"Are you okay?" Stacey asked putting her hand on her shoulder.
"No. Maybe I should have talked to him. He's right. It wasn't his fault. He had lost his memory. He didn't know she stopped taking her damn pills. Maybe I was wrong to break it off with him."
"Well it's not too late. Do you want to go find him? I'm sure he'll be at the Stone Pony tonight to watch Southside Johnny play."
"I don't know. He's got to be pissed at me."
"Well you won't know unless you go. I'll go get ready. I'll be back in a few minutes.
Stacey went home and picked up the phone to call Richie.
"Hello." His Mom answered.
"Is Richie there?"
"No I'm sorry dear he left with Johnny. I think they were going to his apartment."
"Okay thanks." She hung up and dialed the apartment. After about six rings and no answer she hung up.
Ashley had been getting ready and was sitting at her makeup mirror when Jake entered her room.
"You're so beautiful. Sometimes I miss just being able to just sit back and look at you, knowing you were mine. He stood there staring at her reflection in the mirror.
"What do you want Jake?"
"Nothing I guess. I'm heading back down south early in the morning and I just wanted to make sure I got to say goodbye."
"Why are you going back home I thought you were getting a job here?"
"No it fell through and your old man is getting out tomorrow and I ain't wanting to be here for that. My Uncle Tommy wrangled an interview at Ingalls for me. So I need to get back to get ready for it."
"Good luck to you Jake. I really hope you get it."
"Thanks. I'm sorry I was such a jerk to ya Ash. You know how I feel about ya. I know it's my fault, but you will always be the one that got away. I really am sorry."
"Wow look at you, all full of apologies today. I don't know what you want me to say though."
"You don't have to say anything, I just wanted you to know how I feel."
"Okay thanks for that." She lightly smiled at him.
"Are you ever coming back home Ash?"
"I don't know. Sometimes I want to."
"Well don't stay away forever. I miss your feisty ass keeping me straight. I don't know if you even remember, but we were good together at one time. I mean it wasn't all bad."
"I remember."
Stacey walked in. "What are you doing in here Jake?"
"Nothing I was just leaving." He gave Ashley one last look. I know you will probably slug me. But how about a hug for old times sake?"
"I guess so." She got up and awkwardly walked toward him. He gently pulled her into him and hugged her.
He let her go. "Don't be a stranger Ash. You know this place won't ever feel like home."
"Yeah I know. Have a safe trip home. I'll come for a visit sometime soon."
"Bye."
"Bye Jake."
"Bye Stace."
"Bye Jake."
"He's going back to Mississippi?" Stacey asked surprised.
"Yeah, he's leaving early tomorrow. He's got an interview at Ingalls."
"What was he up to? He almost seemed nice." Stacey laughed.
"Apologizing mostly for being an asshole to me."
"Wow a living breathing miracle! Jake Miller realized he's an asshole!" She giggled. "You look hot. Is all that for Johnny?"
"Maybe. I like the black one on the bed too."
"Oh definitely the black one. It shows a little more of your assets. You know that's the way to Johnny's heart." She giggled.
"I'm just wanna talk to him and see where it goes. But I want to look good just in case." She smiled.
"Well you look great in everything. But I like the black one better, so get your hot little hiney up and put it on so we can get going!"
Ashley changed and they walked outside. "We can take my car." She walked toward her Trans Am.
They drove up the road. "Hey pull over at the next gas station. I want to pick up some ciggies."
"I thought you quit smoking."
"Yeah well mostly I have, but I still like a puff or two when I'm drinking."
"Don't get menthols, I hate 'em and I might bum a few from you tonight." Ashley giggled. "I can definitely use a drink and my damn red pass, Bret gave me, doesn't work at the Stone Pony."
"We could stop by the Fast Lane strictly for the booze." Stacey suggested.
"Okay yeah, what about this place?" She pointed to a small gas station.
"Yeah it's fine stop here."
They went inside. They walked over to the drink machine and each fixed them each a coke.
A tall guy bumped into Ashley. "Well hello stranger." He grinned as Ashley looked up at him.
"Sebastian hey."
"I hear you are living that single life since Johnny done messed up really good and proper with Dot."
"Yeah we broke up. But it really wasn't his fault."
He laughed. "Well if you say so, but must chicks aren't as forgiving when you get another chick pregnant." He laughed.
"Is that what people are saying that John cheated on me with Dorothea?"
"Well yeah, but I don't know how anybody could cheat on you. I know I wouldn't. So what are you girls up to tonight?"
"Nothing much swinging by the Fast Lane and then we're going over to the Stone Pony."
"What a coincidence. That's exactly what me and my buddy are doing.
A long haired handsome guy walked up to Sebastian. "Gunner this is Ashley and Stacey."
Gunner smiled. "What's up ladies?"
Ashley smiled back. "Hey, not much."
"Hey." Stacey replied. "Are you in a band too?" Stacey asked, checking the big guitar tattoo on his arm.
"No not anymore."
"I'm trying to get him to start a band with me." We just need a couple more cats and we're golden."
"Count me out. I work too much at the factory to play on the side. When I'm off I just want to chill out." Gunner explained. "You'll starve to death trying to make it and I couldn't live with my folks anymore." He looked at Ashley. "Could I get your number or are you seeing somebody?"
"I'm sorry but you really don't want it. I just broke up with someone and I'm a blubbering mess. But Stacey here is free and single."
"Yeah sure." Stacey wrote it on a napkin and handed it to him.
"Well we gotta be going." Ashley steered Stacey toward the counter. They paid and walked out.
"What did you do that for? He wanted your number and he is freakin gorgeous, if you didn't notice!"
"Oh I noticed but I just ain't interested right now. I've got to talk to John and see if we can work it out."
"Okay but damn you're crazy, that was one gorgeous guy!"
They drove over to the Fast Lane and went up to the bar and started ordering champagne and drinks with Ashley's card.
After a few rounds Sebastian and Gunner showed up. "Damn what is that card? It looks like you get anythhing you want around here." Gunner smiled.
Ashley laughed. No just free booze!"
"You have a beautiful smile." He sat down beside her at the bar.
"Please don't say that too me. I can't."
"He laughed. "You can't what?" He asked grinning.
"Listen to you. Sit here with you."
"Why not it's not illegal? Is it?"
"Just do yourself a favor and keep going."
"Look I know you broke up with your boyfriend but that doesn't mean you have to hide out from the rest of the world. I'm just trying to be your friend. That's all. I swear."
"I'm sorry and thanks for the compliment."
Sebastian walked up followed by Stacey. "Well well well aren't we getting cozy over here?"
Gunner put his arm around Ashley. "Nope we're just friends."
Ashley smiled. "Yeah I guess we are."
David had stopped by the Fast Lane to look for a jacket he left the night before. He was talking to a girl he just met when Ashley and this guy caught his eye at the bar.
"Damn she moved on quick." He watched Gunner with his arm around her and Sebastian talking to her. He got the cute little redhead's number and headed for the door.
"Patty's looking mighty fine to night. Richie chuckled cutting through the crowd at the Pony with John to the pool tables.
"To tell you the truth. I didn't notice."
"Yeah sure you didn't."
"Don't even try to go there! You know I cut her loose a long time ago and I ain't even trying to mess with her!"
"Look I ain't saying long term. I'm just saying have a little fun. While you're single." Richie grinned.
"I got too much on my mind and I already got that chick out of my system. I ain't trying to dig up the past tonight." John replied with a very serious look on his face.
They got over to the table and Tico and Alec had a game of pool already going.
"I'm next Tico when you finish up this clown." John chuckled as Tico beat Alec for the second time tonight."
"Damn it Tic! Come on let's go again!" Alec exclaimed, he hated to lose."
"No man it's time for some new blood. You're up Johnny. By the way, I heard the good knews man, congratulations. Tico smiled as he took his first shot.
"Thanks but I don't know how good it is. Something tying me to Dot for at least 18 years seems more like a prison sentence."
"Well just when were you going to tell your friends? David sarcastically asked as he walked up. "My Mom told me. Her exact words were. "David oh my Lord, little Johnny's done gone and gotten that youngest Hurley girl pregnant! Make sure you're being safe! I'm not ready to be a grandmother!" He laughed.
"Yeah be safe man. Trust me it will ruin your life. Take it from little Johnny." John replied with an awkward grin and turned up his beer for big swig."
"Come on now a baby is time to celebrate." Tico looked confused.
"Not like this. Not with her. I just can't be happy about it Tico."
"How did Ashley take it?"
"She bailed. She moved out and won't even talk to me."
"I'm sorry man but there are a lot of other fish in our Jersey sea." He smiled at Patty who was now standing beside John.
"Well hello Miss Smyth is that shot for me?" Tico grinned taking another turn and sinking another ball in.
"Nope I bought it for Johnny. Here you look like you could use it." She handed it to him.
"Thanks. John took it and swallowed it down. "Here let me pay you back." John reached into his pocket.
"No, you keep it. I was just being nice. Just play me a round of pool and we will call it even."
"Okay when they finish up."
"Then you can play me Patty." David smiled opening his beer.
"Maybe if John doesn't tire me out tonight." She smiled looking at John.
Richie grinned looking over at John.
"I need another beer." John started walking to the bar.
"Hey wait up!" Richie called out running up behind him.
"What's your hurry man?"
"Nothing just going to get a beer."
"Nope you are running away!" Richie chuckled.
"Nah man she was just kidding. She ain't after me."
"You better open your eyes then. The chick is hot and she's begging for it!"
"You're crazy Richie! She's dating the drummer from her band."
"Not anymore, she's single. I heard her tell the bartender earlier."
"I don't care. I ain't looking for anybody to take back home tonight! Especially her! I've got enough girl trouble as it is, so drop it okay?"
"If you say so. But I think you are missing out on a prime opportunity. Sex with an ex is the best kind. You already know what they're good at and you know what they like. Add in no strings up front and there is no surprises. You're crazy! I would be all over that little hottie!"
"Well go get with her! I ain't stopping you!"
"She don't want me man. She's got that hungry for Johnny look in her eye." He laughed.
"You are so full of shit." John laughed and ordered a beer from the bartender. "I've got to call Ashley."
"I thought you were letting it go?"
"I can't. I thought I could. But I'll grovel. I'll crawl on my knees, any damn thing she wants me to do but I can't let her go."
"You are a mess man. You've got it bad for this chick. She's really got you by the balls. I'd give it a rest nothing's changed.
"Good thing you're not me then. I love her. I've got to make her understand, she's the only girl for me. No matter what.
John went over to the payphone and dialed Ashley's number.
"Hello." Ricky answered.
"Is Ashley there?"
"Is this Bongiovi?"
"Yeah let me talk to your sister man."
"She ain't here. She went out with Stacey and two dudes somewhere."
"Bullshit! You're lying Ricky!" John shouted over the phone.
"Yeah she is probably banging one of them right now!"
"Fuck you Ricky!" John yelled and slammed the phone down.
"What is it? Richie asked seeing John was fighting mad.
"Nothing that asshole Ricky is just fucking with me. He told me Ash went out with Stacey and two guys."
"Damn Stacey too?"
"Yeah. He is probably lying. I mean there's no way Ash would already be out with some dude? Right?"
"Nah that don't sound like Ash."
David walked up to get another beer. "What's up Johnny? You look a little pissed."
"Nothing Ashley's brother is pulling my chain. Told me Ash is out with some dude. There's no way."
"Don't bet on that. I went by the Fast Lane to get my Jacket and Ash is there and you won't ever guess who she's with!"
John's face went cold. "Damn it David I don't have time for your games. Who the fuck is she with?"
"Sebastian and Gunner."
"You're shitting me man! Gunner Dorsey?"
"Yeah man, I was surprised too!"
Which one was she with?"
"Both but when I was leaving Gunner had his arm around her."
"Damn it!" John started pacing back and forth. "Come on we're going over to the Fast Lane!" He shouted at Richie.
Tico had just walked up. "What the hell for?Southside is about to take the stage."
"Ashley is over there with a guy."
"So what!" Didn't you say she broke up with you?"
"Yeah man but she made like it was because of the baby. Not because she wanted to go out with another dude!"
"Well calm down and save yourself a trip."
"Huh what are you talking about?"
"She's here. I just saw her over by the door with Stacey."
"She's here?"
"Yeah right over there." Tico pointed to a table by the door.
"Johnny hey Johnny!" David tried to get his attention. And tapped him on the shoulder.
"What Lemma?" John yelled out very frustrated.
"There's Bas and Gunner by the stage."
John looked like he was going to explode.
"Oh shit here we go!" Richie shook his head as they followed John to confront the two guys.
"Johnny where's the fire man?" Sebastian laughed swigging his beer.
"I warned your ass to stay the fuck away from Ashley!"
"Damn I didn't think it mattered anymore since you got your ex pregnant and Ashley dumped your ass!" Sebastian laughed.
"Oh is this her ex she was talking about?" Gunner asked with a grin. Who'd you get pregnant Johnny? Dorothea?"
"Yep he knocked up ole Dot and Ashley kicked him to the curb. So look Johnny, the way I see it Ashley's free to date me or Gunner or if we keep her in Champagne she might decide to be with both of us!" He chuckled.
John went to take a swing and Tico grabbed him. "Hold up Johnny."
"What the fuck Tico?" John yelled trying to break free.
"Come on listen man. You're going to get thrown out and probably arrested! This ain't the Fast Lane, that new owner, Thompson will call the cops!"
"I don't give a shit!" John broke free.
"What the fuck did you say motherfucker?" He got in Sebastian's face.
"I'm sorry. Was I not clear enough? Sebastian walked a little closer to John. "What I meant to say was fuck you!"
John balled up a fist as a blind rage took over his body.
"John!" Rang out in his ears. As he instantly stopped from the sound of the voice calling out to him.
He quickly turned around. "Ashley!" He exclaimed and froze where he stood looking at her. "I've got to talk to you."
"If you stop all this fighting, we can talk."
"Okay I'm done." He threw his hands up and walked over to her. He wasn't sure where to start, but he wanted some privacy. He grabbed her hand and walked toward a table in the back. He sat down and she sat next to him.
"Did you go out with Sebastian and Gunner tonight?"
"No of course not! What gave you an idea like that?" Ashley replied a little surprised he would even ask the question.
"I called your house and your brother told me you were out with two dudes and David saw you at the Fast Lane with them."
"No Ricky was just messing with you. I was with Stacey and Sebastian came up to us. He introduced us to Gunner and they followed us over here, but no I wasn't on a date of any kind.
"Why wouldn't you talk to me? Do you know what this is doing to me? It's killing me Ash. You think if you leave I will get back with Dot. I won't! I can't be with her! I love you. I only want you."
"Oh John." I just don't know what to say. This is so hard for me."
"So we're over! You just won't fucking tell me! You're moving on and there's nothing I can do about it! Well if you're not going to get back with me just fucking put me out of my misery then!" John looked at her getting upset.
Ashley began to cry. "Please don't say that!"
"I'm serious I'm dying here."
"I'm scared John! You having a baby with someone else is a big deal to me! You'll have to deal with Dorothea a lot. I'm afraid you'll fall back in love with her when she has the baby."
Richie and Stacey and the guys were watching from a distance.
"What's happening? I can't see good from here! Oh damn she's crying!" Stacey exclaimed and made a face.
"Yeah Johnny looks mad. I think they're ending it!" Richie guessed from both of their reactions.
"That's never going to happen. I don't love Dot. The truth is I never really did. Ash it's killing me to see you hurting like this. I know this isn't what we planned but I can't get through any of this without you." He gently grabbed for her hand.
Ashley continued to cry as he held her hand.
"God Ash, I love you more than I have ever loved anybody. Nothing in my life matters without you. If you want me to beg I will. I'll get down on my knees right here in front of God and everybody. I'll do anything you want me too. You can't walk away from me, not now. I'll do anything to make this up to you. Baby please come back to me and give me one last chance, to show you what you really mean to me. I can't live without you."
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