“That’s inevitable, but it’s better to tell him now instead of when it’s too late, or even worse, on your wedding day; I hate to break it to you but weddings are expensive.” I laughed and nodded.

                “Thanks Daddy,” I said, taking a final sip of my coffee before standing up and hugging him. ”I have to go to work, but I’ll call you later.” He nodded and followed me to the door. I was more than surprised when Ashley was standing on the other side with her fist raised, as if to knock. “Ashley!”

                “Hey Spence,” She said sheepishly.

                “How did you know that I was here?” I asked, making her chuckle but shake her head.

                “I’m actually here to see Mr. C.” She said, as I stepped back to let her in the house. My dad pulled her into a strong embrace as I watched in confusion. “Will you call me later?” She asked when my dad went into the kitchen. I smiled and nodded as I left, wondering what the hell was going on.

                At ten o’clock I knocked on Ashley’s door and surprisingly it took her nearly five minutes to open it.

                “Spencer?” She asked, groggily.

                “What were you doing?”

                “Sleeping,” She answered, yawning as she stretched her arms above her head. My eyes were instantly drawn to the skin of her taut stomach that the shirt had revealed when she lifted her arms. “I thought that we weren’t supposed to be alone.”

                “I trust you,” I replied, walking into the apartment. She raised an eyebrow and I chuckled as I walked into the living room to sit on her couch.

                “So….what’s up Spence?”
                “I’m breaking up with Hugh.”

                “Good!” She said, looking genuinely happy.

                “I’ve been thinking about what you said, about letting him find his ‘one’ and you’re right, I’m being selfish.”

                “Do you want some wine or something? I think I have beer, I really need to go shopping.”          

                “No, alcohol would be a bad thing right now.” She laughed but nodded in understanding as we sat in the silence one more.

                “Can I just say one thing? Then I’ll shut up.” I laughed but nodded and she smiled.