Chapter 15

The next few hours were spent just talking to everyone who was kind enough to be present, talking about the future and what it would hold. By eleven o’clock that night, there were maybe a dozen people left include our hosts. It had been a very long day, I knew everyone was tired. I found Mr. & Mrs. Timmons and once again thanked them for everything they had done for me. I made my way towards the front door. I noticed that Ashley had already left. Courtney followed me outside to my truck, she immediately reached for my hand.

“Hey, when do you have to leave?” she asked.

“Monday morning, I guess.” I answered.

“Can I see you tomorrow?” she asked.

“Call me in the morning, I’ll see what happens.” I replied.

“Sounds good.” she responded.

I gave her a quick kiss goodbye, got into my truck and drove home. I pulled into the driveway, Ashley’s SUV was already there, I was not sure if she had rode with David or not. He had made himself scarce at the party, after our initial confrontation. Maybe I had judged him unfairly, after all Ashley must see something in him. I unlocked the door, opened it and flipped on the kitchen light. Obviously I was the first one home. I opened the fridge and poured myself an iced tea, walked into the family room and sat down. It was nice to have complete silence, it had been an exhausting day, both physically and mentally. I leaned back on the sofa, closed my eyes enjoying the solitude. I had been there for maybe thirty minutes when I heard a car pull into the drive. I decided quickly to give Ashley and David their space. After all I was leaving soon, she would be here alone anyway, it was her decision who she chose to be with. I heard the back door open and close quickly, then the sound of her high heels on the floor. I got up to go to my room, just about running into her as she entered the family room.

“Hey, where you going?” she asked.

I looked over her shoulder, trying to see where David was. I guess she noticed me looking, she placed her hand on my chest.

“He went home Brian.” she said softly.

“Oh ... I was going to leave two alone, give you some privacy.” I answered.

“You don’t care for him much do you?” she asked.

“No not really, but I am biased, so you can’t worry about what I think.” I told her.

I turned and went back to the sofa sitting down, I was too wound up mentally to try and sleep. Ashley sat down on the other end of the sofa, she quickly kicked her shoes off.

“Why are you biased?” she asked, a strange look on her face.

“Because of how I feel about you.” I answered.

I’m not sure what was going on but something was not right. I could tell from her posture, her facial expressions, the tone of her voice, something was wrong. I decided to press the issue further.

“What’s wrong Ash? You’re not yourself.” I asked her quietly.

“I have made a mess out of things. I just don’t know how everything got so screwed up.” she said, never looking up.

“What have you messed up Ashley? Everything is fine, don’t worry.” I told her.

“I have hurt you, Brian. That’s something I never, ever meant to happen.” she responded.

“Ash, really, it’s not your fault. I shouldn’t have these feelings for you, I know it’s not right. It’s my fault, I’m so sorry. But look, I will be leaving here soon, after a while things will get back to normal, don’t worry.” I told her.

She looked up at me like perhaps, I had just made things worst. I was really confused at this point. I was searching for something that made sense, I was totally lost. I saw her take a deep breath, then look up at me with those large, incredible brown eyes.

“That night, here on the sofa with you. That never should have happened, I was so wrong to allow it to happen, I knew better. The problem is, I have a lot of the same feelings for you that you have for me. But in the real world Brian, quite simply, we can’t be together. We could run from here but you’re going to become a very public figure. The truth would follow us, someone from this town would be dying to tell our story to the media.” she started.

At that instant, I knew she was right. It was breaking my heart, but she was right. I was going to be in the spotlight, for a while anyway. I knew as well that we would hurt a lot of people if this became public. I had worked my entire young life to be the best athlete I could possibly be, it finally paid off. But that success would cost me any chance of a life with Ashley, it could never be.

“You’re right Ash, absolutely right. This town would never leave us alone, we would always be looking over our shoulder.” I replied.

She smiled sadly, nodding her head several times. She slid over on the sofa and took my hand in hers, gently holding me with both hands.

“Brian, I will always love you. More than I should, but that can’t be helped. I want you to be happy, I want you to find a young woman, settle down and give me grandchildren.” she said softly.

“You’re way too hot to be a Grandma, Ashley.” I laughed.

“Oh hush you”, she said, slapping my shoulder.

“Seriously, find that girl, hold on to her with everything you have. And Brian, if that girl is Courtney, that’s fine with me too. I know she has hurt you several times, but if you love her, and she loves you, that’s all that matters. Life is about chances, first chances, second chances, even third chances. You have to take them when you can. I know her family loves you, so if that’s what you want, go get her.” she continued.

“I was watching Courtney today, very closely. She’s in love with you, I’m sure of that. And I watch you react to her, I see something is there between the two of you. I don’t know if it’s enough, only time will tell that.” she ended.