Drake and Ashley: The Complete Story

by Noelle Stevens

  ASHLEY

  The next week at work is busier than usual, and I’m glad, as it keeps my mind off of Drake. I work late almost every night, and when I get home I fall into bed and go right to sleep, although my dreams are filled with images of Drake. Some are of the two of us, and some are of him and Jasmine.

  The Jasmine ones are more like nightmares, although after I manage to fight my way to consciousness and realize they’re just dreams, relief cascades over me. But the relief almost immediately shifts to despair when I remember the way Drake ogled Jasmine’s backside—right in front of me. And when I consider the fact that he hasn’t even attempted to contact me, I wonder how many dates he and Jasmine have gone on and if she’ll end up quitting her job so that they can get serious.

  When my mind goes in that direction, my throat clogs with unshed tears, and it’s all I can do to fall asleep for a little longer.

  On Friday night Emily is eager to get me to go out with Jonathan again.

  “No,” I say in a flat refusal.

  “Oh, come on, Ashley.” She plops down beside me on the couch. “You’ve been working so hard all week. You deserve to go out and have a good time.”

  Wanting her to hear me, I take both of her hands in mine. “Look, I like a good time as much as the next girl, but I don’t want to have that good time with Jonathan.”

  She gazes at me steadily. “Why not?”

  “Because, Em, I dated him before. It’s awkward for both of us.”

  Her lips purse as if she’s trying to decide if she should divulge secret information. Evidently she can’t keep the info to herself, because a moment later she says, “Jonathan wants to go out with you.”

  I drop her hands. “How do you know this? Did he tell Nick?”

  “Yes. He asked Nick to ask me if I thought you were ready to go out with him again.”

  “That’s so high-schooly.”

  She shrugs. “I guess he was worried about scaring you off. You know, if you weren’t ready yet.”

  “I’m not ready. You can tell him that.”

  “Yes you are. You totally are.”

  Now I’m just irritated. “How would you know what I am and am not ready for?”

  “Because I know you, Ash.”

  “Apparently not.”

  “Look, I’m sorry things ended with you and Drake. Really I am. I liked the guy. But you can’t go into deep freeze now. You have to move on.”

  “It’s only been a week. I think I’m allowed to feel sorry for myself for at least two weeks.”

  Emily smirks. “Fine. I’ll give you another week.”

  I roll my eyes. “I was being facetious. I don’t know when I’ll be ready.” Then my phone rings. Thinking it’s Jonathan calling to ask me out, I glare at Emily before looking at the screen on my phone. “Oh,” I say. “It’s my mom.”

  Emily nods, then goes into the kitchen to fix herself a snack.

  “Hello?” I say. I’ve been so busy lately that I’ve hardly spoken to my family, although the last time I’d spoken to my mom I’d told her I was dating someone I really cared about. I hadn’t gone into too many specifics, not ready to tell all. And I hadn’t spoken to her since Drake dumped me.

  “Ashley?” Mom asks.

  “Hi, Mom.”

  “Oh, Ashley,” she says, clearly upset.

  “Mom? What’s wrong?”

  “It’s Dad. He’s had a heart attack.”

  I gasp, the news completely unexpected. “Is he okay?”

  “We’re at the hospital now and the doctor’s with him. I think he’ll be okay, but I knew you’d want to know.”

  “Of course.” My mind races, and I decide to go down to Vegas to see him. “I’m going to come down there.”

  “You don’t have to. I think he’s going to be fine.”

  “I want to, Mom. Anyway, I haven’t seen you guys since I moved up here.”

  “Well, it would be wonderful to see you, and I know your dad would love it.”

  “It’s settled then. I’ll book a flight right now and be there later this evening.”

  “Okay. I’ll have one of your brothers pick you up, probably Matt. You just let me know when your flight’s coming in.”

  “Okay, Mom. I love you.”

  “I love you too, sweetheart.”

  “Give Dad a hug for me.”

  “I will.”

  A moment later I pull up a travel website and find a reasonably priced flight that will leave a couple of hours later and return on Sunday night.

  “What’s going on?” Emily asks as she sits beside me on the couch.

  I fill her in, and she offers to take me to the airport. “Thank you.” The moment I finish booking my flight, I race into my room and throw the things I’ll need into an overnight bag.

  When the lights of Las Vegas come into view as the plane descends towards the airport, excitement at being home with my family rushes through me and I smile, glad I decided to come.

  This will be much better than listening to Emily harass me all weekend.

  When it’s time to disembark, I grab my laptop from the overhead compartment, stop by baggage claim, then walk to the pick-up area. I only have to wait a few minutes before my brother Matt pulls up in his late model sports car.

  “Hey, Ash,” he says as he leaps from the car and bounds to my side, then draws me into a warm embrace.

  “Hi, Matt. It’s so good to see you.”

  He pulls away and looks me up and down. “You’re looking good, little sis. I guess the cold weather agrees with you.”

  I think about my first exposure to the cold weather of Northern Nevada, which takes my thoughts directly to Drake, and I hold back a grimace. “Thanks. You look good too.”

  He grins. “I know, right?”

  I laugh, then point to my suitcase. “Can we put this in your trunk?” My eyes narrow as I look at his tiny car. “Is your trunk big enough?”

  “Oh yeah. It will fit just fine.” Then to prove it, he pops open the trunk and shoves my suitcase inside, then closes the trunk. “See?”

  A moment later we’re on the road, headed for the hospital where Dad has been told to stay overnight.

  “They said he’s going to be okay, Ash. But I’m glad you came.”

  “Me, too. I haven’t seen you guys in almost two months.” I glance at my brother. “How’s Amber?”

  “We’re not engaged yet, if that’s what you’re asking,” he says with a smirk.

  I laugh. Matthew is twenty-seven, and though he and Amber have been dating for over two years, he’s reluctant to take their relationship to the next level—despite all the pressure from our family.

  “Isn’t Amber getting tired of waiting?” I say as I picture the tall brunette who’s crazy about my brother.

  Laughter bursts from his mouth. “You’ve been in town less than ten minutes, and already you’re onto this subject.” He frowns. “Amber is still with me, so I guess she’s okay with waiting.” He glances at me. “And you know, maybe I’m just not the committing type.”

  My mind goes right to Drake, who evidently isn’t the committing type either. The two of you would get along great. I hold back a frown.

  “What about you?” Matt asks. “Mom said you’re dating someone. Tell me about him.”

  I shake my head. “No, that’s over.”

  “Oh. Sorry to hear it?”

  One side of my mouth curves upwards. “It’s for the best.” But even as the words leave my mouth, it feels as if someone is driving an ice pick into my heart.

  Twenty-Five

  DRAKE

  Another Friday night, another night I’m missing Ashley. I’ve kept busy all week, burying myself in work, but now I need to release the tension that’s been growing within me. I decide to go to the gym and work out my frustration there.

  Two hours later I feel marginally better, but throughout my workout my thoughts strayed to Ashley, and now all I want to do is talk to her face to face and let her know how I fee
l. After a quick shower I drive to Ashley’s apartment, prepared to convince her that she can trust me, that I only want her.

  As I mount the stairs to her apartment, my courage briefly falters, but I push on, determined to take care of this tonight. When I knock on the door and hear footsteps approaching, I draw in a deep breath before slowly releasing it. A moment later Emily is standing in front of me.

  When our eyes meet, hers widen in surprise. “Drake. Hello.”

  “Hi, Emily. I’d like to speak to Ashley.”

  “I’m sorry, but she’s not here.”

  An image of her dancing with Jonathan the previous weekend flashes into my mind, and it’s as if someone has punched me in the gut. Still, I’m not deterred. “When will she be home?”

  “She flew down to Vegas to see her family.” She hesitates, like she’s not sure how much to share with me. “Her father had a heart attack.”

  “Oh no.” I’ve never met her family, but I’m immediately concerned for Ashley. “Is he okay?”

  “He was at the hospital, but her mom thinks he’ll recover.”

  My first instinct is to go to Vegas to be with her, but I’m not sure I’ll be welcome. Especially at this stressful time.

  “What are you doing here?” Emily asks.

  Emily’s helped me out with Ashley before—only a few weeks before. But the explanation isn’t so simple this time—not like before when Ashley had seen me talking to Rachel. This is much more complex, and I’m not comfortable sharing our problems with her.

  “I needed to sort some things out with Ashley.”

  “I see.” She smiles. “Well, she’ll be back Sunday night.”

  I nod. “Have a good evening, Emily.”

  “Thanks. You too.”

  A few moments later I’m sitting behind the wheel of my car, debating what to do next. I consider texting Ashley to see if she needs anything, but fear she’ll doubt my sincerity. Though it will be difficult, I decide to wait until she gets back in town before I speak to her.

  ASHLEY

  Matt and I walked into the hospital together, on the lookout for mom. A few minutes later we find her, and when she sees us, she hurries over to us and throws her arms around me.

  “Ashley,” Mom says. “It’s so wonderful to see you.” She pulls back and looks at me. “Dad will be so happy you’re here.”

  “Where is he?” I ask.

  “They’re just doing a few more tests. They’ll let me know when they’re done and then we can see him.”

  We sit together in the waiting area and Matt asks me about my job. I tell them the parts that I think they’ll find interesting.

  “Last time we talked,” Mom says when there’s a lull in the conversation, “you told me about a man you’re dating.” Her eyes twinkle. “I got the impression you really like him. When do we get to meet this man?”

  I glance at Matt, then meet Mom’s gaze. “Uh, we’re not seeing each other anymore.”

  “Oh.” Mom places her hand on my arm. “I’m sure you’ll find your true love one day.”

  I thought I’d found him. Tears push against the backs of my eyes and I force a smile onto my face as I nod. Desperate to turn the conversation away from me and my failed love life, I say, “I understand Matt is stringing Amber along.” I glance at my older brother with a grin.

  He laughs. “I get enough pressure from Mom and Dad. I don’t need it from you too.”

  “Poor Matt,” Mom says as she smiles at him, then she turns to me. “Shane gives him the hardest time though.”

  “That’s because he’s already married,” Matt says about our older brother. “He knows he’s safe from our harassment.”

  I think about Shane. He’s always been the sensible one—maybe because he’s the oldest.

  “How are Mason and Harper?” I ask, picturing my little nephew and niece—Shane’s children.

  “Adorable as ever,” Mom says with a smile.

  “Mrs. Spencer?” The doctor says as he approaches us.

  Mom stands to face him, an anxious look on her face. “Yes?”

  The doctor smiles kindly. “We’re all done with your husband. You can go see him now.”

  “Thank you,” she says.

  The doctor nods, then turns and strides away.

  A few moments later the three of us surround Dad’s bed. He looks worn out, which isn’t surprising considering all he’s been through today. When his gaze settles on me, his eyes light up.

  “Ashley,” he says as he opens his arms.

  I rush to him and wrap my arms around him. The familiar scent of his cologne fills my nose, and a sense of comfort settles over me.

  “Did you come all the way down here just to see me?” he asks.

  I smile at him, and when I consider that this heart attack could have killed him, a fresh flood of tears fills my eyes, but this time I have trouble holding them back. “Of course,” I say.

  He reaches up and wipes away a tear that’s managed to slide down my cheek. “Well, I’m glad you came.”

  “Me, too. I’ve missed you guys.”

  The four of us visit for a while, and soon Shane arrives. After a warm greeting, we chat together comfortably.

  “How’s Kayla?” I ask as I picture his wife.

  “She’s doing great. She’s home with the kids, but I’m sure you’ll see her tomorrow.”

  When Dad is ready to sleep, we leave him and head to our cars. Matt puts my suitcase in Mom’s car, then the four of us make plans to get together the next day once Dad is home from the hospital.

  On the drive home, Mom turns to me. “So what happened with you and the man you were dating? Drake, right?”

  Hearing his name spoken out loud causes a little zing of pain to jab into my heart. “Yes. Drake.” I picture his face and wonder if he and Jasmine are out having a good time right at that moment.

  “Ashley?”

  “We decided to date other people.”

  “Are you still going to date each other?”

  Besides the fact that Drake doesn’t seem to want to go out with me anymore, I know I wouldn’t be able to stand it if I were to be with him knowing that he was dating other women at the same time. It has to be all or nothing. “No.”

  “Was this your idea, or his?”

  Mom has always been good at digging into the heart of the matter, and though she usually has good advice, I’m not sure I’m ready to delve into the depths of my situation with Drake just yet. Even so, I decide to answer her questions if I can and see what she says.

  “Technically,” I say, “it was his idea. But I didn’t exactly argue with him about it.”

  “So you’re okay with it?”

  Absolutely not. “It’s not my first choice.”

  “I don’t understand, honey. If you don’t agree with the decision, then why are you going along with it?”

  Good question. “Because I know . . .” A knot forms in my throat and I try to swallow around it. “I know he has someone else he wants to . . . go out with.”

  Mom reaches across the center console and pats my leg. “Oh, honey. I’m sorry.”

  I squeeze my eyes closed as I ride out the crushing feeling in my chest. Is this how it felt when Dad had his heart attack?

  “I’m sure everything will work out for the best,” she says.

  I seriously doubt that, but nod anyway.

  Twenty-Six

  ASHLEY

  On Sunday, when it’s time for me to leave, I realize I’m not ready to go. Going back will mean I’ll have to face my empty nights alone, and I don’t want to do that.

  I brought my laptop with me. Maybe I can work from here.

  Excited about a respite from Reno, I email my boss, tell him I’ve had a family emergency, and ask if it would be okay if I were to work remotely for a few days. He answers quickly, saying that he’s fine with it.

  Relieved, I tell my parents the good news.

  “That’s wonderful, honey,” Dad says from his easy chair. />
  Later that evening I text Emily and let her know what’s going on. She responds a short time later.

  Emily: Thanks for letting me know. By the way, did you talk to Drake?

  Confused why she would think I’d be talking to Drake, I text a reply.

  Ashley: No. Why?

  Emily: I forgot to tell you that he stopped by Friday night.

  My mouth falls open at the news.

  Ashley: What? Why didn’t you tell me?

  Emily: Sorry. I got busy and forgot.

  My mind races.

  Ashley: What did he want?

  Emily: Idk. He wouldn’t tell me. I told him you’d be back tonight.

  Ashley: Ok Thx

  I set my phone beside me on my bed and stare at the walls of my childhood room. Being here makes me feel safe, but the news Emily just shared with me shatters that feeling of security.

  Why did Drake come to my apartment? If he wanted to talk to me, why hasn’t he tried to contact me?

  Then the answer comes to me.

  Obviously he wants to talk to me in person, which can mean one of two things. Either things didn’t work out with Jasmine and he wants to get back into my good graces, or he wants to let me know that he’s ready to go out with me again—although certainly not exclusively.

  Neither option sounds good to me, and I dread hearing what Drake has to say.

  DRAKE

  All weekend my mind’s been on Ashley and how I’m going to convince her that I can be faithful and that she’s the only one I love. But in all that time I’ve come up with nothing. There’s simply no way to prove to her that I’m done playing around. Only time will show her my commitment.

  Eager to talk to her, I drive to her apartment and knock on the door. A moment later Emily answers.

  “Oh, hey, Drake.”

  “Is Ashley back?”

  “Actually, she let me know she’s going to stay in Vegas a while longer.”

  Disappointment hits me like a hammer, and I realize I’ve been counting on talking to her tonight. How else to get my focus back on work? And this conversation needs to happen face to face.