Chapter 80: Who's The Real Daddy

"Ashley!" John exclaimed. "When did you get here?" He asked, hoping she only heard the tail end of the conversation.

"Just now. I just walked through the door.

"How did you get here so fast? I thought you had to wait on the beer guy to leave?" John asked hoping to change the subject.

"Bret got back early and told me he'd do it, that I could go ahead and leave. So what's going on? What's Patty talking about? What could you not wait to tell Richie?"

John felt nauseous as his stomach twisted in a knot. He cleared his throat as his stomach acid backed up into it. "This is it! We're over! When Patty tells her the truth, I've lost her for good." He thought to himself, while praying for this not to happen. Well I." He hesitated trying to come up with some sort of lie, but his mind just went blank.

Patty watched him squirm. She saw the anxious worry on his face. The almost desperate look in his eyes. She didn't want to feel bad for him, but something tugged at her heart strings. She turned to Ashley. "I confided in Johnny that my mother is really sick. She has cancer. I really didn't want anybody else to know and I just found out he told Richie."

"Oh my God Patty I am so sorry." Ashley stepped closer to her and put her hand on her shoulder. "Please let me know if there's anything you need or anything I can do to help."

"Thanks but we're managing just fine."

"Hello Ashley." Harold smiled from the club hallway walking over to her. "How are you?"

"I'm doing fine." She smiled.

"Sorry to drag you all the way over here. I've been so busy with this place, I haven't been able to make it over to the Fast Lane much.  Come on back to my office."

"Okay." Ashley walked to the back with him.

"Come on in and have a seat. I wanted to pick your brain a little bit. You're from the Mississippi Gulf coast right?"

"Yes Ocean Springs."

"Okay then I'm sure you are familiar with all the clubs in the area. I have recently stumbled onto an opportunity to buy into the Fiesta in Biloxi and another possible one in Pascagoula at Thunder's Tavern."

"Yeah I used to go to them all the time back home."

"Good maybe you can help me with a few things that I need to know."

Out front John looked over at Patty. I can't believe you did that for me." John looked at her hardly believing what he had just heard.

"I didn't do that for you. You deserve for her to know the truth and for her to leave your sorry ass. I did that for her. It's not her fault that you are a lying asshole."

"Well thanks for whatever reason you did it Patty." He smiled with the feeling of relief taking over his entire body.

"Just leave me alone!" She walked out of the club.

Richie and John walked outside. "Damn that was close. Do you think she will keep her mouth shut?" Richie asked watching her drive away.

"Yeah I mean she could have busted me big time just now to Ash, but she didn't! So yeah I think so."

"I hope so. Have you asked Ash about going to the haunted house party?"

"No I've had so much on my mind I just forgot."

"Well Darren's planning everything and he needs people to help him set up. I volunteered us and David. I wasn't sure about anybody else."

"Yeah man. I'll help and Tony too. That little shit loves that party. Even though Ma would shit three gold bricks if she ever found out he's ever been to any of them."

"Yeah I don't think your Mom would like that too much. I'm going to ask Stacey to go. I don't think she's ever been to one of them. At least I don't remember seeing her there.

"No me either." John replied looking over at the door when it opened and Ashley appeared. "Hey handsome, I'm looking for you."

"Well you found me sexy." He grinned and walked over to her. What did Harold want?"

"He's thinking about buying into some clubs back home and wanted to ask me some questions about them. What are y'all huddled up out here talking about?"

"Nothing really, I just wanted to see you before you left. Harold's really getting serious about expanding his clubs all over. Are you headed back to the Fast Lane?"

"Yeah but we can get some lunch first if you want to."

"Okay  yeah let's go next door. Richie do you want to go?" John asked kind of hoping he would say no since he wanted Ashley all to himself.

"Nah man, I've got to run home to get something. I'll just eat there."

"Okay later man." John replied and walked over to the restaurant with Ashley. They sat down and and the waitress brought over two menus and took their drink order.

 "You still coming over tonight? John asked looking over the menu.

"Yeah. It's so sad about Patty's mom. Why didn't you tell me about her being sick?"

"I just found out............He hesitated a little not knowing how to explain it further. "I didn't mean to tell Richie, but it just slipped out."

"I feel so bad for her. I wish there was some way we could help them."

"Yeah but Patty is tough she'll be fine. Let's forget about her. Let's talk about something else."

"Okay what?"

"Well you know Halloween is this weekend and we always go to this big party out at this abandoned haunted house."

"Is it really haunted?" She asked very curious to hear the answer.

"Well I don't know for sure. I haven't ever seen shit, but some people claim they have.

"Okay well it sounds like fun. I love Halloween." She smiled really big looking at him.

"Well you have to wear a costume." He grinned. "Something just for me and really sexy."

"Really now, so what are you going as?" She smiled.

"What I was born to be baby, a cowboy!" He said proudly with a broadening smile.


"Oh now, I just love cowboys." She grinned at him.

"Okay good it will be a blast I promise."

They finished eating their lunch and John paid the ticket. They walked hand in hand back over to the club.

"Damn this would be a totally different story if Patty had busted my ass in front of her." He couldn't help but think as he stood next to her car with her.

"You look like your a million miles away." She looked up at him and he seemed to snap instantly out of his daze.

"I'm sorry just thinking about the party. Richie's friend Darren from his band is in charge of getting everything ready. He needs me and him to help set things up. I could come pick you up after."

"Well is Richie asking Stacey to go?" She asked hoping they would give in and get together soon.

John smiled. "He told me he was."

"Okay then I can just ride with her there."

"Are you sure? Because I could come and pick you up after we finish."

"No it's okay. Help your friends. There's no need to make two trips. Stacey can help me get ready and then we'll drive on over there."

"Okay well I'll let you get back to work." He gently kissed her lips. "Bye baby."

"Bye." She drove away and he walked back in the club.

John was finishing up cleaning in the bar area when Richie walked in. "Damn that must of been some lunch! Your thirty minutes late!"

"Oh keep your shirt on! I had to help Darren with some shit for the party. Harold knows. He's fine with it. So everything alright with Ash or did she figure you out?"

"Yeah she didn't figure out what a dick I am. If that's what you're asking?"

"Well yeah, but I already know what a dick you are already!" Richie laughed.

"Haha you got jokes huh? The only thing funnier is your love life." John laughed.

"Well not for long. I think I'm going to ask Stacey to go out with me. I didn't think I would want to find another girlfriend so soon, but I really like her. I feel like she might say no though."

"Well she might, but you won't know if you don't ask her."

"Okay at the party. I'll have to get her alone though, away from all you jerks."

"Yeah you don't need witnesses to her cutting you off at the knees." John laughed.

"Your cocky now but I remember how nervous you used to be around Ash."

"Well yeah. I mean Ashley was my dream girl and I fucking knew I didn't stand a chance with her. But that only made me want her more, you know."

"Yeah I know. The more you think you can't have something, only makes you want it more."

"What are you going to do if she finds out about you and Patty? Do you really think she'll end it for good?" Richie asked but already kind of knew the answer.

"I don't even want to think about it. But yeah, I know she'll end it. After she kicks me in the balls." John replied with a hint of worry on his face.

"Well you better hope she never finds out then." Richie grinned.

"Hope, pray, pay people off. Whatever it takes."

"I hear you." I've got to go straighten up the storage room." Richie announced walking to the back.

John finished cleaning the bar. He had to repair two broken bar stools and refill all the ice machines. When the watch on his wrist struck 4, he was out the door.

Richie walked out behind him. "What's your hurry?"

John just smiled. "She comes up to about here on me." He raised his hand up to his chin. "She's got long blonde hair, gorgeous eyes and legs to die for."

"So Ashley's coming over?"

"Yeah when she gets off."

"Okay well I'm heading over to Darren's. I'll let you know what he needs us to do."

"Okay man thanks."

Ashley was working at her desk when the phone rang. "Hello." She answered hoping just a little it would be John calling.

"Ash."

"Yeah Ricky?"

"Yeah are you coming home right after work?"

"No I was going to John's."

"Well I need you to swing by here. I just went and picked Dad up and he wants to talk to you."

"Ricky I don't know. I mean so much has happened and I told you he hit me. I really don't know if I can face him."

"He feels bad Ash. I'll be here. I won't let nothing happen okay. So please stop by before you go over there."

"Okay but you're not leaving me alone with him!"

"I swear I won't."

"Okay I need to finish up here."

"I'll see you then."

"Okay bye Ricky."

"Bye."

Bret appeared in her doorway. "You okay Ash? You look upset or something."

"My brother just called. My Dad's out of jail and he wants to see me when I get off today. I just really don't know if I can go over there and face him. Look! My hands are shaking!"

"It's going to be okay. Look you don't need to drive like this. Why don't you let me take you over there to see him. I mean it won't be a problem or anything. I know Johnny can't do it. It wouldn't be the best idea to put those two in the same room."

"No they can't go around each other at all. I couldn't ask you to do that Bret. Ricky said he'll be there with me."

"Ash you're not asking me to do it. I'm just worried about you and I want to make sure you're safe. If things are shady or get hairy in anyway we're out of there. Okay?"

"Maybe I am honestly afraid of him. My Dad is a big guy. I guess I would feel better if you go with me. Thanks Bret. I'll really owe you for this." She still seemed a little worried.

"Hey don't mention it." He smiled at her. "We can go ahead and go. I'll meet you out by my car."

"Okay I'll be out in a minute." Ashley took some deep breaths trying to call down. She walked outside to find Bret sitting on the hood of a car.

"You ready?" He asked.

"Yeah, you bought another car?"

"Yeah, you like it?"

"Yes it's cool. Did you keep the red one?"

"Yeah I still got it."

"Good! I love that car."

They got in and started driving. "

"How are you and Johnny doing."

"Truth is I don't know. Did you hear about Dorothea?"

"That's she's knocked up and Johnny is the proud papa? Yeah I heard. I'm sorry Ash."

"I wouldn't exactly call him proud. Reluctant and scared to death maybe. Well anyway I broke it off with him, but I had second thoughts and we made up. I love him I just thought if I made the choice for him he would have to pick his child and be with the mother. I just felt like that was the right thing to do for the baby. But when I thought of him with her I got nauseous. I don't want him with anybody else. I truly love him."

"He is making your life a living hell Ash. All the shit you have to put up with him!"

"He loves me Bret! I know he does."

"Well I hope so for your sake."

Ashley grabbed her head.

"Are you okay?" He asked worried about her.

"Yeah I have been getting more headaches lately. I used to get them a lot after my fall, but my doctor back home put me on some medicine that usually stops me from getting them. I was having some really bad ones after some seizures I had. This medicine has been a God send. I don't know why it's not working now. Maybe it's stress related."

"You've got to take care of yourself Ash. Have you told your doctor about them?"

"No I haven't even looked for a doctor out here yet. I'm not even sure where to start looking."

"Well I have a checkup soon because of my diabetes, I could ask my doctor to recommend somebody for you."

"Okay that would be great. Just let me know."

They pulled up in front of Ashley's house. Bret could tell she was more than just nervous, she was actually scared of her own father. "It's okay Ash he isn't going to hurt you, I promise."

"Okay I'm ready." They got out and Ashley stood beside the car to get her courage up. Bret walked over and gently took her hand and began walking to the door. She opened the door and they walked in.

"Hey Ash, Bret." Ricky nodded at Bret.

"Hey man." Bret replied back to him. A little nervous awaiting the appearance of her father.

"He's back here come on." Ricky walked them to the kitchen.

"Ashley it's so good to see you." Her father sat perched at the kitchen table, where he had just finished eating his supper.

"Daddy." She spoke to him without any sort of emotion at all.

"Hi sir I'm Bret, a friend of Ashley's."

"Nice to meet you son. Ash can I speak to you alone?" He asked glancing up at her and she quickly turned to Bret.

"I'm sorry Daddy but anything you want to say to me you can say in front of Bret."

"Well if that's how you want it. I am very sorry for everything that happened. I don't know what came over me that day. I wish I could take every bit of it back." He looked at her genuinely sorry and remorseful.

"But you can't Daddy!"

 She continued. "You almost killed John and you hurt me Daddy. Way more than just a bruise on my face. You hurt my heart and I guess maybe you are sorry but right now I can't forgive you."  Ashley sniffled as tears began streaming down her face.

"But Ash I love you." Randy spoke with a weakness cracking in his voice.

"I'll be back later. Come on Bret let's go." She turned and walked to the door with Bret following.

They got out to the car. "It's okay, dry your eyes. It hurts me to see you crying. He reached in his glove box and grabbed a little stack of napkins.

"Thanks. I really appreciate you coming here with me today. I couldn't ask John and I just couldn't face him for the first time by myself."

"You don't have to thank me. I'll always be here for you. Anything you need. Don't be afraid to ask. You know how I feel about you girl and there ain't nothing ever going to change that."

"I don't deserve your frienship Bret. I was real shitty to you and I wouldn't give you any kind of chance at all. I got all involved with John and just turned my back on you. With everything that's happened, I just can't help but wonder if maybe............She stopped in mid sentence.

"Maybe what Ash? Maybe it was a mistake?"

"I don't know. Me being with John almost got him killed. And now Dorothea's pregnant with his baby. It makes me feel like I'm in the way of them raising their child together. Maybe the fortune teller was right. Maybe nothing good will ever come from me being here. I'm just so damn confused."

"Don't listen to any dumb fortune teller. They don't know shit. And what your Dad did to John wasn't your fault and anybody would feel the way you do about Dot and the baby. If he loves you and wants to be with you, everything else will work it's self out. So don't worry so much."

"I hope your right. Let's get out of here."

"Okay." He cranked up the car and they drove back to the Fast Lane. She got out and walked over to her car.

"Well don't work too hard. I'll see you tomorrow." She got in her car.

"Okay bye babe."

Bret walked back inside the club and Ashley drove off to meet John. She pulled up at the apartment and walked up the steps. She knocked and the door swung open.

"Well hello beautiful." John smiled happy to see her.

"Hey."

"What took you so long?"

"I had to stop by my house first."

"Okay well I'm starving. We could order a pizza if you want to."

"That sounds good. I'm kind of hungry." Ashley replied and John ordered the pizza.

"You okay?" John asked picking up on something was wrong with her.

"Yeah my Dad is out. That's why I went by my house. Ricky called me at work and told me he wanted to see me."

"Damn Ash what did he want?"

"Nothing really.  To tell me he was sorry. I just can't forgive him and I told him so."

"I wish you would have told me. I wouldn't have let you go over there by yourself!"

"You couldn't have gone with me John! I don't want you to ever be around him! Not after he almost killed you."

"Well I worry about you baby. He hit you! I remember that! That's why I jumped on him!"

"Yeah he apologized for that too. But it didn't change how I feel about him. I love him because he's my father but I don't want anything to do with him. It's weird I know."

"I know it's hard for you to understand. Your family is so close."

"Oh I understand alright! My Mom drives me nuts! She's always thinking she knows what's best for me. She wants me to marry Dot and settle down with her, just because of the baby! And she always hated her when we were dating!"

Ashley looked sad. "Like she hates me now?"

"She doesn't hate you Ash. She just doesn't know you like I do. How much you make me happy. How much I seem to make you happy. Like when I take your breath away when I kiss you like this." He laid her back on the couch and started kissing her."Or how you get goose bumps everytime I run my tongue on  your neck like this." He began licking her neck and goosebumps rippled up all over her body.

She pushed him away. "Wait John stop!"

"What's the matter?"

"I didn't come over here to sleep with you!"

"Why the hell not? I thought we made up. What's going on?"

"Look John we are not even officially back together! I broke up with you! Remember?"

"Oh that! Nah I never really excepted that, so we were never really broken up!" He chuckled.

"John I'm serious! We have some things to work out if we're going to be back  together!"

"Like what? You know I love you! You know I want to be with you! What else is there?" He began questioning her.

"Well Patty for one. When you're drinking and she's around you act totally different. I just think there's more there than you want to admit."

"I thought we were past all that! I told you I was sorry about being an asshole to you! I swear Ash, Patty doesn't mean anything to me. You are the only girl I want. The only girl I need."

"That's not how it felt when watched the two of you together."

"I'm sorry but Patty quit the house band this morning. I don't have to work with her anymore, so she's out of our lives. Come on Ash, just forget about her!"

"Well even if I forget about Patty. There's always Dorothea to focus on."

"Nope she's just an ex too! We didn't work out and I moved on with you. I'll be there for my kid but I don't have any feelings at all for Dot. So we need to put all this shit behind us!"

"I don't know." She looked at him pouting just a little.

"Come on! What do I have to do or say to make you understand? You are the only girl in my life! Nobody has ever made me feel the way you do! If I could go back in time and fix this I would! Those girls don't mean anything to me! But we have to get past this.  We need to start over right now! Nothing that happened before this very second even matters." He smiled hopeful she would agree. "So please repeat after me."

"Okay."

"I love you and nothing matters but the two of us right now."

She looked into his beautiful blue eyes as she repeated every word. "I love you and nothing matters but the two of us right now."

"Thank you baby. We'll get through this. I swear." He put his arms around her and hugged her.

"I want to. I really do, but I don't want to feel like I'm second best."

"No way baby. You are always first in my heart."

"God I hope so."

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. John opened it and paid for the pizza. He sat the box on the table and they started eating.

When they finished. "Let's go walk out on the beach."

"Okay if you want to."


They walked down by the water. "Are you nervous about tomorrow?" She asked as he stopped walking.


"Yeah a little bit. You're still going with me right?"

"Yeah of course. I'll be there for you John."

They kept walking over by the rocks.

"So we're okay. I want everything to be like it was before." He studied her face for her reaction.

"Yeah John as long as you are honest with me we can get through anything. And yes we are okay. I love you."

As they were walking up the beach a little ways they spotted a bonfire and walked toward it.

"Hey Johnny!" David Sabo ran over to him.

"What's up Dave? You're having a party out here and didn't invite me?"

"We didn't know you were even home man. This is just a little send off for my buddy A.J. he's heading off to the navy tomorrow. Do you and Ashley want a beer?"

"Sure man we'll take one."

"Here you go." Dave handed them each a beer.

"Ashley this is my girl Nicole."

"Hey nice to meet you."

"You too." Nicole answered back.

Dave nudged John over by the fire as the girls made small talk. "I thought you guys broke up."

"Nah not really. It's sort of complicated but we're still together."

"Okay cool. Does she know about Dot being pregnant?"

"Yeah we're working through it."

"Okay good. Hey speak of the devil. Dot's friends with Nicole and she said she was coming tonight."

"Oh damn!" John walked over to Ashley. "We might need to go."

"Why What's wrong?"

"Let's just go!" He grabbed her arm.

"No tell me what's going on!"

"Dot was invited to come."

"Look John I appreciate what you're trying to do, but we can't run and hide everytime she shows up somewhere."

"Yeah but." John tried to argue with her.

"Just drink your beer and don't worry about her."

John talked to Dave about music stuff and Ashley hung out with some of the girls.

"Well Johnny you've got yourself quite the little love triangle going on!" Sebastian laughed.

"Just lay off Sebastian! I ain't in the mood for your shit!"

"Just tell me how'd you convince Ashley to stay with you, with your bun in Dot's oven?" He chuckled. "Or maybe she's into threesome's now." He laughed. Hey if your hands are too full I can take up your slack with Ashley just like I'm doing in the Rest!" He continued to laugh. "She's got the hots for me! I can tell how she gives me those bedroom eyes of hers!"

"Fuck you Sebastian!" John snapped. Letting him push his buttons.

"Well I can hear your voice ain't getting any better. Don't worry, I am covering for you in the band. Everywhere we play people tell me I'm the best singer the Rest has ever had!" He laughed.

"Well I'm getting something done to help my voice tomorrow. So I wouldn't count on keeping my job much longer!"

"Okay we'll see then!" Sebastian walked off.

Dorothea arrived and spotted John. "Hi Johnny I've been trying to call you. I have a doctor's appointment at 2:30  tomorrow and I want you to go with me."

"I can't go. I've got to go to my doctor and get some injections done for my voice."

"Well I can reschedule and go with you John. We have to be there for each other. It's in the best interest for our baby."

"No that's okay. I asked Ashley to go with me."

"Okay well I guess I will just let you know how it goes at the doctor's office."

"Yeah okay whatever."

"What is this hostile attitude you have toward me Johnny. You would think with a baby on the way, you would be happier."

John laughed. "Yeah oh boy, I'm fucking thrilled!"

"Well you should be. It's a blessing to have a baby with someone you love. And we were so in love when this baby was made. Don't you remember? How good we were together?" She looked over at Ashley hoping to see a reaction on her face.

This pissed John off. "Look Dot don't even try to act like we're some happy couple expecting a baby. You were just looking for a guy to fall into this baby trap of yours and I guess I'm the sucker!"

"How can you say that! I had hoped you would wake up and realize we were meant to be together."

"That's not going to happen! I know where I belong and it's with Ashley!"

He turned and grabbed Ashley's hand and they started walking toward the apartment. "I'm sorry baby. That she's always in your face with her bullshit."

"Don't worry about it John. It's okay."

"Are you staying with me tonight?"

"No I really need to go home. I told my Dad I would come back."

"I'm sorry Ash. I wish I could go with you, but my Dad told me I can't go anywhere near him."

"Yeah I know and it's probably for the best. He apologized for everything , but I can't just forgive and forget that he almost killed you."

"God Ash please be careful. I wish you would stay here with me."

"I need to go but I will get off early and go with you to the doctor."

"Okay good. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye John."

He kissed her on the lips and she drove away. John went up to his apartment. He heard a knock and pulled open the door.

"What did you forget? He smiled.

"Oh you're happy to see me huh?" Dorothea smiled back at him.

"Hell no I thought you were Ashley!"

"No I just saw her driving away so I thought I would come check on you."

"That's not necessary and you can leave now!"

Dot pushed her way in.

"Well just come on in then!" John snapped sarcastically.

"I wish you could blow off your doctor appointment. My doctor wants to do an ultrasound to check some things. It will be the first glimpse of our baby."

"No I can't I've got to get my voice back in shape. Sebastian is too fucking comfortable with my job in the band and I've got to take it back."

"Well okay. I'll try to get a photo or something of it for you."

"Okay Dot thanks. That's nice of you. I'm sorry I've been such an asshole lately."

"Yeah well I'm used to it." She walked over to the door. "I guess I'll leave you here all by yourself to be lonely. Good luck at the doctor. I hope he helps you get your voice back. See you later."

"Thanks bye."

She walked out.

The next day John's appointment was quickly approaching. He was nervous and his palms was sweating as he pulled the front door open. "Hey Ash I'm glad you're here. I'll be so glad to get this over with."

They walked out to John's car. They made their way to the doctor's office. John was surprised to walk in and find his Mom there. "What's wrong with your phone? I tried to call you." She asked concerned.

"Nothing that I know of."

"Why is she here?" She looked disappointed to see Ashley standing there.

"Because I asked her to come here with me! So don't start!"

"Well I'm going back with you! She can just wait out here!" Carol announced glancing over at Ashley.

"Look Ma I am a grown damn man! I don't need my mother to go back there with me! Okay?"

Ashley watched him standing up to his mom with a small grin appearing on her face.

John was called back and Ashley sat there thinking maybe he wanted to do it on his own. He made it to the door. He stopped and turned back toward her. "Come on Ash." He motioned for her to get up and go with him.

They walked to the back to wait for the doctor. "Thanks for coming with me." He wiped his sweaty hands on his jeans and grabbed her hand in his.

The nurse came in and had John lay down on an exam table. Ashley stood beside him but made sure she wasn't in the way. He closed his eyes and the nurse got the area ready for the injections.

 The doctor appeared. "Well I'm glad you decided to let me do this procedure. Well I take it you have brought this lovely lady here for moral support?"

"Yeah she actually talked me into getting the shots. She's had them herself."

"Well good. I think this will help you a lot."

John held onto Ashley's hand as the doctor inserted the first large needle into his neck.

He laid perfectly still trying not to even breath. Ashley turned away, not liking needles herself. She squeezed his hand gently, to let him know everything was going to be okay. He held onto her through the whole procedure. After the fifth and final needle was injected and removed, John breathed a sigh of relief and looked over at her with the worry on his face fading and a little smile forming on his lips.

"Damn I'm glad that's over. Thanks for being here with me." He looked up at her.

"Of course. There's nowhere else I'd rather be than with you." She smiled.

Across town Dorothea and Erica were looking at the ultrasound monitor as the doctor explained different things to them about the images.

After it was over the doctor announced. "Well it is just as I had thought. The way your uterus is growing. You are further along than we originally calculated. So this means your conception date was at least a  month before the original date we estimated."

"That can't be! Dot began to argue. I couldn't have gotten pregnant then! I was still on birth control pills!"

"Well they're not a hundred percent effective. I see a few women every month that got pregnant while taking them. It's not really that big a deal is it? Your due date will be a month earlier, but everything else will be the same."

Dot's face turned white as a ghost she knew if she had gotten pregnant a month earlier there was absolutely no chance John Bongiovi was the father. "Fuck!" She heard ring out loudly in her brain as she locked eyes with Erica, who was also well aware what this change of due date meant. Okay I'll let you get dressed and then I'll talk to you in my office." He opened the door and walked out.

Dorothea got dressed in shock. She couldn't believe what she just heard. "Damn it! What good is it to take the pill if you can get pregnant any damn way?" She whined looking over at Erica.

"Yeah and you know this means Johnny isn't the father." Erica announced like Dot hadn't already realized this fact.

"So Dot, who's the lucky guy? Who's the real daddy?"

Chapter 79: About Last Night

Ashley stayed up late in her room beside her phone waiting for John to call. Stacey laid on her bed watching her, knowing she wished the phone would just go ahead and  ring.

"God what is taking him so long? He said he was just dropping her off!" She looked over at Stacey. Her impatience showing on her face.

"Who knows. Call him, if you're that worried."

"No! He said he would call me! Call Richie, see if he made it home. Maybe John is with him."

"Okay."

Stacey picked up the phone and dialed.

"Hello." Richie picked up the phone on the 2nd ring.

"Richie hey it's Stacey. You made it home okay from dropping the wicked bitch of the east off? She giggled amusing herself.

"Haha yeah. I tried to call you but no answer."

"I'm over at Ash's and she's all upset that Johnny hasn't called her yet. Is he there with you or did you drop him off at the apartment?" Stacey asked and winked at Ashley who had moved closer to the phone and sat down. Hoping so much to hear that John wasn't still with Dorothea.

"No he got in a fight with Dot in the limo and she slugged his ass right in the face!" Richie laughed. 

"Oh my God, well good for her! Yay Dot!" Stacey laughed.

"What happened?" Ashley questioned looking at her face.

Stacey just kept talking.

"What happened then?"

Johnny got pissed and got out of the limo. He told me to take her home. He walked back to the club. I guess one of the guys gave him a ride. He wasn't there when I got back. I'm wiped can I call you tomorrow?"

"Yeah Okay just call me tomorrow. Bye." Then she hung up.

"What happened?" Ashley asked about to exploded wanting to know what they were talking about.

"Well you don't have to worry about Johnny being with Dorothea tonight. They got in a fight down the road from the club and she hit him and he got out of the limo and walked back to the club and got a ride home from one of the guys."

Ashley smiled. "Oh good,  I'm so glad he's not with her! He must have been so tired he probably just passed out when he got home and forgot to call me. I can't believe that bitch hit him though."

"Well he kinda deserved it after he acted like a drunk asshole tonight!"

"You've got to stop being so hard on John. He has a lot on his mind. He's worried about his voice getting better. His parents are always on his back. And now Dorothea and the baby. That's why he was drinking so much tonight, so please back off and give him a break! Please for me."

"I wish you would see Johnny for who he is Ashley. A drunk jerk that is only out for himself. And sooner or later he is going to break your heart honey. I wish you had listened to me when I warned you about him."

"It's my heart to break Stace. I love him. I'm in too deep. John loves me. He wouldn't do anything to hurt me. Now come on drop this! Let's change the subject. What's going on with you and Richie?"

"Nothing." She smiled. "We're just friends."

"Really? Then what's that smile all about?Huh?"

"Richie's a sweet guy, but I'm taking it slow."

"Okay. I like y'all together. Two of my favorite people."

"Dang I'm tired turn out the light, let's go to bed." Stacey yawned.

The next morning. Carol had woken up early and gotten ready to take John to the doctor she pulled into the apartments and parked next to John's Mustang. She got out and slowly walked up the steps. Nursing her right knee that had been bothering her a little lately. She knocked on the door and no answer.

"Where the heck could he be?" She mumbled to herself. "I bet he has overslept." She thought to herself. She turned the doorknob hoping it would unlocked. She smiled really big when it was. She walked in and there was clothes thrown all over the living room. She turned her nose up at the matching bra and panties she saw laying on the floor.

"I am going to kill that damn boy!" She mumbled. I told him to leave that damn  Ashley girl alone!" She marched to the bedroom door and turned the doorknob and flipped on the light.

She walked in and was absolutely stunned to see John in bed with Patty. She was all cozied up to him and they were both still asleep. And from the used condom, she saw on the floor it was obvious what her oldest child had been up to.

"Johnny!" She screamed waking them up. "What in the hell are you doing here with her?"

"Oh damn!" Patty groaned. Seeing John's Mother like this was a nightmare for her. The woman hated her.

"Ma what are you doing here?" John leaned over on his elbow and questioned his mother, half asleep still trying to get his bearings.

"I'm here to take you to the doctor! What in the hell are you doing messing with her? You promised me you would leave her alone!"

"Ma can you hop out for a minute? We kinda need to get dressed!"

"Yes but you have some explaining to do!" She walked out in a huff.

"Get dressed Patty! You've got to go! And I know there is no need to say this but last night never happened! Okay? I was fucked out of my mind on tequila. But I can't lose Ash over this! Okay? So not a damn word to anybody!"

"Oh okay. Really? But I thought maybe we were getting back together. The way you kissed me. The way we made love. It was fantastic Johnny. It was like old times."

"Wait no Patty! It was just sex! No strings attached and we didn't even finish all the way! I never shot off! All I could think about was Ashley! That's why I threw you off of me and I couldn't get off! So no we weren't making love! We just had sex and it wasn't even for that long so it really doesn't even count!" He yelled trying to make sure she understood.

Patty looked disgusted. "Are you really trying to tell me that your dick shoved all the way inside me doesn't even count! We fucked and you were very much into it! So don't even try to twist it up now because you are worried about your precious Ashley finding out!" She yelled as her face showed she was mad as hell.

"Patty look! Yeah we got caught up. We were drunk and it went too far. I never meant for it to go all the way to sex! I was just going to let you give me some head! You wanted to go all the way! Not me! I wasn't even into it that much!"

She laughed out loud. Well your dick was mighty hard when you were fucking me for someone that wasn't interested! You know what? Fuck you Johnny! She got up wrapping the sheet around her looking for her clothes. She barged out into the living room with Carol's disapproving stare greeting her. She grabbed her clothes off the floor and went into the bathroom. John had torn her shirt when he ripped it off her. So she grabbed one of his off the bathroom floor and got dressed. She hurried to the door and slammed it as she went down the outside steps.

John's head was pounding. Blurry thoughts of the night before running through his mind as he got in the shower. The hateful way he had spoken to Ashley about Sebastian and Gunner. He remembered flirting with Patty on stage, in front of everybody. The way he drug her to sit at their table, right in front of Ashley. He kept picturing  the look on her face.

"Damn it! Stacey was right, I am a fucking asshole! How did I do this? Ash can't find out! She just fucking can't!" He thought as he remembered the way she looked at him when he left her there to take Dorothea home. And the final straw. Him letting things go to far with Patty. "Damn it!" He thought. I didn't mean to sleep with her!" He thought as the hot water  continued to cover and caress his body. "God what am I going to say to her? She must be so fucking pissed at me! Fuck! I've got to make this up to her. I don't want to lose her." He thought as he turned the water off, dreading the impending conversation that was sure to take place with his Mom in the next few minutes. He got out and dried off. He was leaving out of the bathroom when a highly upset Carol met him at the door.

"Well little miss trouble left and I think she stole one of your shirts!"

"I don't care, I'm just glad she left."

"What were you thinking bringing that girl back here? Don't you remember what she did to you? I thought you were smarter than that son!" Carol threw up her hands and rolled her eyes.

"Just lay off Ma! Please my head is pounding right now!"

"Well it serves you right! You have got to quit all this drinking and running with all these loose girls! I know you don't want my opinion, but I am going to give it to you anyway! It's time to settle down with your mother of your child!"

"Oh God don't start with that! There is absolutely nothing between me and Dot!"

"Well there could be, if you would give Dorothea half a chance! Well at least you are over that little trampy blonde if you are bringing girls back home to your bed!"

"Quit saying that shit about Ash, Ma! I already told you not to talk about her like that! I love her and nothing you say is going to change that!"

"I just don't even understand you! Don't you see if you really loved her you wouldn't have ended up romping around in here with that damn Patty!"

"Look I was drunk and Patty came on to me! It was my fault though! I never should have let her bring me home!" He went in his room grabbing up clothes out of a pile on his floor. He went in the bathroom and got dressed and quickly blow dried his hair.

He came out and sat on the couch. His Mom was digging in her purse for something. "Damn it! Well come on I have to stop by the house! I forgot the insurance card! And your a new patient at that office, we have to have it!" She walked to the door and he followed her.

He went outside squinting from the morning sun. "Damn it it's bright out here!"  He mumbled shoving on his sunglasses walking  to his Mom's car.

 He was developing a nervous knot in his stomach just thinking about being that close to Ashley's house. God he wanted to see her so bad, but he didn't know what he would say to her. He had treated her like shit and he knew it. "Damn I am such a fucking asshole!" He thought looking out the window at the beach as they l drove toward his family home.

Carol parked and got out. Hurrying inside to look for the insurance card. John got out and was leaning on his Mom's car looking over at Ashley's house.

He was just about to light the cigarette in his hand when suddenly the front door swung open and he laid his eyes on the most gorgeous girl he couldn't get out of his thoughts. She was dressed for work. Wearing a top and matching short skirt and heels. "Damn she looks hot!" He thought as she walked over to him with a hint of a smile on her face.

"Hey." She broadened her smile looking up at him.

"Hey." He looked at her not really knowing what else to say. He was positive somehow she would be able to sense he had been in bed with another woman.

"What happened to you? I waited for you to call me night."

Me and Dot got into it. She slapped me and I bailed on taking her home. I walked back to the club and got a ride home later with Richie."


"Richie gave you a ride?" She asked a little  suspiciously.

"Yeah when he brought the limo back." Why did she just ask me that? Damn! Does she know I was with Patty? "Fuck!" He thought.

"Are you feeling okay?" She asked looking at him a little strangely.  "You were so drunk last night!" She giggled a little.

"I'm sorry." He smiled with relief that she didn't seem to know anything."I went straight to bed when I got home." He had trouble looking in her eye. Technically it wasn't a lie. It was what he was doing in that bed last night with Patty, that was bothering him.

"I figured you were tired." She replied.

He felt so damn bad. The loving way she was looking at him just made it worse. Images of him and Patty going at it, were flashing in his mind and he couldn't seem to control it. "Yeah I feel like shit today. Mom's taking me to see the doctor this morning. The doc's going to check out my throat and voice. Hope it's good news that I will be better than ever soon."

"I think you're getting better. You sound better to me." She smiled.

"Listen Ashley, I just want to say. I am so sorry how I acted last night. I was drunk but that ain't no excuse. I just wasn't myself at all. I'm so sorry for everything that happened. You mean everything to me baby and I just feel so bad for treating you badly. I'm so sorry."

"It's okay John. I know you were drunk, but it did really hurt my feelings when you questioned my feelings for you and thought I wanted to be with Sebastian or Gunner."

"I remember and I'm so sorry. I'm just a selfish jerk. I know you love me.  I was just jealous. I trust you Ash. I know you wouldn't do that to me." He replied but  seemed a little nervous.

"Are you okay?" She asked wondering why he was acting so weird.

"Yeah I hate doctors. Ever since I was six and fell out of a tree and broke my arm. The doctor had to finish breaking it to set it. I just really don't even want to go!"

She walked over to him and hugged him. "You are going to be okay. They are just checking everything out to make sure it's healing properly." She pulled back a little looking up at him. "Be sure and call me and tell me what he says."

"I will. How about a little kiss." He grinned.

"Okay." She smiled.

He leaned down and grabbed her and kissed her so deeply she felt a little dizzy when he let her go."

"What was that for? She asked wiping her mouth a little with her finger.

John sat down on the hood of his Mom's car. "I just love you and I don't want anything to ever come between us."

Carol walked outside. John saw her and got nervous, knowing she could tell Ashley what really happened last night. "Well I guess she's ready now. I'll let you get on to work. I'll call you later and let you know how it goes with the doctor."

"Okay thanks." She smiled.

He pulled her in for a hug. He held her tight. "I love you Ash and I am so very sorry."

"Okay stop apologizing you didn't do anything that bad. I love you too." She let him go. "Well I need to go." She walked over to her car and got in and drove away  as he stood there watching until she was out of sight.

"Why do I always find you with the wrong girls?" Carol asked opening her car door. She is all wrong for you Johnny. You need to put all your energy toward Dorothea. I mean you don't want her to end up with someone else and that guy start raising your child? Do you?"

"Just stop with the Dot crusade! That bitch slapped me in my face last night!"

"Oh honey that's just her hormones making her crazy. She is going to be that way til the baby comes." She laughed a little. "When I was pregnant with you I did all kinds of crazy stuff."

"This is her personality everyday. She's won a few karate tournaments and now she thinks she's Bruce Lee or something! I don't want to talk about her anymore! Please let's just drop this subject!" John insisted.

"Okay well I heard Ashley's father is getting out of jail today. Please promise me, you will stay away from that girl. If you tie up with him again, I think your father will go to jail this time, because he'll kill him!"

"I can't promise you that and her dad can't keep me from her either."

Carol just shook her head and rolled her eyes. "You are just so stubborn just like your father! It drives me nuts!"

The rest of the ride was pretty quiet.

They pulled into to the Jersey Shore medical arts building parking lot.

 John all of a sudden was very nervous and uneasy. He had always hated doctors and any type of medical setting, but since his recent injury it had gotten a lot worse.

They entered the building and signed in. John sat down and found a current Rolling Stone magazine to read. He tapped one of his Converse high tops on the heel of his other one, as he impatiently waited to see the doctor and just get this the hell over with.

Finally he heard his name. "Johnny Bongiovi, you can come back now."

He got up with his mom and walked to the back. After getting his vital signs, his current weight and height he was whisked to another room to wait some more. After being thoroughly checked out by the doctor. He was sent for a couple of tests. Then he was sent to the Doctor's office.

"Some of your injury looks like it's healing okay but I am a little concerned about the swelling still around his larynx that's your voice box,  Johnny. It's what's causing your husky sounding voice. I would like to give you a series of shots of steroids directly in your larynx. It will help with the swelling and inflammation." Dr. Johnson explained.

"No doc! Shots in my throat! There has to be something else!"

"Well there is surgery. That would be our next step if the shots fail anyway."

"No I don't want any of it!" John exclaimed sort of freaking out.

"Calm down son."  Carol put her arm around him. She knew how he hated doctors. "Do we have to decide right now? Can we talk it over with my husband and get back to you?"

"Sure. But we don't need to put it off really long. The inflammation can cause permanent damage to his larynx and I know that he is a singer and this injury has really affected his vocal performance. I'll go ahead and set it up for tomorrow at 3:00. If you decide against it for now, just call."

"Okay thanks Dr. Johnson. Carol smiled politely taking the appointment reminder card.

John was sitting in shock. He hated needles and surgery more than doctors and now this quack wanted him to maybe deal with both. "Damn it!" He thought to himself as he was still trying to process the bad news he just received.

Carol and John walked out into the hall. Waiting for paperwork to check out and leave.

"You are just going to have to do this. I think it's the right thing. It will get you better faster!" She tried to explain to him.

"No I don't want needles in my neck or anywhere else! I ain't doing it!"

"Don't you want to get better? Singing is your dream and you are playing with your future!" Carol got a little louder trying to talk some sense into her oldest child.

They finished up at the checkout desk and started driving home. Carol tried to bring it up but John wouldn't even talk to her. "Do you want to stop for some food?"

"Nah I ain't hungry." He mumbled. She drove him to the apartment and he got out and went over to his motorcycle and sat down on it a couple of minutes.

His Mom sat there in her car watching him. He cranked up and drove down the beach out of sight. She started driving home, wondering where he was going.


John pulled up at the Fast Lane.

He parked right beside Ashley's car. He walked inside and a guy he had never seen before stopped him. "I'm sorry man we aren't open yet."

"That's  fine. I'm Johnny I play in one of the  bands here."

"Okay sorry. Bret just hired me for security, I'm Kurt. There was a robbery the other night in the back parking lot."

"Oh okay. Have you seen Ashley around?"

"You must be talking about the hot little blonde. Watch out she's cold. I been coming onto her all day and she just keeps shooting me down." He grinned.

Ashley walked out from the back and John walked over to her and just started kissing her. Right in front of Kurt.

John pulled back and looked at him. "Funny she ain't cold at all to me." He smiled at him and let her go.

"You're so crazy! What are you doing?" She giggled a little.

"Messing with this jerk that just told me how good looking but cold you were to him.

"Yeah he is pretty persistent. I told him I was already involved with somebody. But you know better than anybody how guys like that are." She smiled up at him.

"What are you saying? I was persistent?"

"Yeah you were! You wouldn't take no for an answer either! You never gave up trying to get me in the bed!"

"Well it worked out didn't it! You got the best sex of your life!" He chuckled.

"Don't you mean the only sex of my life? Maybe it's not the best. I mean how  would I know? Maybe your just telling me it's the best." She smiled up at him and she could see the worry on his face. "What's wrong? You know I'm just playing right?"

"Oh no it ain't that. I just got back from the doctor's office and he's talking about some kind of shots in my neck and maybe surgery."

"Oh John I'm so sorry. All of this is all my fault. It was my father that hurt you. This is all because of me." She looked at him upset knowing either option was going to be painful for him. "Is it steroid shots?"

"Yeah I think so."

"I had to get them in the neck for a while after my fall. I'm not going to lie. They are painful, but they do help. I had alot of trauma and inflammation. I couldn't even turn my neck. After the shots it was a lot better. My doctor told me I will have to have surgery later. That my problem will get worse as I get older."

"God Ash, I'm sorry."

"Aww don't worry about me, what are you going to do?"

"I told him no! I don't need it!"

"But I know you want to get better. You want to sing with your band. Maybe these shots will help and you won't need surgery."

"I don't know. They want me to get them tomorrow at 3:00. Can you go with me? If you were there to hold my hand maybe I could stand it." He looked at her hoping she would say yes.

"Yeah sure anything you want John. I will be glad to go with you."

"Okay can you come by my house after work. I really need to be with you tonight."

"Yeah I can. Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah I just have a lot on my mind and I just need to see you tonight?"

"Yeah I'll be there."

"Okay, see you later." He kissed her cheek and headed out the door.

Kurt was out front smoking. "So you're the boyfriend huh?"

John grinned. "Yep that's me."

"You're a lucky dude. She seems like a great girl. It's hard to keep up a girl like that though. I mean she could have anybody or almost anything she really wanted."

"Maybe." John replied and started thinking about what this dude was really saying.

"It just makes me wonder how long she will just settle for you?" He kind of chuckled.

"Well I think you're putting a little too much thought into my girl!" John replied getting a little angry.

"Bret has filled me in all about you Bongiovi. You need to know I take my job very seriously and I won't tolerate you or your fighting bullshit very well. So watch yourself."

"Yeah whatever! Just stay away from Ashley! She ain't interested!"

John jumped on his motorcycle and drove to the Galaxy club.

He went in and Kristen was carrying a heavy box in the side door. John ran over to her. "Let me get that for you." He grabbed it and took it out of her hands."

"Thanks Johnny. Just put it behind the bar."

"Where's Richie? I saw his car out front." He  asked setting the box down.

"He's back in the storage room. Harold has him looking in old boxes for the deed to his house."

"What's he need that for?"

"I don't know but he's anxious to find it."

"I'll go help him." John smiled headed to the back.

"Where have you been? This should be your job." Richie exclaimed digging through a box.

"I had to go to the doctor this morning."

"Ok yeah, how did it go?"

"He wants to give me a series of shots in my damn neck and or possible surgery!

"I take it you ain't happy about either option."

"Hell no! I don't want either. Do you know if Patty is coming in today?" John asked fidgeting with his fingers trying not to look so guilty."

"Yeah later I think, What's up with you man. You look more nervous than a whore in church." Richie chuckled.

"I just got a lot of shit going on. Alright?"

"Yeah man I'm just busting your chops. How'd you get home last night? I looked for you back at the club and you were gone."

"Look I need you to do something for me. "I told Ash I got a ride home with you last night. So just stick to the story okay?"

"Wait! Stacey and Ash called me last night looking for you and I already told them I couldn't find you when I got back to the club."

"Oh fuck!" John exclaimed and started pacing back and forth. "Why didn't she call me a fucking liar!" He mumbled under his breath.

"Damn what's going on man?" Richie asked very curious to why John was acting so suspicious.

John looked him directly in the eye. "Look about last night. I didn't mean for any of it to happen!" John nervously babbled.

"Calm down." Richie put his hand on John's shoulder. "Who took you home?" Richie asked him directly.

"Patty!" John blurted out.

"Okay so that don't look good, but nothing serious happened? Right?" Richie asked studying John's worried face.

John closed his eyes and then after a brief  pause, opened them up and started confessing. "I fucked up and Ash is going to kill me if she finds out!"

Richie's eyes got huge. "You mean you fucked Patty?"

"I wasn't trying to! She came on to me! I got out of her car and bolted up to my door. I went to the bathroom and when I came back she had let herself in and she was there with a damn bottle of tequila. She told me her Mom is sick with cancer and I felt sorry for her. We finished off the bottle and next thing I knew she kissed me and was giving me head like a fucking pro!"

"Damn Johnny! I told you she was hot for you!"

"I wasn't going to let it go any further! I swear I wasn't, but she knew all the right buttons to push! The next thing I knew we were in my bed and she was fucking riding me!"

Richie blew out his breath and made a face. "Wow! You are fucked my friend. Ash won't kill you! She's going to drop your ass like a fucking bad habit!"

"I know! That's why she can't find out! I have to talk to Patty! I have to convince her not to say anything!"

"Well how did you leave it with her?"

"Not good. I felt so damn guilty I shoved her off of me. I couldn't even finish! I didn't even want to! I guess after that I passed out. It was just a big mistake! I can't loose Ash over this!"

"Did she leave last night?"

"I wish! Ma barged her way in the apartment this morning and caught us in bed, still asleep! I tried to reason with Patty! I told her to forget it even happened! That crazy bitch told me she thought it meant we were back together!"

"Seriously? She thought you wanted to be back with her? Damn Johnny! How do you get yourself into this kind of shit man?"

"I don't know, but she has to listen to me! Ashley can't ever find out this shit or it will be the end of us!"

"Damn man I wish you a lot of luck." Richie sympathetically looked at him.

"Thanks man. Why does Harold got you looking for his house deed anyway?"

"He wants to buy another club and the bank wants it put up as collateral."

"Oh okay. Do you need some help?"

"Yeah check some of those boxes over there on the top shelf." Richie pointed across the room.

They dug around for two more hours and Richie exclaimed, "yes! I found it!"

He was all smiles as he carried it out to find Harold. "Harold here it is!"

"Oh good! Thanks!" He looked at John. "Can you call your girlfriend and get her to come over here I need to talk to her about something important."

"Yeah sure." He went to the phone at the bar and got her on the line.

"Hello." He heard her sweet voice sounding like an angel.

"Hey baby, damn you sound sexy. I wish we were back at the apartment. I could think of a few things I would love to be doing to you right now." He chuckled just a little with his husky voice.

"Oh John is that all you ever think about?" She giggled.

"Only when I'm thinking about you."

"Aww I love you."

"I love you too babe. The reason I'm calling is Harold needs you to come over here to Galaxy. He said he needs to talk to you about something important."

"Okay well I'm fixing to check in a beer vender it's gonna be a few minutes. Can you let him know?"

"Yeah baby. I'm so glad I get to see you again. You are looking so fine in that skirt today. Is that Kurt dude leaving you alone?"

"Yeah he hasn't said another word to me actually."

"Good, he better keep it that way." John deepened his voice a little more to sound tougher.

"Let me go so I can finish up." She quickly replied.

"Okay bye baby."

"Bye."


John hung up and walked over to Richie. "She'll be here in a few minutes she's dealing with a beer vendor."

"Okay I'll let Harold know." Richie walked to the back.

"He knocked on the door. "Hey Harold, Ashley has a beer vendor at the club. When she's done, she'll be heading over here."

"Okay good. Let me ask you a question."

"Okay shoot."

"Is there something going on with Johnny and Patty? I mean I know he is with Ashley but Patty quit the band this morning and she was almost in tears when she mentioned him."

"You know how Johnny is, he always has too many irons in the fire, but I think he really loves Ash. I think Patty is just still hung up on him from when they used to go out."

"Okay because Ash is a great girl and she's good for Johnny. She keeps his head on straighter than any other girl he's  messed with. You know I love that boy like the son I never had. Try to talk a little sense into him. I know he seems to have an endless supply of interested girls, but Ashley seems like something special." He grinned. "Just my two cents. I know better than to tell him myself. Kids never listen to adult advice." He chuckled.

"I'm pretty sure he already knows, but I'll do my best."

"Thanks. I appreciate what a good friend you are to my Johnny."

"No problem. He's like a brother to me."


John had started sweeping the floor out front when the door opened and Patty walked in carrying a box. She gave John a dirty look and walked right past him toward the back.

"Patty!" John followed behind her. "Wait up!"

She turned around. "Look I'm busy! Harold asked me to drop off this amp that I borrowed for Scandal to use! I don't have anything to say to you and I quit this house band this morning!"

"What you can't quit Patty! You need the money!"

"I can't be around you Johnny not after what we did and how it didn't matter to you at all!"

"It does matter to me Patty, but it just shouldn't have happened. I was so drunk and you kept coming on to me. I never lied to you. You knew I was in love with Ashley and if she finds out about this it will kill her. She's been hurt so much and I promised her, that I wouldn't ever hurt her. Please don't say anything. I'm begging you Patty!" John looked at her a little teary eyed. He had to get her to understand.


"Why don't I matter to you like that? I used to Johnny?"

"I'm sorry. You still matter to me Patty. I'm just in love with somebody else. She means everything in the whole world to me."

"But Johnny you were into it! When you let yourself go you wanted it just as much as I did!" She argued, tired of listening to how much he loved Ashley.

"No! No! I wasn't into it! I wasn't ever sick! I just wanted to end it! I wasn't into it! I mean obviously a part of me was! But the part that counts, my heart was not into it.  I'm sorry, it went that far. I'm sorry you wanted more. But Patty my heart is already taken. And I just felt so damn guilty I couldn't even see it through. I hope you understand.


Richie walked in instantly knowing he was interrupting something and stood beside John.

She looked over at Richie pissed off knowing John had already told him they had slept together. "What are you looking at? Standing there judging me!" She hissed at Richie.

"Look, don't take your anger out on me! I don't give a damn who you sleep with!"

Patty was furious. She cut her eyes at back to John. "I knew you couldn't wait to tell him!" She yelled almost in tears.

"Tell him what?" John heard coming from behind him and turn around with his heart about to beat out of his chest, to find Ashley standing there waiting for an answer.

"What's going on John?" Ashley asked. Wondering what the hell Patty was talking about.