Chapter 66: Forgiven

"Oh really. That's all you would need huh? I don't know if you're that lucky!" She looked into his blue eyes with a little smirk on her face.

"Oh I'm feeling pretty damn lucky, since I got my memory back and remembered I'm with the hottest chick in town." He grinned.

"John you don't have to say things like that."

"But it's true! I don't know how you don't realize how beautiful you are. But when I first saw you, It was the first thing I noticed. I knew it wouldn't be long until you were mine."

"That first day I saw you with Richie. I thought you were gorgeous, I wanted to run my fingers through your long hair."

"Oh the hair got you to notice me. You should of told me you wanted to to run your fingers throught it, I would have let you."

"You're not opposed to strangers touching all over you?" She replied and stood back waiting for his answer.

He grinned at this loaded question and the look on her face. "Only because it was you baby. I would of let you touch anything you wanted to. Hell I would of even encouraged it."

"Good answer. But don't think I don't know you're lying!" She smiled.

"I don't need anybody else if I've got you Ash. I swear. When I'm with you I don't even notice other girls."

"You're such a smooth talker. I wonder if I can believe half the shit you say." She studied his eyes, hoping everything he told her was true.

"Just believe this Ashley Michelle Covington, I love you."

"I love you too."


Bret and Lacey walked up. "You are coming in tomorrow right?" He looked at Ashley.

"Yeah early in the morning."

"Okay great I need you to order everything for the bar and book some bands for the last week in the month. Two bands cancelled. He turned to John. "How are you doing man?"

"Better but my voice is still rough though."

"I hear it. Hope it heals quick. Jack wants to put Sebastian in your spot."

"He mentioned it to me. I told him not to, but whatever he wants to do. I don't know when I'll be ready sing again." He looked up and noticed Lacey looking at him.

"Hi Johnny, I was sorry to hear you got hurt." She smiled sympathetically.

"Thanks I'll be fine."

"Ash can you get me the schedule for the bands?" Bret asked.

"Yeah." She turned to John. "I'll be right back."

"Okay baby."

Ashley and Bret walked away.

John noticed Lacey smiling at him. "What? He asked with a grin.

"You're in love Johnny Bongiovi." She grinned. "I can tell."

"Yeah I am. She's the best thing that's come into my life in a long time."

"Good. She seems sweet and she sure is beautiful."

John smiled. "Yeah she is."

"I know she was with Bret. And I don't want to cause trouble, but do you think he's hung up on her a little. I mean he talks about her all the damn time. I remember how jealous you were about Candi. Aren't you the least bit jealous of Bret working with her?"

"Hey you know how I am, but I love her. I can't hold her back. It's a good job for her. And it ain't like she's taking her clothes off like Candi was."

"Well if it's any consulation. Candi regrets what happened. She had real feelings for you Johnny. She was new to the club then and naive and she believed all the lies Travis told her."

"It doesn't matter now. When I left the club the night I caught her with Travis, I knew we were over for good."

"I figured as much. Well maybe you and her could at least be friends."

John chuckled. "I don't think so."

"Okay well I tried."

"Well forget it." He shook his head.

Ashley was digging out the schedule for Bret. "Here it is."

"Thanks, add Jack and his band next week. City Nights cancelled again. And I'm not dealing with Ana anymore. She's an okay singer, but she's flaky as shit."

"Okay I changed it." She put the schedule down glancing at Bret.

"Are you okay Ash?"

"Yeah I'm good. John got his memory back and I couldn't be happier." She gave him her big fake smile.

"You forget how well I know you. What's really going on."

She looked sad and leaned her head over on Bret. "Dorothea said she might be pregnant with John's baby."

"How would she know who's it is? I've heard a few things about her lately." He grinned.

She laughed. "Well I've seen some things. I caught her in my bed with Jake!"

"Well how the hell can she hang it on Johnny then?"

"She swears she used condoms with everybody else. But who knows, she seems to lie a lot."

"Ash, don't get mad but I have to ask. Do you think he really lost his memory? I mean it's a little convient if you ask me. It just seemed to give him a license to cheat on you."

"I appreciate your concern Bret, but I didn't ask you!"

"Hold up, I said don't get mad." He stood up smiling looking at her. "I ain't trying to start any shit. I swear. I'm just asking."

"I'm not mad at you, but I just want everybody to stay out of our business. I love John and will be there for him, no matter what."

"Even if he's bouncing his and Dorothea's baby on his knee?"

"I don't even want to think about that. I need to get back to him."

"Are you guys going to Van Halen tomorrow?" He asked opening the door.

"Yeah I'm really looking forward to it."

"We are too. C.C. heard from our old tour manager that Steven Tyler might be at the show!"

"Aww that would be so cool! John would love that! I'd love to get his autograph."

"Maybe you will get a chance. He'll probably party with the band after. They might ask you backstage if you wear one of those low cut sexy dresses of yours!" He laughed.

"John would kill me! I couldn't go back there, even if they asked me."

"You'll change your mind quick if Eddie or David, even Steven himself showed up and asked you to party with him. You said yes to me quick when I asked." He grinned.

"I didn't have a boyfriend then and there will be a lot of prettier girls out there than me, tomorrow night."

"I noticed you at my show, you were the prettiest girl I had ever seen. You still hold that title by the way." Bret smiled looking at her.

"Thanks, but this is where I say goodnight Bret. See you tomorrow." She walked out to look for John, who was by himself at the bar.

"Hey John I'm done if you are ready to go."

"Yep, here's my keys, you might need to drive. He looked at her with his alcohol infused eyes.

"Okay." They walked out to his car.

They pulled up at the apartment. She tried to help him out of the car, and he fell back in the seat laughing.

"You are so trashed John."

"No I'm not I can crawl out of here myself. He busted out laughing.

"Come on let me help you."

"You've got to motivate me. Take your shirt off or something!" He chuckled.

"John!" She giggled pulling him out.

They made it up the stairs and opened the door. He plopped down on the couch and pulled his cowboy boots off.

"God you are sexy baby." He smiled and licked his lips with his tongue.

"Thanks." She didn't know why but she felt nervous all of a sudden. His eyes were a darker shade of blue. Filled with want and lust for her.

He stood up and grabbed her hand and pulled her to the bedroom and the new queen sized bed. "I've wanted you so bad Ashley." He laid her down and started kissing her neck and her body responded with goosebumps and her nipples got rock hard under his gentle touches and heated breath on her neck.


" I love you Ashley, you are everything to me baby."

"I love you too John."

He pulled at her yellow top and it soon hit the floor. The straps of her dress fell down exposing more of her breasts. "God you look so fucking hot in this dress. His drunken smile lit up his face. He pushed the top of the dress down exposing that she was indeed braless. "Oh I love your tits Ash. They're perfect baby." His tongue darted out and with a light swirl around her left nipple and he ended it, by lightly biting down right on the tip of it and it drove her wild.

She ran her hand through his chest hair sticking out of his low cut shirt. It was soft and felt warm against his skin. She pulled at the buttons of his shirt and they popped open exposing the rest of his glorious chest. She loved his chest, it really turned her on.

John tugged her dress off and it hit the floor. The only thing left was red silky panties he grabbed at with his teeth and slowly slid down exposing her birthmark and he ran his tongue over it as she gasped at his hot tongue gliding across her flesh.

He licked his finger and inserted it inside her, feeling just how hot and tight she felt. He ran his hot tongue around the outside as she arched her back and spread her legs a little more as he was driving her wild with his tongue. He rammed in a second finger speeding up his movements. He was well aware of his ability to easily make her cum more than once and he was well on the way to get her there for the first one. She moaned louder and he grinned knowing the fucking punks next door were getting and earful and probably had their nosy asses pressed up against the wall listening.

She called out his name. "Oh Johnny!" She cried as her body tightened and shook as she moaned out in ectasy.

He got up close by her face. "Johnny huh? Since when do you call me that?" He laughed.

She smiled. Well technically I was out of my mind." She smiled.

"Oh I liked it. Believe me I'll answer to anything you call me." He laughed. "Tom or Joe, if you're lucky I might even let you call me Francis." He grinned.

"Francis, I love your cute middle name, but it's too sweet for you."

"I hate it. But it's part of my curse." He grinned.

"You have a curse, I don't know about?" She wrinkled up her forhead looking at him.

He grinned. "Yep a goofy middle name and this big dick." He chuckled and she started laughing. "I've had to learn to live with both of them."

"Oh Lord you make me laugh!" She smiled at him and he got serious for a moment.

"I really am sorry Ashley. I never meant to hurt you, not even for a second. It makes me feel so bad knowing what happened. Can you forgive me?" He looked at her with his big blue eyes studying her face waiting for an answer.

"Yes John, I love you and I know you didn't mean for it to happen. I forgive you. But you have to know, if you really ever cheat on me, I'm gone!"

"Well you don't have to worry then, because  in my right mind, I ain't that damn stupid. Now what name is it going to be tonight?"

"Huh?" She looked at him like he was crazy.

"The name you call me and moan out in my ear? Johnny, Tom or Joe?" He grinned his drunken goofy grin at her.

"You're so crazy!" She smiled. "I vote for sweet little Francis. "Why don't you come here and fuck me Francis?" She giggled.

"Oh God don't say that! I'll blow my wad in about two seconds." He laughed but he knew it was true.

He started kissing her and she fumbled with his buckle on his belt. He grabbed for it and unbuckled it, in a hurry. Then he unbuttoned his jeans and  tugged them and his underwear down til they fell on the floor. He was standing there in the moonlight shining through the window. His long hair flowing down his shoulders. That chest she loved so much, with every perfect hair in place. And last but certainly not least, his well endowed swollen cock ready to pleasure her immensely. She smiled knowing he knew just how gorgeous he really was. He stood there and started slowly stroking his hard dick looking at her. She knew what he wanted, for her to take him in her mouth. Oh how he loved a good blowjob.

She reached out and moved his hand and stroked it as he  closed his eyes and leaned back letting his long hair cascade down his back. She put it in her mouth and rolled her tongue around the tip of it. He quickly jerked his head back to watch her. Hoping she would try to deep throat it just once.

"Oh damn baby that feels so good!" He had longed for her to touch him again. And now that she was, he was having to hold back from blowing his whole wad right in her mouth. She pushed him on the bed and he watched her as she blew his mind almost bringing him to orgasm three different times with her hot tongue. But she stopped each time before he could. She tried to take it all in her mouth, but it was too big for her. He couldn't take it anymore. "I've got to have you now Ash."

He laid her down and quickly entered inside her. She was so hot and tight. "Damn this is the best feeling in the world baby. I love your pussy." He slowly moaned out into her ear as he was gently pumping into her. This is what he wanted what he had been dreaming about. He began to thrust harder and deeper. Giving her the whole length of his cock as she moaned and cried out in his ear as he fucked her harder. "Oh John I'm gonna cum. She moaned as he pounded her deeper as her body realeased and contracted all around his swollen dick. He had to pull out before he exploded all inside her. He wasn't ready for it to be over just yet. He kissed and  ran his tongue along her neck.

It tingled her body and she longed for him to be back inside her. He gently kissed her and grabbed her hand in his. He was so glad to be this close to her again.

He pulled her up and they stood on the floor and he bent her over the bed and he entered her from behind as she gasped when he filled her totally up and and pushed her body to the limit as he began to thrust into her. She cried out. "Oh John." As his movements got faster and harder. She could feel another orgasm building and she tightened around his thick cock. "Oh John I'm gonna cum." She cried out and he felt his own orgasm building. He couldn't hold off any longer. She tightened around him, he groaned out. "Oh fuck Ashley, I'm cumming!" He thrusted in as far as he could go and  exploded inside her as she bucked and moaned beneath him.

He pulled out and laid down on the bed and pulled her over closer to him.

"I love you Ashley. I don't think you know just how much." He breathlessly whispered in her ear.

"I love you too." She smiled.

They drifted off to sleep. Exhausted, satisfied, and totally in love with each other. He was so happy she had forgiven him. He was determined to make it up to her and never hurt her again.

Chapter 65: A Very Jealous Boyfriend

"Ashley right?" Some guy came up to her but she couldn't place him. She knew she had seen him before, but she couldn't remember where.

"Yeah. I'm sorry you look familiar but I don't remember where I know you from."

"Oh well, I'm heartbroken. I must be slipping when a beautiful girl doesn't even remember who I am. You met me at the Candy Store. I'm Travis the manager over there. Lacey introduced us. Listen did you give any thought to dancing at the club or going out for a few drinks with me? With a body like yours."  He paused and lightly put his finger on her chest right above her breast and she looked down in shock that he was actually  touching her. "It would just be ashamed not to use all the assets you were blessed with."

He removed his finger and stood there anxiously waiting for her reply.

"I already have a job and a very jealous boyfriend. I work here at The Fast Lane. And I wouldn't ever be interested in going out with you or dancing at your club. You really couldn't pay me enough money." She gave him a serious look to let him know she wasn't interested.

"Well Bret can't be paying you what I can promise you. Oh wait, you must be sleeping with him, I get it now!" He chuckled.

A rather loud hoarse voice rang out from behind him. "Hell no she ain't banging Bret!"

Travis spun around to find John. "Bongiovi, I should have known, you were somewhere in this picture."

"Yep Travis, she's my girlfriend. And if you want to keep that finger of yours, you better not ever touch her with it again!"

"Come on Johnny, we're all friends here. Just looking for some new talent for the club. You know how it is. You used to be a regular at the there with your fake i.d. After a while the same old girls every night gets stale."

"Well you better look elsewhere then asshole! She already told you. She's not interested in you or your fucking club!" John had already downed a few shots of  Jack Daniels and was feeling pretty invincible.

Travis laughed. "So hostile Johnny! You can't still be pissed about that girl man? I wasn't the only guy Candi was messing with behind your back! She's a stripper! What the hell did you expect?"

Ashley remembered meeting Lacey's friend Candi. She wondered if it could be the same girl. "Oh it has to be." She thought to herself.

"Just get the fuck out of here!" John yelled to this guy that was really touching a nerve with him.

"Okay sure but if you're ever interested Ashley, you know where to find me." He turned and left.

John's anger was showing. "How the hell do you know him?"

"Bret's girlfriend, Lacey introduced me to him once. I didn't even remember him, until he told me who he was."

"You need to stay the hell away from Lacey and all those damn girls!" He demanded as his eyes got a little wild.

"You really mean Candi! I already met her John! I didn't know you had a thing for her though."

"That's ancient history. Just another damn girl I couldn't trust. Promise me you'll stay away from Travis. He's bad news Ash! I don't like the way he looks at you. Matter of fact, I don't like the way every guy in this damn club is looking at you! I don't want you wearing that damn dress ever again! You had a shirt or something over it! What happened to it?"

"It's right here on the back of my chair. Since when do you have a problem with my clothes?"

"Tonight! Look around at all these fucking guys gawking at you Ash, with your fucking tits hanging out!"

"I wore this dress for you John!"

"Why? You barely let me fucking touch you! But you wore that!"

"Stop John! I'm not fighting with you. I'm sorry some girl cheated on you, and the bad memory got brought up, but don't take it out on me!"

"I'm not. I don't mind most of your clothes but that dress without that other shirt is just too much. Okay? I know you're hot! Every guy in here knows your hot! But some things I want to be just for my eyes only. Okay?"

"Yes. I'm sorry. I spilled some champagne on the other shirt and that was the only reason, I took it off." She picked it up and slipped it back on. "I'm sorry you feel like I won't let you touch me. I want to, but it feels like you cheated on me and I'm trying to get over it. I know you couldn't remember me, but it hurts my heart just the same."

"I'm so sorry. I love you Ashley. If I could take back being with those girls I would. It didn't mean shit to me! Not like when I make love to you. But you've thrown up this roadblock and we won't get back on track unless you take it down. Do you love me?" He smiled his goofy little smile at her.

"You know I do." She smiled back.

"Well take me home and rape me then." He grinned.

She smiled and he moved in to kiss her.

"Damn do you two ever come up for air?"

John opened his eyes to find Tico standing there. "Hey man. You know how it is. I can't get this chick off me!" He chuckled.

"He's lying to you Tico! He kissed me!" Ashley quickly corrected him.

"And I believe you darlin, I know how he operates."

Stacey walked up to Ashley. She was kind of upset.

"John I'll be back, something is going on with Stacey."

"Okay baby."

Ashley walked over to a table with Stacey.

"Did you patch things up with Richie yet?" Tico asked John.

"I don't know if I can man. He went after her. He thought I was out of the picture and he tried to fill her head full of shit! He did look out for her over at her house earlier. That asshole Jake was hurting her. He got him off of her."

"Good. Richie is a good guy and you two are like brothers."

"I know that's why it hurt so damn much Tico." John's eyes were sad and his voice cracked a little.

"We all make mistakes man. And nothing makes you do it faster than a beautiful woman." Tico grinned.

"Yeah but you wouldn't say that shit if it was your woman Tico!" John just shook his head.

"I'd probably forgive him. When he healed up from the beat down I would give him!" They both started laughing.

"You know what I'm saying. It's hard to just forgive and forget." John replied looking over at Ashley and Stacey.

"Oh Ashley, Dalton told me he wanted to take a little break. I just saw him all over his high school girlfriend."

"Oh Stace, I'm so sorry. Don't you dare sit around waiting for him! We are gonna find you somebody that will treat you right!"

"Thanks, but I'm done. Guys are just too damn much trouble. And the cuter they are the harder they are on your heart.

Ashley looked over at John staring at her.

"You are preaching to the choir, cuz. I know that first hand."

"Yeah I guess you do. Are things okay between y'all now?"

"We're trying, but it's hard for me to get past everything that happened."

"If it's meant to be, nothing can mess it up."

"I hope so. I love him. I really  do and I think he loves me.  And he's got this totally sweet side, I've never known anybody like him. He makes me feel so special."

"I'm happy for you Ash. I thought Dalton was special like that for me, but at the same time he sort of kept his distance. I don't know why, but it doesn't matter now, it's over."

John walked up. "Hey you two okay over here?"

"Yeah we're fine." Ashley replied and looked at Stacey knowing she wasn't.

"I'll be back, I'm going to fix my face." Stacey hurried to the bathroom.

"What's she crying about?" John asked watching her dab tears out of her eyes.

"She broke up with Dalton for good. He's getting back with his high school girlfriend."

"Ouch damn, I'm sorry."

"I might go stay with her tonight. She's really upset." She looked at his face and already knew he wasn't going for that.

"Hell no Ash! I want you to stay at the apartment with me. We had plans!" He whined like a five year old throwing a tantrum.

"We both have to go back to work tomorrow so what plans do we have?" She asked not realizing what he was refering to.

"You, me, that new big queen sized bed, and no clothes. My favorite kind of plans." He replied with the hint of a smirk.

"Look John I love you, but if Stacey needs me I want to be there for her. She's always been there for me."

"I just want to be alone with you so we can make up and forget everything that happened."

Stacey walked up. "I'm leaving, I'm tired and I just want to go home."

"Do you want me to go with you?" Ashley asked staring at Stacey for a reply.

Stacey glanced at John who was was gently shaking his head no.

Stacey lightly laughed looking toward John. "No it's okay, I'm just going to bed anyway."

Ashley turned to John. "What were you doing?"

"Nothing!" I wasn't doing a damn thing. He grinned.

"I really would go with you if you need me to." Ashley told her sincerely.

"I know but I'm so wiped out. I'm just going to bed. Go on home with Johnny."

"Okay if you're sure?"

"I am just call me tomorrow."

"The phone is supposed to be on in the morning, so I will."

"Goodnight." Stacey replied half heartedly and left.

"Now you tell me what you were doing Mr Bongiovi?" She gave him a questioning glare.


"A desperate man has to resort to desperate measures." He chuckled.

"You're so bad."

"It's true, I'm a bad boy. Just waiting for you to punish me."

"Your drunk, but you're lucky you're so damn cute." She smiled.

"Hey I have an idea. But don't freak out!"

"Oh I won't, I love kinky baby!" He grinned.

"Not that you perv, it's about Stacey."

"I thought we were finished with her and talking about the way you're going to punish me."

"What about we fix her up with Richie!"

"Oh hell no! You and her are inseparable already, he ain't going to be hanging around that much!"

"But it's perfect! Richie's lonely and Stacey is too. She's always had a crush on him. They will make a great couple! And he's your best friend!"

"Not anymore he's not he severed that fucking tie when he tried to steal you away from me!"

"It wasn't like that John. I was hurting and he was trying to comfort me. Richie is my friend he just got confused and thought he had feelings for me.

"Yeah he wanted to comfort you alright! Right into his fucking bed!" John snapped making a face.

"Come on John! I love you. Please, I would be very appreciative if you would get on board with this."

"What's in it for me?" He grinned and tilted his head looking at her.

"What do you want?" She wrinkled up her forhead wondering what the hell she was getting herself into.

He grabbed her and pulled her close. "I want you to stop pulling away from me. To lower all these damn walls you've put up and love me again, like you did before I fucked up."

She looked into his eyes. "Okay, I promise I will. But please don't hurt me again John. I really don't think I could take it."

"I love you baby. There is no way I could ever hurt you." He hugged her and she melted in his arms, hoping she could believe him.

"So we can fix them up?"

"Sambora is not the hero you think he is! He's probably worse than the guy that ditched her!"

"I don't think Richie is a hero. I only have room for one of those and you're my superman."

"Oh I like that, I'll be your superman baby. Do you want me to wear the whole costume? The cape, the tights, and everything?"

"Oh now that would be a sight, I'd love to see." She giggled.

"So when are you planning to get this disaster rolling?"

"Richie and Stacey? Tommorrow night at the Van Halen concert."

"Well I'm still pissed at Richie and I won't pretend I'm not!"

"Just don't hit him or pick a fight with him! Okay? That's all I'm a asking."

"I guess, but I better get some damn good loving tonight!" He looked at her with a smile and piercing blue eyes that melted her heart like butter.

Chapter 64: A Million Miles Away

Ashley closed her eyes and took a deep breath. He had been so sweet to have the keychain made for her and give her a key to the apartment. She really didn't want to fight with him. But she knew his temper and she had a bit of one herself.

"I didn't say anything, because I know how upset you are at Richie right now. But John, he is my friend. He rea".....He cut her off.

"Let me tell you something right now! Guys don't think like girls! When we want to get a hug from you, sometimes it's not to be sweet or to be your damn friend. We just want to get our hands on your fucking body!"

"Whoa! Wait a minute cowboy! You need to calm the hell down! And first of all! He didn't hug me, I hugged him!" She blurted out, trying to show him how wrong he was about Richie.

John instantly was all fired up. "What the fuck Ashley!" He yelled and paced back and forth so pissed off. "I told you to stay the hell away from him and you go and hug him, out in the front yard for the neighbors and every damn body to see!"

"I'm trying to tell you what happened!"

"Oh I think I have a damn good idea. You know I spent most of the time, at my Mom's house today defending you! Now I'm wondering why I bothered!"

"You didn't have to." Ashley looked at him, like she was disappointed. She couldn't believe the words that had just come out of his mouth.

She retreated. The explanation she was trying to give, simply discarded. Why should she even try. His Mother had planted a seed in his head and unknowingly he was doing just as she had hoped. The only way to stop this argument was to walk away, so that's what she did. She walked out the front door and walked across to the beach.

 John knew he had to cool off. He saw her purse and keys were still there so he walked out to see where she was going. He saw here crossing to the beach and went back inside. He knew she had to come back for her stuff. He was already kicking himself. "Why did I say that to her? I sure didn't mean it and now she's pissed at me!"

Richie was in his car, he had decided to bring over the concert tickets when he saw a visibly upset Ashley walked a little ahead of his car cross the road. He parked his car and sat there watching her for a little bit and then he got out.


"Hey darlin, what's going on, you didn't even notice my car right in front of you?"

"Hey Richie." Sorry I was a million miles away." She gave him a little fake smile but her eyes were a little sad and they tugged at his heart.

"Is something going on with you and Johnny?"

"No not really he just told me how he felt about something his Mom had said."

"You really can't pay any attention to what Carol says about you. She has always been overprotective when it came to Johnny dating and I can't think of one girl she actually liked. But he's thrown her for a loop with some of his choices."

"It's fine. I only care what John thinks of me and he just sided with her a little. Said he was defending me all afternoon to her and now he wondered why he had, after his Mom told him we hugged in the front yard earlier today. I didn't even bother finishing my sentence."

"Damn it Ashley this is the very shit I was talking about! Why does he treat you like this, but he claims he loves you?"

"Calm down Richie. It's the way he feels. He has the right to his opinion. And I have the right to feel shitty about that opinion."

"Okay well I'm sorry she saw us and I'm sorry he's taking it out on you. I've got to go give him something. Maybe he won't come out swinging at me." He chuckled.

"Good luck! He's in a mood and you Mr Sambora are at the top of his shit list!" She gave him a half smile.

"It's okay darlin, I've been there before!" He smiled back at her standing  up. I'll see you later Ash."

"Bye Richie." She mumbled staring off into the water.


John walked out and glanced over at Ashley, still sitting in the sand. He lit a cigarette and saw Richie's car pull up next to his Mustang.


"Oh fuck! This day only getting better!" He thought as Richie approached up the stairs.

Richie looked at John's face and knew he was still pissed. "I see you haven't cooled off any."

"Nah somebody trying to steal my girl, usually tends to piss me off!" John stared back at him.

"Look I just came to give you your Van Halen tickets." Richie pulled them out of his pocket.

"Thanks. John grabbed them, hoping Richie wasn't looking for a conversation.

After an awkward silence. "I guess I better get going." Richie gripped the railing. "Look  I know it ain't my place to say this. But Ashley really doesn't need you being an asshole right now!"

"What's it to you Richie? Don't worry so  damn much about my me and my girlfriend!"

"Well I just spoke to her over on the beach. She did tell you what happened earlier at her house, huh?" Richie gave him a questioning glance, knowing he didn't have a clue.

John rolled his eyes. "I have no idea what you're getting at. But since you seem to know so damn much, why don't you spill it!"

"Ashley got into it with Jake about screwing Dot in her bedroom. He fucking grabbed her by the throat and was choking her!"

"What the fuck! That was the fucking mark I saw on her neck! She didn't tell me shit!"

"Remember when I told you you treat her like shit! This is one of those times! She tried to tell you and you said some hateful shit to her!"

John didn't like it, but he knew he was right. "Okay, I'm a total asshole and I didn't listen to her. So you tell me."

"She found Jake and Dot in her bed and she was pissed, they were in her room. He grabbed her from behind messing with her. She elbowed him in the nuts and he grabbed her by the neck and pushed her on the bed and started choking her!"

"Damn it! I told her not to fucking go over there without me! How did she get him off of her?"

"I fucking punched him!"

"Good! Thanks man, I wish I had been there!"

"She was really upset, I think it brought up some bad memories for her. I thought you should know."

"Okay thanks."

"Well I'm going home, see you later man." Richie went down the stairs and walked out to his car.

John sat there holding the tickets. "Damn it! I've got to go talk to her." He went inside and put the tickets on the table and went out and headed for the beach.

Ashley was sitting in the sand. The late afternoon sun shining down on her face. If she closed her eyes, it was like she was back home in Mississippi. Funny how she was so many miles away, but the smell of the ocean always brought her back to her roots. Sometimes she wondered, what the hell she was doing so far from home. Now was one of those times.  She wasn't mad at John. Maybe just a little frustrated with him. Her thoughts were with her dark memories. How did she think Jake had changed? He was exactly the same. She was lost in those thoughts when a bare pair of feet walked up to her in the sand. She looked up at him.

"Hey John."

"Can I sit down?" He asked looking down at her.

"Sure."

Figeting with his forefinger and his thumb he sat down beside her. "Look I'm sorry, I really didn't mean what I said."

"Don't worry about it. I should have listened to you, and stayed away from Jake.

"Did something happen? Richie just brought over the tickets and he acted like something happened."

"I just fought with Jake about him and Dot having sex in my room."

"He didn't think you were mad because you were jealous did he?"

"No he knew why. But he grabbed me from behind and licked my ear. It really pissed me off so I elbowed him."

"He threw me on the bed and started choking me! I couldn't breath. All the memories of him hitting me and choking me before, flashed back in an instant. I just feel like a fool, believing he had changed."

"I'm so sorry I didn't listen to you earlier. I am such an asshole sometimes. God I wish I had been there! I'll deal with his ass when I catch him out somewhere."

"John please don't. You're still healing and I don't want you to get hurt again."

"Don't worry about me baby. I can take care of myself. Let's go home." He helped her up and they walked home. John had some plans that involved her and the new queen sized bed, they hadn't officially broken in yet.

They walked across the street hand in hand. When they got to the door she turned around to get the key from him.

"I love you Ash." He smiled and handed her the keys.

They walked inside and John noticed Ashley seemed nervous. She sat down at the kitchen table. He sat on the couch. Why are you so far over there. He grinned and motioned for her to come closer.

She hesitated but slowly eased over to him. She sat down beside him and he pulled her close, nuzzling in her ear. His hot breath was driving her wild and setting off goose bumps all over her body. She tried to turn her face away from him, but he grabbed it with his hands and turned it back and slowly kissed her. His tongue was hot and darted into her mouth as his hands rubbed and massaged on her body. His kiss was heated and the passion burning in his eyes let her know just how much he wanted her. His tongue was going wild claiming every square inch of her mouth. "Oh my God he was the best kisser, I've ever had." She thought, as her heart sped up as he laid her back on the couch and spread her legs apart with his knee.

She wanted to stop him. His hands were under her shirt and already had the three little clasps in the front undone.

She broke free from his lips. "John wait!" She pushed him with her hands.

"What's wrong?" He questioned in a breathy whisper.

"I'm sorry John, I just can't. I hope you understand." She looked at him with panic in her eyes.

"Come on Ash! Why? You've barely let me touch you since we've been back together."

"I know, I'm sorry. I told you, I just need some more time."

"Ashley I need you so bad baby. I'll do anything. I told you how sorry I was. I never knowingly cheated on you. I love you."

"I love you too, but this hard for me. I know you were with those other girls and I'm sorry, but I just can't have sex with you, it just feels wrong."

"How do you expect me to be so close to your hot damn body and not expect me to want you, Ash? You're diving me insane!"

"I'm sorry.  I can go stay at Stacey's house. If it would be easier for you?"

"No you're staying right here with me. But please don't make me wait too long. I'm going to get blue balls!" He chuckled.

"What is that?" She asked making a strange face.

"If you keep getting me all worked up with no relief, my nuts with turn blue."

"You're kidding?"

"Nope it's true. See I've got to have you."

"No you don't.  You have two good hands to use."

"Baby it's not the same!"

"Sorry." She grinned.

"Well I need a beer then!" Let's go out tonight."

"If you want to. I guess."

They both got ready and drove up to the Fast Lane.

John had a shot of Jack Daniels  and ordered a beer. "What do you want baby?"

"Nothing right now. I'm good."

"Come on Ash, loosen up a little."

The bartender, Mike sat a big glass of champagne down in front of her. "I know you have that red pass, so don't worry about it."

"Thanks." She smiled. She started drinking and it tickled her nose as it went down.

Ashley stood up. "I'll be back, I've got to go to the bathroom."

"Okay baby."

Jack came up to John. "Damn a walking dead man! I heard you were fucking blue when they put your ass in the ambulance!"

"Yeah, I was out of it. I woke up and couldn't remember shit."

"Heard Dot sunk her claws back into you. Hope you wised up!"

"Oh I did, but a little late.

"Yeah I heard that too. Might be a daddy soon!" He laughed.

"Keep it down will you. Ash is already pissed enough. If I ever want her back in my bed again, She can't keep hearing about that crazy bitch!"

"Oh she's freezing you out! Well at least it was just Dot, it could have been much worse." Jack laughed.

John grinned with a guilty look plastered on his face.

"Oh damn. You screwed more than just Dot? How many?"

"Two others, but shut up! I ain't trying to piss her off more."

"I hear you. How long will your voice be fucked up?"

"Not sure. I've got to go back to the doctor Tuesday."

"Well we went and played a couple gigs since you've been out of commission. I sang but you know my voice ain't that great alone. Sebastian cornered me last night. He wants your spot!"

"Fuck him! John yelled straining his voice more. He's an asshole."

"Oh I know! Hey look over there. Somebody's hitting on your girl!"

John looked over and saw a dude with Ashley.

Chapter 63: Not Strangers Anymore

Ashley looked into her room and she was fuming mad.

 Jake and Dorothea were sprawled out in her bed and it was obvious what they had been up to.  She picked up Jake's jeans and swung them at him.

"Get up!" She yelled. "Get the fuck out of my bed!"

Rickey appeared in her doorway. "I tried to stop you. Come on Ash, at least let them get dressed!"

Richie and Alec and Stacey heard the commotion and ran up to see, what was going on.

"You get the hell out of my room too!" She pointed her finger in Rickey's direction. While a naked Dorothea scrambled for her clothes on the floor.

Jake was laughing. "Sorry Ash, we needed a bed and you weren't using it! I was hoping you would come home, but Dorothea beat you to it! Now she can tell you what you're missing."

"You are disgusting Jake! Put your damn clothes on!" She yelled and threw the rest of his clothes at him.

Dorothea had an angry look on her face. "Fuck you Jake!"

"I thought that's what we did!" He laughed.


"Ashley please don't tell Johnny about this. I was mad because he threw me out! I didn't mean to go that far with a damn stranger!" Dot was trying to explain.

"Oh babe, we're not strangers anymore!" Jake chuckled.

"Are you out of your damn mind? Of course I am going to tell John, what a lying slut you are! If you are pregnant? There is no telling who's damn kid it is!"

Dorothea pulled her shirt and panties on. And sat down at the end of the bed, closer to Ashley. "If I'm pregnant it's still Johnny's. I used condoms with everyone but him."

"I don't believe a word you say! You are probably just trying to get pregnant so you can try to trick John into being the daddy! Well listen up bitch! John Bongiovi is all mine!"

Dot got a smug smile on her face.

"Really for how long? A whole day? I don't remember him calling out your name when we were fucking all night in his bed!"

"You fucking bitch! Ashley didn't even think, she felt anger take over her whole  body and with all her might, she swung and  slapped the shit, right out of Dorothea's face.


Dot's face got hard with anger, as she rubbed her cheek. I guess your boyfriend didn't tell you about me! You got away with that one, but make no mistake, I can hurt you little girl!"

"I know all about the karate Dorothea! I'm not scared of you!"

"Well you better be! Go ahead tell Johnny! It doesn't matter. I know it's his baby."

Ashley felt arms wrap around her from behind. "Oh is Ash jealous, that Dot rode the Jake train?" He laughed and licked inside her ear."

"Let me go! Damn that's disgusting!" She hollered and started elbowing him and almost got him in the nuts. He grabbed Ashley around the throat and pushed her on the bed holding his hands there choking her. "I fucking told you about hitting me!"

Richie started yelling from the doorway.

"I was hoping you were going to make that mistake motherfucker! Rickey started over there to get him off her, but Richie shoved right past him and swung right at his head. Jake turned and grabbed him and they both started swinging repeatedly as Rickey and Alec tried to pull them off of each other.

Ashley just laid there. Thoughts of all the times he hurt her coming back all at once.

"Don't you ever touch her again! Or me or Johnny, either one, will beat your fucking ass!"

Ashley finally sat up. She was shocked she couldn't believe what Richie had just done for her. Her ocean blue eyes locked with his dark brown ones, but she had no words to describe what she wanted to say to him.

"Are you okay?" Stacey walked over to her and hugged her.

"Yes I'm fine. But she was holding back tears and Stacey knew she was going to lose it soon.

"Get out! Everybody please get the hell out of Ashley's room." She shoved them toward the door and closed it behind them.

Ashley broke down. "Oh my God when he grabbed me, it was like I was back there all over again. He's grabbed me around the neck so many times. I had forgotten how scary it is when you can't breathe."

"I know, it's okay. Wow did you see Richie? I thought he was going to kill him!" Stacey asked thinking how hot Richie looked taking up for Ashley.

"Yes I need to thank him." Ashley dried her eyes and went looking for Richie.

Richie was outside standing by his car. He was about to take Alec to get his bike.

"Hey Richie."

"Hey baby are you okay?"

"Yeah, I appreciate what you did for me. It means a lot to me that you would do that."

"You're welcome. I just couldn't stand by. No man has a right to ever put his hands on a woman like that."

"Well thanks. And she reached up to hug him. He pulled her close and held her  way longer than he should have. He said his goodbyes and got in the car with Alec.

Ashley packed another bag and abandoned all hopes of doing laundry. She locked her bedroom door this time and couldn't wait to get back to John.

She walked up to Stacey. "I'm leaving. I just can't even be here til Jake leaves."

"I understand honey. Call me okay. I worry about you."

"I will, I'll call you later."

Ashley walked out to the Mustang to be greeted by John's Mother. "Hello Ashley."

"Hey Mrs. Bongiovi."

"Are you okay? Looks like you've been crying."

"I'm fine."

"Is Johnny with you? We haven't even heard from him."

"No mam,  I'm sorry about that. He loaned me his car to come over here."

"I'm surprised, he doesn't let anybody drive his car." Carol looked at her with a disapproving glance.

"I could get him to call you."

"That won't be necessary. Richie told us where he is living now. And since my son refuses to act decent, and keep in touch with his family, I will be dropping by soon. So please let him know, so he can clean the place up and undoubtedly get rid of all the half dressed girls hanging around there. If not I'll have to do it myself."

"Okay I'll tell him." Ashley rolled her eyes a little.

"I hope there's no hard feelings that we are pressing charges on your Father.  But, he is an animal that almost killed my child and needs to be punished!"

"No he's my father but I don't think I can ever forgive him for almost killing John."

"Since when do you and Dorothea Hurley hang out together? And just what were you girls doing alone in there with Richie and all those boys all night?" She glanced over at Ashley's house to see Dorothea and Jake standing outside.

"I wasn't even here. Dorothea was in there all night with them. And your guess is as good as mine at what she was doing with them."

"Well if we hear another loud party, I'm calling the police! That is not going to become the party house for a bunch of delinquents!"

"Is he one of your boyfriends?" She nodded over at Rickey.

"I only have one boyfriend and that's John." She glanced to see she was asking about Rickey. "That's my brother and yes please if he throws another party call the cops. He shouldn't be doing that anyway."

"Just where will you be?" She glanced in her car. "I certainly hope you aren't taking all that stuff and trying to move yourself in on my Johnny. He isn't feeling well right now and that's the last thing he needs."

"John asked me to stay with him."

"I doubt that, but thanks to your father he is out of his mind right now, so maybe so. Will you tell him that  sweet little nurse from the hospital keeps calling him. He really liked her and will want to know."

Ashley sighed. "Oh yes I will sure tell him. I've got to go, John is waiting for me."

"Bye dear." Carol walked back to the house as Ashley watched her.

"What a bitch! How the hell is John her son?" She thought as she drove away.

She pulled up and John was sitting out on the steps out front smoking a cigarette and smiling at her.

"What are you doing out here? Waiting for me?"

"Yep your suprise is here and it's ready for you."

Okay can you help me get all this stuff? I didn't get to wash clothes. It's a long story."

"Yeah." He grabbed her bag and the basket of laundry. They walked inside and he threw the stuff down. " Follow me." He took her hand and walked her into the bedroom. I had them come get the old bed. This is brand new, they just pulled the plastic off of it. The sheets and comforter are new and I even had them put it over here on this wall. It's a totally different room. So all my memories here will be with you." He smiled his full 1000 watt smile at her.

She laid down on the bed and smiled back at him.

"Oh it's comfy John I love it. Thank you for going to so much trouble for me. I wish I could get a new one at my house."

"You need a new bed?" He made a face knowing her bed was fine.

"I do now! I found Jake and Dorothea naked in my bed, this morning!  I was fixin to threw up my whole wonderful breakfast you bought me. They had a big party there last night and got together somehow."

"Really Jake and Dot slept together?" He asked kind of shocked.

"Yep and she had the nerve to ask me not to tell you!"

"Damn I just can't see those two together."

"Well they definitely were together, in ever sense of the word."

Something on her neck caught John's eye. "Hey what happened to your neck?"

"It's nothing." She started unpacking her bag.

"So you like the bed?" He asked grinning at her.

"Yes it was so super sweet of you. I almost forgot. I ran into your Mom, who doesn't approve of me driving your car, by the way."

"Oh well, she'll get over it." He put his atms around her smiling. What else did she say?"

"She's mad you haven't been by to see her, she said Richie told her where you are and she's gonna come by."

"I need to go over there. It's real sorry of me, that I haven't even called them. I need to get this damn phone turned on."

"Did she say anything else?"

"Yeah a few things. Most of it was kind of hateful. She saw my bag and hopes I'm not pushing myself to stay here with you because you're not well and you don't need that right now."

He laughed. "Yep that's you pushy Ashley, pushing yourself in here taking advantage of Carol's poor, defenseless, little boy. Shame on you Ash." He chuckled.

"Yep that's me." She smiled looking at just how cute she thought he was right now.

"Was she nice to you at all?" He asked seriously.

"Well yeah, she was smiling when she told me the sweet little nurse from the hospital kept calling you. And how much you really liked her and would want to know she called." She looked up at him with a hint of hurt in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry Ash. That girl means nothing to me. Please don't worry about anything my Mom said. I love you, and nobody but you, and the only girl I'm crazy about is you. Okay? Now poor defenseless Johnny needs a hug."

She laughed. "Okay come here. She pulled him into her arms and held him tight. I love you too!"

"I guess I need to break down and go see her before she does show up over here. Do you want to go with me?"

"Oh no, no offense, but I've seen enough of your Mama today."

"Okay, I don't blame you."

I'll ride with you, so I can get my car though."

"Okay, let's go so, I can get this over with. Are you coming right back?"

"Yeah."

"Just leave the door unlocked."

"Okay."

"When I leave Mom's I'm going to get the phone turned on."

"That's great, you need that!"


They went out and got in the ZX and drove away. It was a beautiful drive up the beach today. They pulled up in John's Mom's driveway. Ashley got out and walked over to her car and cranked it up and backed out headed back to the apartment.

John took in a deep breath, before he opened the front door and walked in.

"Ma, I'm here!" He called out.

"Johnny! Hello dear. How are you? Are you feeling better?"

I am, I got my whole memory back!"

"How? The doctor wasn't even sure you could!"

"Alec helped me he reminded me of stuff. I saw a video of me and Ashley. I felt dizzy and passed out and hit my head, but when I came to, I remembered  everything."

"The doctor said it was dangerous to do it that way! You could of had a seizure!"

I was having really bad headaches but they are way better now."

"So your head feels a lot better?"

"Yeah it's good. I got rid of Dot. I don't understand all of you letting her worm her way back into my life and pushing Ashley out! It was real dirty how she got done. And I'm really mad about it."

"We were following the doctor's orders. You were so insistent on seeing her. It was like you were back in love all over again. Just forget about Ashley, son. She had a house full of boys over there last night and she's hanging out with Dorothea! They had a wild party over there. Richie and Alec were at it and I saw with my own eyes Richie hugging Ashley in the front yard this morning and believe me son, that wasn't a friendly hug! Not the way they held onto each other!"


John was questioning her hugging Richie. In his mind, when he plainly told her to stay away from him and she didn't even mention, he was there.

"Ashley wasn't even home last night and Richie's her friend." He tried to set her straight.

 "Her car was there!" Carol blurted out.

"Yeah but she was with me all night."

"Well that is disgusting I don't want to hear about your sexual excapades!"

John laughed. "My what? We didn't do anything, we slept on the couch!" He corrected her quickly.

"Well still that girl is trouble and stop letting her drive your car! Her car will probably be repossessed now that her Dad is in jail and she will want to drive one of yours!"

"She doesn't need my car! That new car she drives was given to her by her Grandfather, for her birthday and he paid cash for it! But if she did have payments on it I would pay them for her. I would make sure she didn't lose it. Look Ma quit bad mouthing her. I love her and I just don't know why you hate her so much? She hasn't done anything to you, but try to be nice!"

"Well for one thing she has too many boys hanging around! Her clothes are too short and too tight! And she's from the south with questioable morals and you could do so much better!" What about that sweet little nurse. Let me get her number, she left it for you. She has called you so many times. I want you to take her out."

"No I'm not taking her out! I had her number! I threw it in the garbage!"

"You know I don't understand you! She would be a good girlfriend for you, somebody you could settle down with, and she has a good job. Not some big chested little tramp you can't trust!"

John was thinking how he knew the nurse for 30 minutes and already slept with her. "Look Ma I love you, but you don't know what you are talking about. I trust Ashley just fine. And she is my girlfriend. So no, I'm not going out with anybody else. Just drop it! Please stop riding me about this! It's why I moved out! Ashley isn't perfect, but news flash Ma, I'm not either and I've hurt her a lot and she still loves me."

"You have a doctor's appointment next Tuesday. Would you like for me to go with you?"

"Yeah I would. You know I hate going to the doctor." He made a face.

"Okay dear, I will plan to go. Maybe we can eat lunch somewhere." She smiled.

"Sounds great. I guess I'm going to go. My heads starting to hurt a little."

"Okay take care dear, I love you."

"Love you too Ma."

John walked away feeling like he had been through the ringer. "Is she ever going to stop trying to run my life." He wondered getting in his car. He swung by the telephone company to turn his phone on. The nice lady finished up the paperwork and had him sign a form. She had her keys laying on her desk.

"Where did you get that keychain from?" He asked staring at the heart with two names.

"Right next door. The girl makes them while you wait." The older lady smiled.

"Okay thanks." John took his copy of the phone order form and walked next door to the locksmith shop. It didn't take very long and he had a little gift for Ashley, that was sure to make her smile.

He tore off the tag and added a key he also had made and couldn't wait to show it to her.

He made his way back to the apartment he walked up the steps and opened the door. Ashley had been on a cleaning spree and the whole place looked awesome.

"Hey baby. God it smells great in here."

Oh it's this candle. I love the harvest apple smell it's my favorite.

"Well here I got you something. You already have the key to my heart, so I thought you might as well have the key to my apartment too." He pulled it out of his pocket and laid it on the table.

She picked it up. "Aww this is so sweet. You are the sweetest most thoughtful guy, that I have ever known. Thank you so much. She pulled out her Alabama keychain and added that ring to her new one.

"How was your visit with your Mom?"

"Okay I guess but she really has been conducting her own stakeout at your house." She knew about the party. About Dot being there, and she even saw some crap going on over there today. Ashley looked at him and saw that darkness in his eyes she hated to see.

"Yeah, what was it?" She cautiously asked.

"Well since you went over there and came back here and didn't even bother to tell me Richie was there. Can you tell me what the hell you were doing hugging him for a long time in the damn front yard?"

Chapter 62: Hate To See You Hurting

John walked over to the couch. He could tell Ashley was upset. He tried to put himself in her place but, he knew he couldn't handle it. If she had slept with three other guys, memory loss or not, it would kill him. "I'm sorry about finding her here. She won't be bothering us anymore."

She looked at him and simply replied, "okay."

"Ashley you've hardly said anything to me and I need to know if you're okay?"

"Yeah, I am. I'm so glad you have your memory back." She smiled a fake smile that he noticed instantly.

"Good try, but what's wrong? Please tell me. I can't try to fix it, if you won't talk to me."

"She got a little teary eyed. "You can't fix this John. I know it's not your fault, it's all in my head. I'm trying, I really am. But every time I look at you, I see you with those other girls, and it hurts me so damn much!"

"God I wish you knew just how sorry I am. I swear they didn't mean anything to me. If my mind had been right, I wouldn't have ever touched them. Before the memory loss, I never cheated on you Ashley. I swear I never even wanted to. I hate to see you hurting like this."

"What if Dorothea's pregnant?" She asked with the look of dread on her face."

"She's not! She can't be!" He blurted out, not wanting to even think about it.

"Well she thinks she is. Would your Mother really want you to marry somebody you don't love?"

"Don't worry about my Mom. It's why I moved out. So I can make my own decisions. And I ain't marrying anybody right this minute.

"But I really want to know. Please tell me the truth. What would she want you to do."

"My Mother is Catholic, she would push it for sure. And it being the first Bongiovi grandchild, would only make it even worse."

"That's what I thought."

"But she also hates Dot with a passion." He reminded her.

"She hates me too." Ashley looked up sadly.

"I don't think she really does. She's just a little jealous. I'm her oldest, she's having a hard time letting go. She doesn't ever like anybody, I'm with. She'll come around, when she sees how much I love you."

"I doubt that."

"Have you heard from your Dad?"

"I refuse to talk to him. Rickey told me, your parents are pressing charges. He is being charged with attempted murder."

"I could probably get the charges dropped."

"He almost killed you John! Why would you want to?"

"I'd do it for you. Ashley I'd do anything for you."

"Thanks but I couldn't ask you to do that."

"Just think about it. Baby you look so tired." He noticed looking at her bloodshot eyes.

"I'm so exhausted." She took her hair down and shook it out and slipped her favorite sweatshirt on over her top.

"Let's go to bed." John replied tugging on her arm.

"John, I'm sorry but I can't sleep in there?"

"What? Why not?" He was totally confused.

"You had sex with Dorothea and Angela on that bed and I am sorry but I just can't."

"I didn't even think of that. I wish there was something I could do, to take it back."

"Well there's not, but I'm really trying to get past it. I just need some time. Okay?"

"Yeah baby what ever you need. I'll do anything you want."

Ashley stretched out on the couch and he laid down behind her and held her as they drifted off to sleep.

John woke up early. He had pondered for a while what he could do to remedy the bedroom situation. He got up and got dressed and tiptoed out the door. He went to the rental store where he had rented the furniture. He lied and told them he just didn't like the bed he had rented. He ordered another one to be brought out later today, when they came to pick up the old one. He picked out new comforter and sheet set, that he was sure Ashley would love. He wanted to surprise her. He hoped this would help her feel better about staying at the apartment.

When he was finished he stopped by the dinner to get her favorite breakfast meal, an omelette, home fries and toast.

 He even tried to order her some grits, because he knew she loved them. But the waitress told him they didn't even have them. He ordered some coffee and looked at the newspaper. There was a big write up about Van Halen being at the Paramount Theatre tomorrow night. With everything that had been going on he had forgotten all about it.

The waitress brought out all the food and it was mistakenly prepared to eat there instead of to go.

"Can I please get it all to go?" He looked up at the older lady with a smile."

"I'm so sorry, I remember you ordered it to go." She apologized and got busy boxing it up.

John finished reading the article while he waited. He paid for the food and tipped the lady and hurried out to his car.  He headed back home proud of everything he had done for her.

He went in the apartment but he didn't see her. He walked to the patio and she was out there at the table drinking some coffee she had just made.

"Good morning baby. I got you some food. I even  tried to get you some grits, but they don't even have them." He smiled hoping for some extra points for effort.

"Aww that's so sweet of you John. I don't think any place here has grits. "

He sat the food on the table and they began to eat. It was so much food. She had plenty left to put in the fridge for later.

"You didn't forget about Van Halen tomorrow did you?" He asked finishing up his coffee.

"I kinda did." I've been so worried about you, and what's going on with my Dad. I just forgot about it."

"Do you still want to go?" He asked, hoping she did."

 "I really do, but didn't you give Richie the money to buy the tickets? Remember you wanted to make sure  all our seats were together."

"Oh shit I did!" Damn it I don't want to go over there!" He bellowed out, not ready to see Richie again or deal with him.

"Do you want me to go?" She asked holding her coffee cup.

"No! I want you to stay completely away from him!"

She laughed. "It's just Richie, he's harmless. Just what are you afraid is gonna happen?"

"Hell I don't know what he's dreamed up about you in his head. But he's professed his love for you and kissed you twice!"

"God John, it was nothing, Richie's not really in love with me. He's lonely. Erica keeps jerking him around and he just wanted to be with somebody."

"Another man's tongue jammed in your mouth is hardly nothing!" John was getting just a little bit jealous and angry.

"It didn't mean anything to me if that's what you're thinking?"

"Well was he a better kisser than me?"

"Are you even serious?"

"Yeah I would like to know!"

She started smiling.

"What he's better than me?" He asked getting pissed.

"Of course not. When you kiss me my heart flutters and my body tingles."

"So you didn't feel anything?"

"Nothing at all."

"It just pisses me off he thought he could get away with it, because my mind was fucked up. So just stay away from him. Okay?"

"Yeah sure whatever you want."

"Whatever I want huh?" He got that little gleam in his eye, and she knew where he was going with this.

She quickly looked away and started clearing things off the table from their morning feast.

"What's wrong?" He asked noticing she was acting a little weird."

"Nothing I'm just clearing the table."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes I'm fine."

"Ash he grabbed her hand. I love you, and nobody else."

"I know, I love you too."

"I'll handle Richie and the tickets." He reassured her.

"Okay ."

"I have a surprise coming for you at 1:00."

"Really, for me? What is it?"

"You"ll just have to wait. Unless you have any special talents to get it out of me." He gave her his devilish little grin.

"I guess I'm waiting then." She picked up the containers and headed for the kitchen to put them in the trash.

John wanted to chase after her, but he knew, she was having a hard time dealing with his infidelity, even though there were very special circumstances. How could he even expect her to forgive him,  when he knew in his heart, he wouldn't be able to get over it himself, if it was her.

He went to throw his cup away and check on her. She was standing at the window looking outside.

"You okay?" He asked wanting to touch her but trying to give her a little space.

"Yeah, I need to go home for a little while."

"No Ash, Jake's there! I sure don't want you there with that asshole!"

"Rickey's there. He will stomp a mud hole into Jake if he messes with me!"

"I don't like it Ash, let me go with you!"

"No y'all just fought last night. Can you drop me off?"

"Just take the Mustang. How long will you be?"

"A couple of hours. I need to wash some clothes, and get some more of my stuff. Give me your dirty clothes and I'll wash them for you."

"Okay, but I wish you wouldn't go."

"Don't worry so much. I'll be fine." She bagged up his small pile of laundry and he walked her to his car and she drove away.

He was watching her pull away when Angela was walking out of the office and called out for him. "Johnny!"

"Yeah." He turned to her.

"So you're back with the blonde."

"Yeah but I was never really broken up with her."

"Well what about the brunette? You sure need a lot of girls to keep you satisfied. I remember when you only needed me. You know we never got a chance to finish what we started and I have been hot and bothered ever since. How long is she going to be gone?"

"Look Angie you need to understand this. I was out of my mind for a few days or I never would have slept with you or took back up with Dot. I appreciate the offer, but sleeping with you again, never should have happened. I love that girl, that just drove off and I ain't doing shit that would fuck that up!"

"I guess I don't understand how you can be buried deep, in my pussy one minute and totally in love with some random chick the next!" She said in a huff. Thinking he was just blowing her off.

"Look she ain't just some random chick! I was in the hospital and having trouble with my memory. I lost a couple of months and couldn't remember her!"

"Well you are so much better in bed now Johnny. You really have mastered your skills. Anytime you want to visit the old days or make her jealous, you just let me know!" She walked away and  turned around to see if he was watching her ass as she was walking in her tight Calvin Klein jeans. And was very disappointed, that he was already up the stairs, almost to his apartment and hadn't even noticed.

Ashley pulled up at the house and she was shocked to see Richie's car still there. She went in and it looked as though they had thrown a party after she left.

Stacey came out of the kitchen with a rag and a cleaning spray in her hand. "Johnny really needs to get a damn phone over there! These assholes were really partying it up here last night!"

"My God!" Ashley looked around at all the mess and trash everywhere."

"Were you here?"

"When I got home from work and figured out what was going on, I came over! I even saw Dorothea here late last night!"

"Oh damn! John threw her out last night! She was there when we got back to his place! She came out of the shower naked and he threw her clothes over the railing to the parking lot and she had to go out in a towel to get them!" Ashley exclaimed with a satisfied look on her face.

"Damn I would have paid money to see that bitch get what she deserved!" She laughed cleaning up some spilled beer.

"Is Richie still here?"

"Him and Alec are passed out on the couch over there."

"Okay, I'm going to get Rickey's ass up! He's cleaning this mess up."

She stomped up the stairs and threw her Dad's door open. "Rickey you can just get your dead ass up and get downstairs and start cleaning the big ass mess y'all made! There's a shit ton of stuff down there, and it's all on you Bubba to get it up!"

He threw a pillow at her. "Get the fuck out
Ash! I'm sleeping! I'll get it later!"

"You sure as hell will and nobody better have touched a damn thing in my room! Or I'll be whooping somebody's ass!" She turned to leave the room and go check on her room.

Rickey realized where she was going. He fell out of the bed onto the floor. "Hold up Ash! Don't go to your room yet!"

"Why what the fuck is going on in my damn room?" She bolted to her bedroom door and turned the knob.  When she pulled the door open, the morning sun was shining through her window, and she couldn't believe what she laid her eyes upon.