When You Least Expect It

27

Valentine's Day happens to be on Saturday which is perfect for those of us with plans. Corey has big plans for Ashley Grace as well. They're going away for a weekend and he's got a whole set up ready to sweep her off her feet. He used me to find out what her favorite flowers were, if she preferred a beach getaway or somewhere snowy. She thinks I was asking for Whitney, she doesn't suspect a thing. Part of me thinks he is going to ask her to marry him. But then again, she's only 18 and he's about to graduate, so maybe not.

My plans aren't that good but I did set up a reservation for us in a nice place in the next town over. It's at the top of a high rise. I barely covered the cost, even after picking up extra shifts, but hopefully it will impress her. I talked to Katie about what happened. How guilty I was feeling and although she may be biased she doesn't think it was a big deal. We weren't together, it wasn't something I planned on. Still, she says it would probably be best not to tell Whitney. But also that it wouldn't bother her if it was her relationship. Seriously, I don't know how this chick hasn't found someone yet. She would make the ideal girlfriend for the right guy.

Jason is feeling a bit cynical as I make my final plans. He continues to harass me while I try to find something to wear. "This is a stupid holiday. All this money and effort to bang a chick you're already banging. Stupid."

"Come on J. I'm trying to show her that not all of us are dicks. She deserves to feel special and hopefully it will show her that I mean business. I want her to remember this night when I tell her I want to be exclusive."

"Still dumb. Do you really think that flowers and dinner is going to make her not cheat on you? She cheated on Travis with you all the time. You don't think she'll do the same to you?"

I shake my head, "Not really. She only called me when she was feeling alone. When he was showing her everything else was more important than her. I'll give her the attention she wants without trying to own her. I think she'll be different with me."

He blows out a breath, "Trust me Pretty Boy, it doesn't matter how good you treat them they always find a reason."

Now I feel like a pile of shit. "Man, I'm sorry she did that to you." I sigh. "But they aren't all the same. Maybe you can find a lonely girl in need of some extra attention tomorrow night."

"Meh, I will probably stay right here. Or go hang out at that karaoke bar and watch all the couples fail at singing some stupid love song."

"Well if you change your mind, Katie is a really cool chick to hang out with. Lacie too if you can get past her attitude. Just don't be a dick to them."

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The next afternoon Ashley Grace comes bursting into my room nearly giving me a heart attack. She's jumping up and down like a kid going to Disney World. Corey told her to pack her bag but won't tell her exactly where they're going, just to pack warm clothes.

"Sounds like you're in for a romantic fun filled weekend. I'm happy for you kid." I grin at her, knowing she's going to have the best time.

"I know! I'm so excited. Corey is seriously the best." She sighs and gives me a look her face losing a bit of that excitement. "D are you a hundred percent set on doing this? I'm just worried you're going to get hurt or something."

"I'll be ok Ash. If she says no, then I guess I'll just keep doing what I've been doing." I chuckle when she smacks me.

Then she throws Katie in my face. "Derek, I'm not trying to be mean but you can't bed hop if you're tied down. Especially to Whitney, of all people. You'll be lucky if you can so much as talk to other girls, me included." Her eyebrows scrunch together.