After the nap, Ashley and I both took a shower. I used the one in my parent’s bathroom while Ashley used the other one. We didn’t want to shower together because it would be awkward for my parents. We got dressed into our relaxing clothes and sat down to dinner with the family. Ashley sat across from me while my parents sat on each side. “Ashley, you’re the guest, would you like to say prayer?” My mother asked.

“You know she isn’t religious, Mom.” I said in a matter-of-fact tone.

Ashley piped in, “No, it’s okay. I’ll do it.” I had a bad feeling about her saying grace. We all joined hands and bowed our heads. “Lord, thank you for this amazing meal that you have blessed us with. Thank you for showing beauty in the world when it doesn’t seem like there is any of it left.” I looked up at her only to see that she was staring right at me. She continued, “Thanks you for the blessings you have brought all of us in our lives. Amen.” Everyone said “Amen” immediately after.

I could see the shocked look on my mother’s face and I have to admit. I too was shocked. Who knew Ashley was so good at saying grace? My mother almost looked a bit disappointed though.

“So Ashley,” My dad began after a bit of his meal. “How are things with you?”

“Everything’s been real great Mr. C. I have my job, my health, and my…” She paused. I didn’t know why though. Everyone at the table looked up at her expectantly. “Friend” she said slowly, almost with a questioning inflection in her voice. She didn’t know what to call us. ‘Friends with benefits’ sounded a bit demeaning, but we weren’t officially girlfriends.

“Sounds like things are going smoothly.” My dad stated. “I’m glad to hear it.”

Of course my mother had to pipe in with something to damper the mood. “So how are things with Aiden?” Ashley and I both looked at each other and stopped what we were doing. I think both of us had forgotten about him.

“Oh, umm” Ashley began, and then took a sip of her cherry coke. “Well you know how things can be with boyfriends. They come and go until you find the right one.”