When You Least Expect It

38

I don't know whether to be nervous or excited. Classes are finished and summer is here. Ashley is all flustered trying to get ready for Corey's graduation. "Derek, did you see what I did with my other shoe? Do these even match my dress?" She fluffs her hair in the mirror, "Is this too much cleavage for tonight? I feel like I'm going to throw up D!"

I laugh, "Slow down, your shoe is literally in your hand, you look beautiful and I'm sure Corey is going to appreciate the cleavage."

She cuts her eyes at me, "I know Corey will, but his dad is going to be there, and I don't want him to think I'm like, a slut or something. I want to make a good impression, so he doesn't convince Corey he'll be better off without me once he leaves."

Her eyes go shiny, and she sucks in a deep breath, "Oh Ash, stop. You know that man ain't going nowhere. He loves you and I'm sure his dad will too." I wrap my arms around her, and she lays her head against my chest.

"He is going somewhere though. I'm going to miss him so fucking much Derek. What am I going to do without him?"

"Don't worry about it, absence makes the heart grow fonder right? I'm sure he will be up here to see you as much as he can be." I rub her hair and she smacks my hand taking a step back.

"You're fucking up my hair. Hands off." She gives me a grin and turns to fix her makeup.

I chuckle, "You're a mess. I'll leave you to it. I'm going to run down and check on the grill. Is his dad coming to the cookout?"

She dabs her eyes and digs in her makeup bag, "No, he couldn't get here in time so he's just going straight to the stadium."

"Ah, ok. Maybe you should wear a bib or something, so you don't mess up your slutty dress."

I hear the brush smack the door as I narrowly escape.

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"There he is!" Ashley yells back at me as we run across the parking lot.

"Babe! You made it just in time. Dad is in the first set of risers on the right side. He said he'd save you guys a couple seats." Corey wraps her in a big hug. He looks so happy in his graduation robes.

"I'm so glad we didn't miss you before you went in! I'm so proud of you Corey. I can't believe you're done though." Ashley leans back to look up at him and I know she's about to get emotional.

"Hey, you promised. No tears until after graduation! This is a happy event. Now come on, let's go find our seats." I grab her by the arm, and she shrugs me off.

"Fine. No tears. I'm still so proud of you babe. We'll be cheering for you when you cross." She kisses him and turns to me. "I can't promise not to cry while we're waiting though."

I laugh, "Ok, just not in front of Corey. Come on, let's go find our seats."

She takes my hand, and we make our way into the crowded building to find Corey's dad.

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Ashley's face is puffy from crying as we say goodbye to Corey's dad. Hank gives her a big hug and promises to keep Corey in line for her while they're apart. He seems like a sweet older man with a huge heart. I can see where Corey gets his calm demeanor.

Corey removes his cap and puts it on Ashley's head, "Well, are you ready to party? No sense in crying tonight. I ain't leaving yet!"

Ash wipes at her face. "I guess a few drinks won't hurt. We might as well have a good time together while we can." She wraps her arms around his waist burying her face against him as she starts to cry again.