III. Hey There Delilah
Hey There Delilah is the property of Plain White Tees.
Hey there Delilah
What's it like in New York City?
I'm a thousand miles away
But girl tonight you look so pretty
Yes you do
Times Square can't shine as bright as you
I swear it's true
Hey there Delilah
Don't you worry about the distance
I'm right there if you get lonely
Give this song another listen
Close your eyes
Listen to my voice it's my disguise
I'm by your side
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
What you do to me
Hey there Delilah
I know times are getting hard
But just believe me girl
Someday I'll pay the bills with this guitar
We'll have it good
We'll have the life we knew we would
My word is good
Hey there Delilah
I've got so much left to say
If every simple song I wrote to you
Would take your breath away
I'd write it all
Even more in love with me you'd fall
We'd have it all
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
A thousand miles seems pretty far
But they've got planes and trains and cars
I'd walk to you if I had no other way
Our friends would all make fun of us
and we'll just laugh along because we know
That none of them have felt this way
Delilah I can promise you
That by the time we get through
The world will never ever be the same
And you're to blame
Hey there Delilah
You be good and don't you miss me
Two more years and you'll be done with school
And I'll be making history like I do
You know it's all because of you
We can do whatever we want to
Hey there Delilah here's to you
This ones for you
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
What you do to me.
Dedicated to Kathy (Happy Belated Birthday)!!!
You could barely hear a sound under the Bridge of Sighs, so quiet you wouldn't think that was the name. The various buildings line the water, greenery hanging over the black balconies. In the gondolas ahead, the oars dip into the aquamarine river. Their white and black-striped shirts waft in the wind. The sun's rays light the way, guiding the gondoliers in this floating city. Small streets in narrow passages have wash on the line, church bells echoing in the distance. It's music to those who hear, sweet, subtle music, while the day goes to its usual hiding place.
Venice at night is extreme, secretive to the eye. Suddenly, lights burst from windows, occupants arriving home from work. The roses and lilies stand out all the brighter. Reflections of buildings overtake the water that supports them. It's a clandestine affair, classy in its effect.
I.
The gondola slows to a creeping crawl, Ashley making sure her shoe doesn't catch on the sidewalk's edge. Despite the romance of the sweeping lights and the two-seat boat coming just for them, it's still a bit dangerous to be riding like this in the dark. Then again, they've been through every dark patch together and then some. At least Craig has no trouble, helping her inside.
"Careful as always, Ash," he playfully chastises.
"You try doing this in heels," counters Ashley.
"Well, I didn't bring mine," says Craig, then turning to the gondolier. "One round trip please."
"Si, signore," he replies, tilting his brimmed hat.
With his oar at the ready, they're sailing in the water in no time. No longer nervous, Ashley gives into the sway of the ride. They dip under bridges, pass restaurants, see workers staggering home. It's a far cry from Canada, where she had to shuttle herself everywhere in her less than reliable car. Something tells her you could always rely on these boats to get you from place to place.
Something more reliable? How Kate took the news of her decision to be with Craig after rehab. She was proud of him for making it through but she didn't want to broadcast the two of them starting to date to everyone. So Kate was genuinely surprised when Ashley announced it to her.
Ellie sniffed the contents of one bottle, immediately coughed. Ashley smiled secretly while Ellie regained her composure.
"Smells like a flower garden," complained Ellie.
"Yeah, all those are Jimmy scents...a big flower fan," explained Ashley. "Half the time I put it on without even realizing I put it on."
"Oh, I'd definitely remember putting this on," said Ellie, scooting the perfume to the other side of Ashley's vanity.
Ashley rose from the desk, evaluating herself in the mirror. The mirror was one that she and Geri rescued from a department store with cheap prices. Jimmy offered to let her have the mirror they shared in their old home, and a few other things. She declined. If she wanted to see herself, really see herself, it'd be with her own, fresh mirror. She'd truly be a fresh person.
She likes what she sees, has since she quit law, and started teaching. Her wardrobe is a lot more comfortable, her make-up more simple, no perfume. Sure, Craig liked that, but she liked it, too. They always had the same taste, yet Ashley did cave and crave a second opinion. With Geri, her roommate, gone, she sought out Ellie. The first interactions with Ellie were hard, after Ellie's brief romance with Craig. When Ashley told her she and Craig were trying again, Ellie stared blankly at her and walked away. Ashley thought that was the end of their friendship. Luckily, it was just Ellie's typical reaction– walk, think about it, then tell her what's on her mind. What was on her mind gave Ashley great comfort. Ellie clearly told her that her past was Craig was too difficult, and that the feelings were too complicated for her to want to be with him again. In fact, she said she was emotionally exhausted and wondered why Ashley put up with it, making them both laugh. They both knew the answer. Craig was who Ashley admired, understood, and loved continuously.
Ellie crossed her arms, stared at Ashley's reflection.
"You'll make Craig wish he never left Toronto," complimented Ellie.
"Thanks, El," said Ashley. "I have no idea where we're going, so I'm dressing casual slash dressy."
"If he just takes you out for onion rings, I'll smack him," promised Ellie.
Ashley laughed. "Well, he's not Spinner."
"Maybe he should take you to a disco. Word on the street is it's not dead."
"I would physically have to harm him," jokes Ashley. "This isn't Freaks and Geeks."
Their laughter is drowned out by a persistent knock on the front door. It's faint, but Ellie's the first to go answer it, allowing Ashley more time to assess her look.
"Ms. Kerwin!" cries Ellie.
Ashley's eyes widen in shock as she takes a deep breath. What's her mother doing here? She came once at the beginning of the semester to see the place, but hasn't been back since.
"Oh, came to see how my daughter's getting along," replies Kate.
Judging by her mother's cool response, Ashley guesses there's no emergency. But why now? She had to meet Craig in the quad in less than an hour. Craig, of course, offered to pick her up at her door, but she had paperwork to drop off and thought it'd be easier to meet him there.
"I'll be leaving then," said Ellie.
Don't leave, she wants to shout to Ellie. If they were alone, Kate could read her face better, and there'd be less of a chance that she'd crack. Ugh, this is definitely ruining what is supposed to be a great night, thought Ashley, sighing.
"I'm in here, Mom," called Ashley, hearing the front door close after Ellie.
Kate peeped her head inside.
"Dressed, Mom," informed Ashley.
"I'll say," said Kate. "Where are you off to?"
Ashley shifted her eyes. "Mom..."
"Fine, fine," harrumphed Kate. "I guess since you're a young woman, I no longer get to hear about your social life?"
"I'm allowed a little privacy," returned Ashley.
"Just making sure your very active social life doesn't interfere with our anniversary party..."
"Guilt trip, not necessary," guaranteed Ashley. "Very proud of you, guys. Ten years of unwedded bliss."
Kate tilted her head to the side as Ashley grinned.
"Jeff and I have always been unconventional," said Kate, letting a smile cross her lips. "Besides, I don't see any ring on your finger, Ms. Kerwin."
"Who knows what the future holds?" replied Ashley, more to herself.
His curly hair and bright green eyes entered immediately into her mind. If the third time is indeed the charm, they'd be walking down the aisle, having anniversary parties, teasing their own daughter about her dates. Ashley smiled at the floorboards of her room.
"This must be some guy," said Kate, arching her eyebrow.
"Huh?" said Ashley.
"You're getting all spacey," noted Kate. "I haven't seen you this enamored since..."
Kate stopped talking, fiddled with a bracelet on her left hand. Ashley blushed, furiously. Okay, face reading time will begin now. Why did she let her mind wander?
"Since Jimmy," completed Kate.
Those two words sound so false coming from her mouth, like her own mother is grasping with hope. Judging by her lowered eyes, Ashley's well aware that Kate was thinking of the true guy behind her distracted gaze.
"Ashley...," began Kate.
"Did you come here to snoop?" interrupted Ashley. "I'm almost twenty-one so that's borderline pathetic."
"Pathetic? Me wanting what's best for you is pathetic?" exclaimed Kate.
"Look...sorry," sighed Ashley. "It's...just if we're adults, we should talk about this. I mean, I'm up for it."
"Fine," said Kate. "When did this start?"
"It's supposed to start tonight," said Ashley.
"Is...is he in school?" asked Kate. "What exactly is he doing?"
"What kind of question is that?" demanded Ashley.
"I haven't kept up with him, Ashley, so is it a wonder that I'm not up to date on his life? All I hear is rumors..."
"No...it's not a wonder," admitted Ashley, silently.
"It's unbelievable to me that you two would...ugh, never mind," breathed Kate.
"He's a successful musician," informed Ashley, hotly. "And that's believable. I care about him, so you can believe that, too."
Ashley grabbed her purse, put her keys and paperwork in the front pocket. Kate stood, delicately took her daughter's arms. Ashley released a hesitant sigh.
"Is he out of rehab?" she questioned, gently.
"Yes," said Ashley.
"Well, that's good," said Kate, letting her go. "At least he's making progress..."
Progress? The word sounded so clinical and cold coming from her mother's mouth. It was almost as if she were describing her agenda to refurbish a forgotten home to one of her clients.
"Because I know nothing about ruining my life with drugs," counters Ashley, smirking.
"Ashley!" cried Kate. "That was very different..."
"Obviously," interrupted Ashley. "But you never judged me, so don't judge Craig. You didn't even judge Dad when Chris came along. You were in their wedding! Why do I find it so hard to believe that you wouldn't be in mine?"
"What wedding?" said Kate in disbelief.
"Never mind, Mom," sighed Ashley. "You're missing the point."
Ashley walked out of her room, tears at the edges of her eyes. She didn't mean to accuse her Mom of certain things, but those worries had settled into her heart ages ago. They were present when Craig first proposed, that if they had gotten married so young, her mother wouldn't speak to her anymore. Simply put, her mother never warmed to Craig. What she wonders is if they ever will.
"Ashley, come back here!" yelled Kate after her.
It was the last thing Ashley heard as her feet lead her to Craig.
II.
"You think I should convince the guy to sing Bella Notte," whispers Craig in Ashley's ear.
Ashley stifles a smile.
"He'd probably throw you in for suggesting it," replies Ashley.
"Who doesn't like a good Disney classic?" continues Craig. "Hello, Lady and the Tramp?"
"Well, if I'm the lady, then you're the...," starts Ashley.
Craig places a hand over her mouth to prevent the rest, Ashley grinning under his fingers. The ride has gone pretty smoothly, small civilian chatter off in the distance as the boat rounds each corner. Ashley feels each rocking motion, enjoys every bit of lively color, the near silence. Craig removes his hand, and she glances at him. She wouldn't enjoy this as much with anyone else.
As the gondola careens down the canals, she spies the basilica of St. Mark. Its half-moon arches hold the dome ceiling. The spires stretch into the midnight sky. Four stone horses charge for no reason, yet their faces are set with purpose. This building must've stood there for centuries, appearing strong to the people who viewed it. How many moments, both good and bad, with her and Craig have been witnessed? People, like her mother, might've thought they couldn't get through it. Ashley had her doubts too, choosing to be with Jimmy. Now, look at them, sailing, nothing weighing them down.
When Craig wraps his arm around her, she's never felt more anchored.
III.
Despite the lame Disney crack, he feels this date has been going pretty well. He's been cornier, cheesier, lamer...okay, enough with the self-deprecation. Most of his best lines came through song, and most of his best lines have Ashley as the recipient. He recalls sitting at his desk or on the garage sofa composing. What makes him grin is thinking about how different he and Ashley chose to compose. She was always at her keyboard with perfect posture, usually sure where she was going next. Craig just kind of winged it and managed to be creative, usually laying on the couch with his guitar at his chest. It was truly a reflection of their personalities and artistic sensibilities.
Craig wiggles in the plush, red gondola bench, a tiny bit restless. That was one aspect of his personality that bothered him. It got him in trouble, except for that day that lead him to her. He went to Ashley as soon as he thought it was right. Meeting her after her music class...he wouldn't change that at all. There were other moments he might've changed a hair, though they did work out in the end.
Spinner belched, scratched his stomach as he opened Craig's refrigerator. Craig had distant memories of him raiding Joey's fridge throughout high school, but let it go, continued to comb his hair. Marco, at least, is drinking his own latte. He hopes his guests help him reach his goal– deciding where to take Ashley on their first, post-rehab date. Marco was good for romantic advice, and Spinner knew where to go to have a good time. Balance the two and jackpot.
"Dude, you know what you should do!" cried Spinner, happily. "Take Ashley to Medieval Times! You can eat with your fingers...it was so cool!"
"He is not taking Ashley to Medieval Times," said Marco, forcefully.
"Yeah, that's more for you and your training buddies, Spin," concurred Craig.
"You get a crown," whispered Spinner, loud enough to make Craig smile.
"What kind of food does she like?" asked Marco.
"Restaurants are so...so done," complained Craig. "I think we should do something new, something special."
"Clubs? Concerts?" suggested Marco.
"Checked the paper...nothing's coming through," shared Craig. "And clubs...not the best dancer."
Marco tapped his chin as Spinner joined him on the sofa. So far, things weren't going so hot. What other things could they do? Toronto's a lively city, not as much as Los Angeles or New York when he was on tour, but it wasn't a place in the middle of nowhere. The larger issue was that Craig promised Nick that he'd select a place where there wasn't a lot of temptations, namely any building where he could relapse. Hence, Craig made up some excuses to shut down the club and concert ideas, which were good. If Craig proved to Nick that he could handle those environments, eventually Nick would let him go wherever he wanted. Tonight, though, has to be safe and family-friendly.
"There has to be...," started Craig.
"Bowling!" exclaimed Spinner. "It's...it's like new for you guys...and you get shoes! Man, what could be more tight?"
"Uh, shaving my dad's moustache," replies Marco, rolling his eyes. "What do you and Paige do? Play Rock 'Em Sock 'Em robots?"
"Charity fashion shows," mumbled Spinner.
Craig and Marco shook their heads, chuckling. Then, his cellphone buzzed. Ashley. She must've dropped off her paperwork and is heading for the quad.
"Wish me luck, boys," said Craig.
"Luck," say Marco and Spinner at the same time.
Putting on his leather jacket, Craig salutes his friends before opening the door.
"Dude, what are we going to do tonight?" questioned Spinner.
"I don't know," said Marco as the door shut.
The walk to his car and the drive to the campus didn't seem long at all. His anticipation must've ate up the seconds. As soon as he stepped onto the lawn, he saw her. Ashley paced, so like her, but he wouldn't knock her for it. He couldn't since his stomach is in knots. She looked so gorgeous in a short-sleeved, black dress, with lace around the sleeves. Her simple, black heels made her more statuesque. Craig felt all his teeth showing as he approached her.
"Wandering the campus this late at night?" he called to her.
Ashley smiled, her eyes shining.
"Be careful...I have a mean slapping hand," warned Ashley.
"I remember," joked Craig. "Man, and I wanted to take you out tonight."
"Hmmm, well, if you're willing to pay, then I'm willing to go," said Ashley. "Where?"
Oh boy, he was so excited about seeing her that he never came up with any definitive plan. He ran the requirements in his head: special, new, clean.
"Bowling," he says, quickly.
No, that wasn't supposed to be on the checklist. Ashley eyed him curiously. If only he could bang his head against the bulletin board announcing campus activities. If only he read the board to see if there were campus activities they could attend. Craig shrugged.
"Bowling?" whispered Ashley, then more loudly. "Sure."
"Yeah?" exclaimed Craig.
"Uhhh...yeah," answered Ashley.
Ashley Kerwin actually wanted to bowl? Go figure. Craig tentatively took her hand, felt the softness of her skin. Hey, at least that was one thing that made sense as they both smile.
He opened the car door when they reached it, Ashley thanking him. Once they're both in the car, Craig realized that he only knew one bowling alley in the vicinity. Joey took Angie there once for a birthday party and Craig had to take her home afterwards. He never thought he'd be bringing Ashley there one day.
When they reached their destination, a neon pink bowling ball glowing above the name Brett's Bowl-A-Rama, Craig winced. He hid it well when Ashley glanced over at him. Out of all the suggestions, he chose Spinner's? That can't bode well for them. He turned to Ashley to apologize, offer an alternative. He's alarmed to see that she's sad. It was the type of sadness that was more than disappointment so he's sure it's not related to Brett's.
"Ready?" said Ashley, with a forced grin.
"Ready," replied Craig, pushing his car door open.
After opening the door for Ashley, they walked inside the alley, not quite prepared for what they viewed. There was so much neon it hurt Craig's eyes. The smell of fried food and floor polish filled his nostrils. Shiny balls barreled down the lanes with a clatter as pins fell. Craig felt like he was in the fifties, when the music wasn't that good. On the other hand, that is when rock n' roll started to become "in", so props for that.
"Why do I feel like I should be wearing a poodle skirt?" laughed Ashley.
It was good to see her in better spirits.
"And me in a sequined jacket," added Craig, tugging on his own jacket.
They advanced to the shoe and ball rental counter, a burly man sucking on a Slurpee, absent-mindedly.
"Hi," greeted Craig.
"Hello, lane lovers!" he says, brightly, breaking free from his Slurpee stupor. "Welcome to Brett's Bowl-A-Rama, where we let the good times roll!"
Ashley coughed, Craig assured that she was holding in some sarcastic chuckle. He was itching to do the same.
"That's why we're here," said Craig, politely. "Um, I'm a...ten."
The man nodded. He immediately fetched two pairs of shoes. Ashley gave him a puzzled look.
"With ladies, I can always tell," assured the man.
"Okay...thanks," said Ashley, taking them.
"We also need...," began Craig.
"Balls," inserted the man. "You definitely need balls, sir."
Craig and Ashley exchange an amused glance, Ashley giggling quietly this time. Eh, he was always the butt of some jab. He'd take it if it made Ashley happy. The man set two bowling balls in front of them, a dark blue one and a pink one.
"Pink?" moaned Ashley.
"Girls love pink," said the man.
Ashley picked up the ball, Craig telling she's resisting the urge to gag. It was an ugly pink, too, the color of wet bubblegum. Eh, they'd both have to suffer it seemed.
"Your pencils," said the man, retrieving the rest. "And...cash?"
"Right," says Craig, removing his wallet.
They paid and went to a lane in the center, next to another young couple who smiled at them and went about their game. The two of them were way more advanced, the woman getting a strike as he and Ashley settled in. He supposed he should get some conversation going.
"So we haven't been...been talking," noted Craig.
"We haven't," said Ashley.
That didn't work as their words failed them after he said that. Normally, they had no trouble with talking. Being vocal was normal for both of them, and they had a lot to share since being out of contact. What's preventing them from doing what they've always done? Craig put on his bowling shoes, cursing himself.
"Can you bowl at all?" asked Ashley.
"I'm...I'm pretty good," said Craig.
Well, yes and no. He was good enough to beat two girls at Angie's friend's birthday party. But he doesn't want to be embarrassed anymore for the rest of their date.
"Show me what you got," encouraged Ashley.
"Yeah...um, yeah," replied Craig.
Craig dug his fingers into the holes, and went to the end of the lane. Ashley wrote their names on the score card, then stared at Craig with a hopeful gaze. Craig chuckled nervously, held the ball in front of him. With a huge breath, he inched back, let the ball fly. It rolled to the middle, then right into the gutter.
"Haven't...haven't been practicing," said Craig, rubbing his hands together.
"No bowling alleys on tour," commiserated Ashley. "My turn?"
He nodded, let Ashley pass him. With weakened pride, he wrote the zero, a big goose egg, on the score card. He grinned when he saw how Ashley wrote his name. It seemed a stupid thing to smile over, but it just felt like forever since she's written it. If he goes back on tour, he'd love to get letters or e-mails from her. E-mails were cool, yet letters took time and Ashley loved to write.
"Alright, Ash!" he cheered.
Ashley blushed, proceeded to throw her ball. With a resolute slam, her ball takes down eight pins. Craig's jaw dropped.
"Whoa," breathed Ashley, backing up in surprise.
"What!" exclaimed Craig. "You're a total pro!"
"No, I...I swear," argued Ashley, grinning. "I think I was upset they gave me a pink ball so I threw it pretty hard."
Craig rose, not quite done with teasing her.
"Do you have one of those embroidered, lined shirts, with Ashley stitched on the right side?" said Craig. "Serve strikes to opposing teams on Saturdays? Member of a league?"
"Shut up!" cried Ashley playfully.
He tickled her slightly, relishing the excuse to finally get closer. Ashley gave in, finally let his arms hold her. He can't explain it. For some reason, she was lighter in his arms, belonged there, like his guitar when he's singing at his best. It' was some weird kismet, after all these years. He wouldn't trade it for anything.
Sharing a mutual shy glance, they sat at the desk, the score board illuminating their names.
"So Spin was the one who suggested this oh so brilliant scheme to go bowling," confessed Craig.
"Wait...you took dating advice from Spin?" said Ashley. "Then again, at least it's not a wrestling match."
Craig beamed. "That could be date number two."
"I like the sound of that," said Ashley, tucking hair behind her ears.
She gave Craig a light shove, frowned as she wrote down eight for frame one. Well, now that the ice has thawed, he could ask her why she appeared so sad when he met her.
"Ash, what's wrong?" asked Craig.
"You always know when something's wrong," sighed Ashley, more from appreciation than annoyance. "It's...my mom."
"Okay? And it has to do with..."
"Us," filled in Ashley. "She can't get past the past. Never mind all the wonderful things you've done. Things I've always known you were capable of."
A flutter of pleasure filled Craig's stomach. She always said she'd cheer him on, and after several years of them being apart, she felt the same.
"I don't care," continued Ashley. "I've made a decision not to care."
"Maybe you do or else you wouldn't be bothered by it," suggested Craig.
He thought back to when he wouldn't let anyone, including Ellie, see how he was really angry that Ashley stayed in England, or when he learned that Ashley and Jimmy were dating. Sometimes when you pretend not to care, you care even more.
"This is dampening the mood," said Ashley, patting his knee.
As soon as those words were uttered, the florescent lighting in the alley dimmed, changed to a floating burst of color, green and purple lights shining on lanes and pins and people. Ashley and Craig exchanged looks of confusion. The man they saw earlier grabbed a microphone.
"The moment you've been waiting for, folks...Couples Bowling Spotlight!" he announced.
Right after his enthusiastic voice, the speakers start to blast a melodic song that if you asked Craig was too mainstream for his tastes. Ashley half-smiled, shook her head. Everyone else was taking advantage of the change in their surroundings, dancing near the edge of the lane or continuing to bowl.
Hey there Delilah
What's it like in New York City?
I'm a thousand miles away
But girl tonight you look so pretty
Yes you do
Times Square can't shine as bright as you
I swear it's true
"This may the oddest moment of our lives," surmised Ashley. "Bright colors, garish lingo, a top 40 radio hit..."
"Do you want to dance?" interjected Craig.
"Alright," said Ashley, taking his outstretched hand.
"We'll have a funny story to tell," comforted Craig as Ashley winced.
He placed his hands on her slender waist, gazed into her shining eyes. They shine more in the dark. In fact, all her features shine in the dark. Why not? She was the inspiration for "Something 'Bout the Way You Shine." That's when he was young, sometimes arrogant, sometimes sweet. That's when he sent cards that didn't truly reveal his emotions, chased excitement because he was afraid to confront deeper feelings.
"What are you thinking?" quizzed Ashley.
"I'm thinking of every dance we've had, and like...every moment we've missed," said Craig.
"Let's see," said Ashley. "There was the luau dance..."
"Talk about your awkward first dates," laughed Craig. "Snapped at you, tore down a banner, left you pondering what was wrong with me. Totally ditched you."
"I knew you were coming back, though," shared Ashley.
"You...you did?" stammered Craig.
"I...I just knew," said Ashley with complete confidence.
"Like I knew you'd totally rock after the Creed guy blasted us," assured Craig.
"We did," agreed Ashley.
Hey there Delilah
I know times are getting hard
But just believe me girl
Someday I'll pay the bills with this guitar
We'll have it good
We'll have the life we knew we would
My word is good
"Why do we always believe the best about each other?" breathed Ashley, winding her arms around Craig's head.
"We both know the answer to that," replied Craig.
"Perfect answer," said Ashley.
Hey there Delilah
I've got so much left to say
If every simple song I wrote to you
Would take your breath away
I'd write it all
Even more in love with me you'd fall
We'd have it all
Oh it's what you do to me
She hugged him tightly, certainly able to tell that his heartbeat was quickening, his pulse was racing. The multi-colored lights paint their bodies green and purple, and far off is the sound of fallen pins and rolling balls, but all they hear is the sound of each other breathing. He'd have to give Spinner credit. It wasn't the worst date imaginable. Man.
"I love you, Craig," whispered Ashley against his cheek.
"I love you, too. Pink ball and all," whispered Craig.
They laugh, Craig closing his eyes as Ashley rests her head against his chest.
The ride on the way to Ashley's was less tense. Craig wanted to hear all about her students and her classes. Since he wasn't getting the university experience, everything interested him, especially with Ashley as a music major. Once in a while, he thought back to when he received that amazing letter in the mail, when he was accepted to Toronto on a music scholarship. He knew university wasn't for him, but the "what if" scenario played in his mind on the occasion.
Their kiss that night was fantastic. Not having Nick on his conscience, or anyone else for that matter, loosened his lips and they were pretty numb when Ashley finally made it inside. Craig leaned against her door, grinning from ear to ear. He left after hearing her move throughout the room for a minute or so.
What prompted him to make the next move, he can't honestly say. The possibility of doing something so brave went through his brain as he and Ashley returned the shoes. While Ashley jokingly boasted about winning, he formulated a plan, a plan he didn't consult with anyone about, including Nick.
Sure enough, he found the courage to be outside the Kerwin residence the next morning. The afternoon was sunny, a beautiful Saturday.
Toby, rubbing his eyes without his glasses on, answered after the fourth ring. He definitely looked older, with stubble on his chin and a University of Toronto sweatshirt. Despite his tiredness, Toby was his usual polite self and let Craig in and went to fetch Kate.
Craig sat on a couch he remembered sitting on briefly, when he and Ashley first started dating. Jeff would come in to check on them, pretending to check the answering machine or offering them beverages. Kate simply gave Craig a look that paralyzed him, went about her daily routine. Not surprisingly, Kate did the same when she saw him that day. Immaculately dressed in a navy blue business suit, Kate came downstairs, frowning.
"Craig," she greeted, coldly.
"Hi, Ms. Kerwin," he said. "Sorry if I'm keeping you from anything."
"No, you came at a good time," replied Kate. "What brings you to our neck of the woods?"
"Um...um, Ashley," he answered, quickly.
Kate smiled sarcastically, said nothing. Instead, she went to a nearby desk, started digging in her briefcase. Craig took a deep breath. If he was going to say this, he wanted her to look him in the eye. He stood, walked to where he was inches away from Kate.
"I'm...I'm clean, and mature...different," insisted Craig. "I swear, you wouldn't believe you were looking at the same guy."
"You look the same to me," said Kate, coolly.
"Well, I'm not," insisted Craig, careful not to raise his voice. "Ashley and I waited months to be together. I never pushed her to be with me."
"So it was her decision to be with you?" asked Kate.
"Yes, and I'm not going to screw it up this time," said Craig. "That's why I'm here. I know that your opinion matters to Ashley."
"When we talked yesterday, it was quite the opposite," informed Kate.
"That's not what I saw last night," said Craig.
Kate refrained from moving and let her briefcase fall onto the desk. He'd obviously said something that interested her. Hopefully, he could maintain that interest.
"I put in the work to earn Ashley's trust a long time ago," reminded Craig. "If I have to put in more work to earn your trust, I'm willing."
She released a sigh, a sigh that was similar to Ashley's when she was exasperated with a song that she had no patience for. Craig stared into her eyes, hoping it would help.
"My opinion is...my daughter's going to get hurt for a third time," said Kate. "You don't have to do any work for something I know won't last."
Tossing him a dismissive glance, Kate inched past Craig and left her home. Craig leaned against the desk, face flushed. The roaring engine of Kate's car echoed through the window.
Ashley shakes Craig from his reverie, as the gondola nears the dock. The memories seemed to come as the boat reached its final stop. Red and white posts, resembling peppermint sticks, become less blurry as they go forward. Fellow boats sit there, waiting to carry other people away in the Venetian evening.
The last remembrance is one that often replays itself– Kate telling him that they weren't going to make it. Craig was so certain too, that she'd give them her blessing. That came later, but at least it came. He was glad. There's only so many times you can talk to someone without your voice getting thin.
With a rocky bump, the boat stands alongside the dock. Ashley places a hand on her heart and breathes deeply.
"We survived...I told you!" comments Craig.
"I was fine," says Ashley, unconvincingly. "No...no more risks tonight, though. Promise?"
Tonight, he could do. Other nights, he can't guarantee. Taking risks to make Ashley happy? That's pretty much programmed in his head and heart.
"Promise," guarantees Craig.