grabbed him and forced her tongue deep in his mouth. To her surprise he really started kissing her. His tongue crept in her mouth and gently swirled around her tongue. He was drunk and figured he had treated her badly so what was one real kiss going to hurt.

He pulled back and looked at her. "Now you need to move on and find somebody your own age. And stay away from Alec, he's too damn old for you."

"But Johnny, I love you!" She blurted out.

"Damn I knew kissing you would be a mistake! I'm sorry Lindsey, don't waste your time on me. I shouldn't have ever messed with you."

"Why can't you love me Johnny?"

"I told you, I have feelings for somebody else."

"Then why isn't she here with you and why is she dating your best friend? Maybe you need to rethink your feelings for her!"

"It's too late, I think I love her." He turned and walked back inside.

"Damn it!" She yelled.

Inside Alec was totally messed up and getting out of hand with his lighter and a can of hairspray he found in the bathroom. "Damn look at this!" He walked over to David and lit the lighter and sprayed the can and fire shot out.

"Hey stop that shit before you burn my fucking house down man!" Richie yelled.

Tico grabbed the hairspray from him and hid it, under the bed. "Chill out man, you need to calm down."

 David was in full party mode hitting on two friends of Erica's that showed up. Richie began flirting with Erica and trying to figure out why she was really came by. She was smiling at him and giggling at all his jokes. He was missing her more than he wanted to admit.

John was drunk off his ass and the room was spinning a little. "I'm going to go crash in your guest bedroom, okay Richie."

"Well don't get sick or fuck anything up in there, because my Mom will be pissed when she gets back home tomorrow."

"I won't, damn!" He yelled, staggering down the hall. He opened the door and laid on the bed. Still wearing his black leather jacket. He was drunk and kind of out of it. Thoughts of Ashley and Dot swirling in his head. He opened his eyes when he felt a warm body next to him removing his jacket.  He caught a glimpse of long blonde hair in the moonlight that was filtering in through the blinds.

 "Ashley, oh baby. I've missed you. He started kissing her so hot and heavy. "I'm so glad you're here baby." She pushed him down on the bed and straddled him across his skin tight levi's.

"Oh God Ashley, I want you so bad, baby."

She pulled his shirt off and looked down at how handsome he was laying there on the bed.

She started to kiss him again. He was so hot he felt like he was burning up. She licked and sucked on his neck and it hurt like hell. "Ashley you're kinky baby." She sucked harder on his neck and he tried to push her off of him.

"Damn baby, shit!" She had a hold of his neck like a viper and wouldn't let go.

He was in pain, but she was really getting into it, so he let her continue the torture on his neck.

"Make love to me Johnny."

He was with Ashley, but he thought,  "where the fuck did Lindsey's voice just come from?" He wondered as Ashley kissed him. "Now that bitch's voice is stuck in my head." He thought as Ashley began to lick and suck her way down his chest now.

"I want you so bad, Johnny."

"Wait a minute! You never call me Johnny!" He opened his eyes and through the moonlight filtering in the room he saw a naked Lindsey strattled across his lap, trying to unbutton his 501 button fly levi's. They were hard as hell to undo and he had never been more thankful for those four little pain in the ass buttons in his life.

"Get the fuck off me!" He yelled and shoved her off of him, knocking over a lamp.

"What's wrong Johnny? You told me you wanted to make love to me."

"No I wanted to make love to Ashley and in the fucking dark I thought you were her!"

Richie and Erica pulled the door open and turned the lights on. Richie started laughing. Lindsey was naked and scrambling to cover herself. John only had his jeans on, and big bright red hickeys on his neck. "Oh damn I'm sorry, I see you two are busy." Richie chuckled.

"No we ain't doing shit! I laid down and this fucking bitch attacked me!" He yelled. Then he  jumped up and hurried out of the room.

"Get dressed." Erica smiled to Lindsey, as she shut the door and walked back down the hall with Richie.

John was running his hands through his hair. "I told you not to let that crazy bitch in here."

"Calm down! So you got laid, so what?" Richie asked.

"I didn't screw her!" John yelled.

"Yeah sure, tell your neck that!" Richie  laughed.

"What?" He ran to the mirror and staring back at him were some of the nastiest hickeys he had ever seen on his neck. "What the fuck man!" He yelled.

Everybody was laughing.

"Damn Johnny you must of really enjoyed that." David laughed. "You look like you've been attacked by a damn vampire."

"I'm suppose to go see Ashley tomorrow. How the hell am I going to go over there looking like this?"

"Shit if I know. Looks like that shit's spreading. You might need a tetanus shot." Richie laughed.

"You know I should kick your ass! I told you that bitch was crazy and now look at me! Damn hand me a beer!

Lindsey walked out to her car. Erica walked over to Richie. "I need to go. I guess we're leaving. Call me sometime Richie." She smiled.

"Maybe." He stared into her eyes and she turned and walked away.

John finished his beer. "I need to go get my shit." He turned on the light and grabbed his shoes and his crumpled up shirt. He pushed the covers around. "Where's my damn jacket?" He pulled all the covers off and he looked under the bed.  It was nowhere to be found. He walked back into Richie's room.

"That's just great! That crazy bitch stole my damn leather jacket!"

"Are you kidding me?" Richie laughed.

"No it's gone. Fuck!" He yelled.

. 

Chapter 13: A Name For Girls Like That

John loved riding the motorcycle back to Jersey. He felt for the first time in a long time, so free and in control of his own life. He knew Ashley was the reason for his good fortune. He hated the Limelight club, and the only reason he went there tonight, was because she was going. He wasn't ready to go home so he detoured toward Bradley Beach.

He parked the motorcycle.

They got off the Harley and he grabbed her hand when she stumbled a little.

"Thanks." She smiled at him.

 "I hope it's okay I stopped here. I just wanted to spend a little more time alone with you.

"It's fine. I love it here."

They walked over to the water. "God I'm on such a high from winning the Harley. I feel like I could do anything."

"You should go to the casino, you are probably really lucky tonight."

"Am I lucky enough for you to let me kiss you again?" This is our spot you know. Where you let me kiss you the first time. Please don't say no."

"How can I say no to that."

John leaned over and started kissing her slowly. Her mouth was warm and inviting. His tongue swirled around hers softly. His hands caressed her and roamed her body. She felt so right in his arms.

A car driving by startled her and brought her back to reality. Even though this guy was perfect and made her have feelings  she had never felt before, he was already taken. "I have to stop this." She thought.

She pulled back. "What's wrong baby?"

"We got carried away. That car could of been anybody maybe even Dorothea."

"Don't bring her up. Tonight is perfect, because she's not here. I know I don't love her anymore. I wasn't sure and I realized it when you were out late with Richie, last night. Ashley it was killing me, the thought that you were with him. It felt like I couldn't breathe. I sat on my porch most of the night waiting for you to get home."

"I'm sorry, John. I didn't know you were waiting for me. We were watching a couple of bands play at Limelight."

"And flirting with Ace. Were you doing that too?"

"Why would you ask me that?

"I saw you with him tonight. You like him, I could tell. Do you like him more than me?"

"I won't lie to you, I don't know why, but I do like him a little. Not as much as I like you though."

"I told you he's bad news. Did he try to give you any drugs yet?"

"No but he did ask me if I had ever done blow. What is that, exactly?"

"Coke, cocaine baby. I told you he is a coke head. It will mess you up Ashley, he wants you high so he can try to sleep with you. That's why he was taking you back to his place."

 She laughed a little. Well I wasn't going to sleep with him, that's for sure."

"Baby if you get high on coke, you wouldn't care what he did to you. Please stay away from him. Don't go back to Limelight. It's not a safe place for you."

"Okay, I won't."

John was looking at her and wanting to tell her he knew her little secret but he wasn't sure how to bring it up.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" She asked.

He took her hands and held them in his.

"I've got to tell you something."

"Okay what is it?" She asked.

"Ashley I don't understand why you felt like you couldn't tell me something that's so important about you. I can't believe you told Richie you were a virgin and not me."

"Oh God, Richie said he wouldn't tell anybody. I am so embarrassed." She closed her eyes, wishing she could hide.

 "Why? I'm glad you've never slept with anybody. Girls think guys want them to have a lot of experience, but it's not true. For me anyway, it turns me off if the girl's been with a lot of guys."

"But I've heard about you John, you've been with a lot of girls and I'm positive they weren't all virgins. I've seen the girls pawing at you at the Fast Lane and some of them look like they've been around the block a few times."

He laughed. "Yeah some of them have." They're okay to party with after a show. But, I swear to you, I wouldn't ever date them, or take them home to meet my Mom. I don't even bother getting their phone number."

"So they are good enough to fool around with but not good enough to have a relationship with? Is that what you're saying?"

"Something like that, yeah."

"That doesn't make any sense to me. It should be about who you have feelings for not how many people they've had sex with."

"Yeah but if she's so easy, then probably anybody can have her and that turns me off in a girlfriend. I mean I don't want to take her to the club and look around and she's already had sex with half the guys there. Or guys looking at her thinking they could have her. I don't want to have an easy girl for my girlfriend."

"Yeah I guess that makes sense. But it seems like someone with little or no experience would be so boring for you to sleep with. I'm sure you have had both, so admit it, you think virgins are boring in bed."

"I guess I need to tell you something else?"

"Oh Lord, What?"

"I've never done it with a virgin?"

"You're kidding?"

"No, most of the girls, I've been with were older. And had already been with at least one guy."

"Even Dorothea."

"Yeah she has been with two other guys. She lost her virginity to my friend Bobby when they used to go out."

"Who was the other guy?"

"When we broke up, she went home with some guy from a bar and slept with him. Alex something, I can't remember."

"And she told you."

"Yeah she was proud of it. He was some older guy and he made her a lot of promises and shit and never called her."

"Wow, were you jealous?"

"I don't know why, but yeah I was. I got  back at her though. I went out with her best friend Erica."

"Richie's ex."

"Yeah, but he hadn't been with her yet."

"Did you sleep with her?"

"I could have, she wanted to. I told Dot that I did, but no we didn't. She's one of those girls that's been around. Like I said, it turns me off."

"But you've been with girls like that?"

"Some, but I couldn't ever get serious with them. It's only a one time kind of thing. I don't really even talk to them after or act like I even know them when I see them around."

"Oh my God! Were you just using them?"

"We were using each other. But I always used condoms. Dot is the only girl that I didn't have to, because, I know for sure she's on the pill."

"I'm on it too."

"You!" Why are you on the pill, if you're a virgin?"

"Oh this is embarrassing. My periods were really irregular, sometimes I wouldn't have one at all, or I would get one and it wouldn't stop. I was losing way too much blood, so the doctor put me on it last year and all my cycles are regular now."

"Oh okay. Dot's Mom put her on it because she didn't want her knocked up like her sister Colleen."

"Really? Lucky for you I guess." She turned and looked away a little jealous and not wanting to hear about Dorothea.

"Well I hate condoms, having sex with condoms on ain't the same thing."

"Can we please change the subject." She was getting a little irritated listening about his sex life with Dorothea

"I'm sorry, yeah."

"Can you take me home?"

"I don't want to, I like being here alone with you. What's wrong Ashley?"

"But we shouldn't be alone, John. You talk a good game, but you haven't broken up with her. You said you realized you didn't love her. What happened?"

"I don't want to tell you, it will probably piss you off."

"You might as well tell me."

"She wanted me to come over last night because her parents were gone out of town, so we could do it."

"Did you?" She asked with a jealous tone in her voice.

"I didn't want to. I was worried about you and what you were doing with Richie."

"But you went over there?"

"Yeah for a little bit."

"What happened?"

"We kissed and I didn't feel anything for her. I knew it was a mistake to even be there."

"Did you leave?"

"No not then."

"Why did you stay?"

"I really don't know."

"What happened next?"

"She wanted me to go to her room with her.  I told her I had to much shit on my mind, I couldn't have sex. She wanted to know what I was so worried about. I lied and told her it was some band stuff. But, it was one hundred percent you I was thinking of."

"Did you have sex with her John?"

"Yeah but all I could think about was you!"

It was over in about a minute, she knew I didn't want to be with her. I didn't kiss her or anything! She said she wanted me to spend the night. I told her I had to go home. She told me to get the fuck out! I just couldn't stay, I had to find out if you were home yet."

Ashley turned from him. She just sat there, sitting in the sand staring out at the water.

"Are you okay, Ash."

"You know, I try not to think about you and her together because it hurts me too much. But knowing you had sex with her just last night, while you were thinking of me, must be a new form of torture, because I didn't know simple words could hurt this much. Please just take me home now."

"No Ashley! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you! But when I did it with her I realized, I don't love her anymore. She was no more to me than some random chick I screwed and never talked to again."

"My God, John! Just how many girls have you had sex with?"

"Oh no we're not getting into that right now! I have lost my feelings for Dorothea because I have new feelings for you. I want to be with you Ashley."

"And yet once again, you didn't break up with her."

"I'm not heartless Ash, I didn't want to dump her right after we had just fucked!"

Ashley shook her head. "I just can't listen to anymore of this, please take me home." She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath and let it out.

"No not until you listen to me, Ashley."

"What else is there?"

"Just this, I'm going to find her right now to break up with her and I want to be with you."

"I don't know John, I told you there's stuff you don't know about me."

"Richie told me everything. And I am so sorry your ex hurt you."

"Richie told me he wouldn't say anything. I didn't want you to know."

John looked into her big blue eyes. "Why Ashley? You should have told me. When I found out, I wanted to go find the dude and kill him. I was that pissed. I still am. Please know, that I would never hurt you or let anyone else hurt you. I would do anything for you, Ashley."

"That's why I don't want to rush into a relationship. I don't want somebody telling me what I can do. Or taking the chance of getting hurt again, if they cheat on me."

"God Ashley, I couldn't ever hurt you baby. The first time I saw you standing outside your Dad's I knew you were meant to be mine. Please say we can be together if I break up with Dot. If you want me to beg, I will."

"I just need some time. Please understand."

"Okay but I'm still breaking up with her.

"I'll take you home now, if you want."

"Okay, thanks."

They pulled up at Ashley's and got off the bike.

"I'm glad you went to the club with me tonight Ash. It felt so right being with you." He smiled.

"Thanks, I liked being with you too."

"I'll call you tomorrow and I'll come by and see you. The next time you see me I'll be single, I promise."

"Okay."

He gave her a sweet kiss on the lips and hugged her. "I've got to go." He walked back to his Harley and looked back at her, and drove off to find Dot.

He drove by her house and her car was gone. He knew where to find her. He pulled up at the pizza joint where she worked. He noticed her car parked on the side. He parked the Harley and went in.

"Hello Johnny." Bruno the owner welcomed him. "You haven't been in here in a while."

"No I haven't, I've been busy. Is Dot around?"

"She's not here, she got off hours ago. She doesn't really work nights anymore, for about the last two months."

John was sort of shocked. She had said she was working nights and staying late sometimes. He wondered. "What the fuck is going on?"

"Okay thanks, man." John got up and walked outside and went over to her car.
He didn't notice anything out of the ordinary, except she was nowhere around.

He heard a car coming up the street that he recognized. It was his ex best friend Bobby and sitting happily along side him was his missing girlfriend.

Dot got out in a short skirt, that she wasn't suppose to wear if John wasn't around. She rounded the car and leaned over in his window and kissed him, the way she used to kiss John. Bobby rubbed her under the skirt on her ass and she giggled.

John's temper was flaming. "Holy fuck! That bitch must have been cheating on me for a while! How the hell did I not notice this shit?" He thought.

He remembered the last couple of months how she was too busy working to see him. Then he wondered, who all knew? Am I the fucking town joke or what?" He thought.

She said her goodbye to Bobby and walked John's way. He stepped out from the darkness.

"So you're working late huh? Too busy to see me huh?"

"Johnny where did you come from?" Dorothea asked surprised.

"I came to see you and found out you don't even work at night anymore! Then I watched Bobby with his hand on your ass and your tongue down his throat and it just sort of all fell into place. You've been fucking around with Bobby!"

"I'm surprised you would even notice. It's not like you've had any time for me either!"

"So you go fuck your ex! Damn Dot, that's low, even for you!"

"Who are you to judge me? You fuck around all the time, you don't think I know, but I do!"

"How long have you been fucking Bobby?"

"Don't worry about it! You know he was the first guy I ever slept with and I still love him! The worst thing I ever did was cheat on him and leave him for you!"

"Well we can fix that now. He can have you back. You've always been easy. You were the easiest lay I ever had!"

"Good at least Bobby's a real man and not a wannabe rocker, Mama's boy like you!"

John laughed. "Yeah I love my Mama and she sure as hell was right about you. She hated me being with you she always said  I could do better. She told me if they cheat with you Johnny, they'll cheat on you. And look, she had you all figured out."

"I don't give a damn what she said. I can't stand your Mama. Look at you, you have no plans for the future and your parents don't even care! You should go out and get a real job like Bobby!"

"Fuck Bobby and you!" He can have your ass, you weren't ever that great in the sack anyway, I always hoped you get better!"

"Me! Bobby is way better in bed than you! What did you call that two second flash shit you pulled last night when we had sex huh?"

"I call it what it was, Dot. A pity fuck, because I felt sorry for you! I couldn't get into it because you don't turn me on anymore!"

"Well Bobby has his own apartment because he is a real damn man! I sure turned him on, because we had sex for hours there!"

This cut John to the straight to the bone. He had always trusted her.

He laughed. "And you fucked me last night, Dot. There's a name for girls like that. What was it? Oh yeah,......SLUT!" He emphasized.

"Oh you fucking bastard!" She screamed.

John walked over and climbed up on the Harley and drove away.

Leaving her standing there pissed and wondering where the hell he got a motorcycle from.

He couldn't go home, he was too upset. He needed a  stiff drink and a good friend to talk to. He pulled up at Richie's and parked next to his car. Richie heard the bike and opened the door.

"Hey man, what's up? He could tell by John's face something was wrong. "You were flying on cloud nine, the last time I saw you. What the hell happened?"

 "You ain't gonna believe this shit man!"

"Is something wrong with the Harley?"

"No it's fine. It's me that's messed up.

"Come in, you want a drink?"

"Hell yeah, the stiffer the better."

 "I got vodka and all sorts of shit on that table man."

"Start pouring it then."

"What happened?"

"I went looking for Dot, to break up with her. She's been lying to me, man. Her boss  told my she hasn't worked nights in a couple of months. Her car was still there, though. You'll never guess who I caught her fucking around with."

"Who?"

"Bobby, she's been seeing him for probably months!"

"Damn Johnny! Are you sure?"

"She told me! She pulled up with him."

"I didn't even know he was back in town."Richie replied.

"Me either. But he can have her ass. I went there to break up with her anyway. Then I found out the truth."

"Here man, here's the vodka, you want some orange juice with it?"

"Yeah what ever. I'm just so pissed that she was fucking lying to me! I know Bobby's just eating this up too. He was so pissed when she dumped him for me."

"Well you've been wanting to dump her, for a while now, so problem solved."

 "Yeah but I feel like a dumb ass, like I should have known something." John ran his hands through his hair.

I think you just really didn't care. You've been playing around yourself the last couple of months."

"And now with Ashley. She's a great girl. But do you really want to tie yourself back down? I mean don't you want to live it up a little? You don't have to sneak around anymore to do stuff you want to do. 

"Richie, I can't explain what she does to me."

"She doesn't want a boyfriend and she's got major trust issues. It might be a big problem sooner or later."

"Yeah, I guess. But I don't feel like I would cheat on her, though."

"Just wait til it's 3 a.m. your bored with her not having much experience in the sack and some hot young thing lays it out for you like a smorgasbord. How do you think you will feel then?"

"I don't know, man."

"And then there's Bret. Her feelings for him run deep. It's hard to compete with that."

"I guess you're right. I need to talk to her about all this shit before I try to get with her."

They started drinking screwdrivers and celebrating John being single.