When You Least Expect It

44

It takes me a full two days to muster up the courage to tell Ashley Grace about Whitney. My heart is racing as I wait on her to get out of the shower. Sam sits on the couch while I pace back and forth. "You know you should've told her the minute you knew her travel plans right?"

"Yes, I know." I stop pacing to face her. "I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I don't want her to hate me."

"And you think waiting until the day before is going to help?" I can see her fighting a smile. She hides her mouth behind her hand as she rests her head on her arm.

"No. I just..." I pause as the shower shuts off. "Shit."

Sam clears her throat. "I can go if you'd rather me not me here. I love giving you shit but I can tell you're really stressing about this."

Shaking my head I resume my pacing. "Either way it's not going to be fun. Maybe if you're here she won't beat me." I joke trying to lighten the mood a little.

"Ok, if you change your mind you can always just tell me later. No hard feelings." She smiles and my heart melts a little.

Ashley rustles around in her room for a few minutes before her door swings open. She's in a grey pushup bra and jean shorts. Her hair still in a towel.

"You know Corey would have a heart attack if he knew you were dressed like that." I tease her.

Her shoulders shrug. "He knows. I sent him a picture before I walked out. He also knows you've seen me naked more than just a few times. I'm sure he prefers this." Smart ass.

"Well, you look great Ash. Have I told you that lately?" My throat itches with the words I need to say. I feel like I'm going to puke.

A disgruntled look crosses her face. "I'm sorry, what?" She looks at me and then at Sam. "What the heck is going on? You look like you're going to get sick, and you look like you're trying not to laugh. What gives?"

"We need to talk." I shove my hands in my pockets not knowing what else to do with them.

"Oh no. Are you two fucking or something?" She groans exaggeratedly.

Sam bursts out laughing. "I'm sorry. I couldn't help it. No, we aren't fucking." Another little giggle escapes her. "I don't have to be here for this but it's not about me."

Blowing out a deep sigh I clear my throat. "Ash, please don't be mad at me. But Whitney wants to come visit here."

Her face contorts into a look of disgust. "Derek. Come on dude. I didn't even know you were talking to her again. When did that start?"

"I know. I'm an idiot. I texted her the other day, when you came home and me and Sam were hanging out. I was bored I texted everyone and no one answered. So, I texted her just to talk to someone and she didn't answer either. Sam texted back later and that night when we went out to get dinner Whitney texted me back. One thing led to another..."

"When is she wanting to come Derek? Like, are you guys going to stay here or?" Her voice trails off. "You know she's going to hate this place."

I swallow the lump in my throat. "She's coming tomorrow. I know, but I really don't want to spend a bunch of mon..."

She stops me, and if looks could kill I'd already be six feet under. "You're fucking joking right? Tomorrow?? I can't. Are you serious?"

"I'm sorry Ash." I hang my head. "I didn't want you to be mad. I didn't know how to tell you. Sam told me I should've said something that day."

"She's absolutely right Derek. This is nuts. Whitney hasn't done anything good for you and you always fall for her bullshit. Is this just about getting your dick wet again or what?"

"I don't know. I honestly don't. I mean yes, but not only that." I feel like a kid in the principal's office. "I mean, she did fine that night all that shit with Katie happened."

She huffs out a sarcastic laugh. "Yeah, until you went running to help and then what? She went right back to good old Whitney. She's never going to change and you know it."

"I just, maybe away from all of her friends and stuff... Even if it's just for a little while. I'm really sorry I didn't tell you before. If you absolutely don't want her in the apartment I understand. I'll figure it out Ash."

Her eyes widen, "How long is she planning to stay? Like a week? What's "a little while?"

"Just a few days. She's coming tomorrow and she's supposed to leave on Tuesday."

She sighs looking at me. "Heaven help me. Four days of Whitney. In this tiny apartment that she's just going to absolutely hate. Derek, this is a bad idea, I just know it."

If I had a tail it'd be tucked between my legs right now. "I'm sorry Ash. I don't know what I was thinking. It just happened. I didn't expect her to fly down here."

"Just, give me a minute to process this ok? I'm freaking out a little because I know how she is. I hate seeing her treat you the way she does."

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After breaking the news to Ashley, Sam and I went out for a walk to give her some space. I feel like the biggest asshole for the way this all went. Hopefully, with the tiniest bit of luck, it'll go smoothly while Whitney's here.

"I knew it wasn't going to be good but that was brutal." Sam shakes her head taking another sip of her slushy. "I'm sorry Derek."

I shrug. "It's my own fault. I knew better. I just hope it isn't a disaster while she's here."

"Well the good news is, she's only here for a few days." She bumps me with her shoulder. She always knows what to say to lighten the mood.

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Later that evening I can hear Ashley Grace talking to Corey on the phone. Sam and I talked about it and agreed it would be best to just let her come to me when she's ready. So, instead of bothering her again I busy myself straightening up the apartment. Ashley's right. Whitney is going to hate it here.

I have to laugh at myself. How the hell did I manage to get myself into this?

After tidying the place up I plop down on the couch and check my phone. It's weird not having anyone to talk to outside of Ash. And I don't want to bother Jason while he's with Riley. Katie's got a boyfriend, Taylor is busy working with his dad. It's kind of lonely. I hate to keep bugging Sam. My phone clicks as I lock it.

I've just settled on a crappy reality tv show when Ash finally opens the door. "Hey Ash." Setting up I mute the tv.

She sits beside me on the couch. "Hey Der. Listen, I'm sorry about the way I talked to you earlier. That wasn't fair. I was just surprised."

"Don't apologize. I was an ass for not telling you sooner." I throw my arm over her. "I've gotten you caught up in my Whitney bullshit before. I don't blame you for reacting that way."

She pats my knee. "You're right about that. But still. That's no excuse. You're one of my best friends Derek. I just hate seeing you get hurt."

Squeezing her to me I nod. "I've put you through a lot. Have I said 'thank you' for that yet?"

"Yes, a million times." She laughs. "Corey told me to be nice and I'm going to try. You guys can take my room and I'll stay in here. Save you at least the headache of explaining that you're crashing on the couch again. Since I know how well that went over last time."

"Ah, you don't have to do that Ash. We can figure it out."

"No," She shakes her head. "I'm not taking no for an answer. I know that girl is going to flip out if you tell her she's sleeping on the couch again. I'm trying to help you out Derek it's just a couple nights. If I really needed it, Corey would get me a room. But I'm fine. I swear."

"Fine. But if you change your mind tell me!" I hold my pinky out, "Promise?"

She wraps her pinky around mine. "Promise."

"Ashley Grace I could kiss you right now. But I don't want my head beat in, so I won't. But I could! Thank you." I wrap my arms around her squeezing her in a bear hug. "I don't know what I'd do without you."