The Next Night
Ashley sat nervously waiting as the act on stage finished his last song. Ashley was never a nervous performer but with the idea that Jay might show up to see her sing she couldn't help her nerves. She had been thinking about him the moment she left the garage. Yesterday felt so unreal Ashley was wondering if it was all a dream but then she would remember their hands intwined together and the kiss that made her feel on fire. Ashley shivered in delight.
"Ash!"
Ashley turned to see Ellie running towards her with Marco walking behind her. Ellie jumped into Ashley's arms.
"I haven't seen you in weeks!" Ellie squealed.
Ashley felt relief knowing her best friend was there to support her. Ellie backed away from Ashley and looped her arm around Marco's when he approached. Ashley always thought it was to bad Marco was gay because he and Ellie were so close.
"Hey Ash. How is Degrassi's next big rising musical star?"
"I'm good not sure about being Degrassi's next big star but good."
"I'm so happy we could see you tonight. I haven't seen you sing onstage in forever." Ellie beamed.
"It has been awhile. So how is The Core.?"
"Busy. I haven't had a day off in months but honestly I'm loving every single second."
"When she isn't complaining about headaches, finger cramps, horrendous writers. Should I go on Elenore?"
"Ignore him. He's just jealous because I look cuter then he does tonight."
"Ha! You wish."
"I don't have to wish for something that I know to be true."
Ellie and Marco started going back and forth, fighting over who looked best. They reminded Ashley of an old married couple. Ashley was about to break up the fashion quarrel when the front doors of the pool hall swung open. Ashley held her breath as Jay walked in. He was wearing dark denim jeans, a maroon colored shirt, black jacket and his backwards cap. Ashley couldn't believe she went from never really thinking about Jay to wanting to jump his bones the moment she saw him. Jay's eyes instantly found Ashley's. Everything seemed to fade in the background for Ashley. Ellie and Marco bickering, the musician on stage even the heavy clouds of cigarette smoke that blanketed the pool hall. All she saw was him. Jay held Ashley's eyes as his stomach spun like a tornado. He had been dying to see her again. Jay smiled at Ashley and she returned the smile with a sexy wink. Jay's heart started racing. She still wanted him which brought Jay more joy then he expected. Like a moth drawn to a flame he headed towards Ashley.
"I'll be right back." Ashley said as she walked past Marco and Ellie.
"Ash? Where are you going?" Ellie called out but Ashley kept walking towards Jay.
Jay drank Ashley in. Her long curly hair was as gorgeous as ever and Jay's fingers twitched at the thought of touching it. She was wearing black skinny jeans, a low cut grey shirt, and a assortment of black necklaces. She looked edgy and sexy. Jay's mind went crazy thinking about what she was wearing underneath. They walked up to each other until they were inches apart.
"Hi." Ashley said in a breathy voice.
"Hey. I hope you don't mind me saying but you look fucking amazing."
Eyes wide, Ashley laughed.
"Um no. I guess I don't mind."
"I hope I'm not tearing you away from your friends."
Ash looked over to see Ellie and Marco with utter shock and confusion written all over their faces.
"I'm sure they will question me to death later."
"What are you going to tell them?"
"Not sure. I guess I haven't been thinking about that."
Jay inched closer and leaned his mouth against Ashley's ear.
"What have you been thinking about?"
"Doing things I shouldn't be doing with someone I shouldn't be doing them with."
"Tell me what things." Jay grabbed Ashley's wrist.
Ashley went still.
"Jimmy."
Jay quickly looked at Ashley.
"What?"
"Jimmy is here." Ashley stepped away from Jay.
Jay noticed the dramatic change in Ashley when she saw Jimmy. Her once bright eyes dimmed sadly, her sexy smile fell and body became rigid and tense. He suddenly felt protective of Ashley as she showed her vulnerable side. She seemed 10 times smaller all because of one jerk.
"I didn't know he was coming." She said through gritted teeth.
Jay grabbed Ashley's hand.
"Don't let him get to you."
Ashley rolled her eyes.
"And how do I do that?"
Jay looked back at Jimmy, who was joined by Spinner, and noticed Jimmy's eyes were on them. Jay smiled at Jimmy then looked back at Ashley.
"Like this."
He pulled Ashley against him and kissed her. Ashley went still at first but when he dug his hands into her hair she quickly relaxed and started kissing him back. Jay felt a huge wave of relief when Ashley kissed him back. He was worried she would push him away because of Jimmy. Jay loved the feeling of Ashley's hair in his hands. It was incredibly soft and smelled like roses and lavender. It had only been 24 hours and Jay was falling hard for Ashley. It had become more then just wanting to have sex with her. He wanted her all to himself and he wanted her to feel the same way about him. Every time he was near her every cell in his body would come alive. He didn't care if she was still getting over Jimmy. He would rather have Ashley use him then never be able to be close to her again. Ashley knew the kiss was for pissing off Jimmy but at that moment Jimmy was the last thing on her mind. She grabbed a fistful of his jacket and deepened the kiss.
"Next up we have singer Ashley Kerwin."
Jay broke the kiss.
"Fuck I love doing that." Jay smiled.
"Me too." Ashley smiled back.
"Ashley Kerwin to the stage please."
"Guess I should get up there."
Jay tucked a strand of hair behind Ashely's ear.
"Break a leg blue eyes."
Ashley rolled her eyes and headed for the stage. Jay looked back at Jimmy and he didn't look very pleased. Jay gave him a sheepish smile and sat at one of the tables in the front row. He glanced to see Marco and Ellie glaring at Jay while they shared whispers. Jay shrugged it off. He wasn't there for them.
"So how long have you and Ash been hooking up?" Spinner sat down in a chair across from Jay.
"We aren't hooking up."
"Really. So that hot makeout session I just witnessed was all in my head.?"
"What do you Spin? Oh wait Jimmy sent you over here didn't he?"
"No but he doesn't like seeing you with Ash."
"Last I checked he dumped Ashley for someone else. He doesn't exactly have the right to care about who Ashley kisses anymore."
"Not the point dude. Jimmy still doesn't want to see Ashely get hurt and face it you have a pretty bad track record with the ladies."
"It's different this time."
"Yeah right. Let me guess you really like her and can't wait to meet the folks." Spinner laughed but Jay's face remained serious.
"Oh shit. You do like her."
"Is that such a fucking shock? That I might actually like someone. That maybe I'm sick of all the games and acting like fake ass player. Yeah I like Ashley...a lot. Who fucking cares? Jimmy can piss off and so can anyone else who doesn't approve because I'm not going to stop see Ashley anytime soon."
Spinner sat stunned not sure what to say. Jay was never one to lay out his feelings for anyone.
"Sorry dude. I can see that you really like her."
"Whatever Spin. Tell Jimmy I said hi." Spinner got up from the table and walked away from the table.
"Ladies and gentlemen. Ashley Kerwin."
The audience started clapping and Marco and Ellie started shouting Ashley's name as they jumped up and down. Ashley walked onstage waving to everyone, her smile beaming brightly. With a guitar in hands she sat down on a single stool that was placed onstage. She propped up the guitar and locked eyes with Jay.
"This one is dedicated to a certain mechanic who is great with flat tires."
Jay felt the eyes of Jimmy, Spinner, Ellie and Marco all on him so he gave them his cheesiest grin. Ashley started playing and Jay reconized the song. It was Use Somebody by Kings of Leon.
"I was roaming around looking down at all I see."
Ashley's voice was low and seductive as Jay watched mesmerized.
"You know that I could use somebody yea. Someone like you."
Ashley held Jay's eyes and imagined he was the only one there. This was just for him and only him. Ashley finished the song and the audience loved her. Ellie and Marco were bouncing like jumping beans and they rooted Ashley on. Ashley bowed to the stage and made her exit. Ellie and Marco ran to meet Ashley off stage.
"That was amazing Ash. You sounded beautiful." Marco hugged her.
"Thanks Macro."
"It was amazing Ash but what really amazed me is that you just made out and serenaded Jay freaking Hogart."
"Ellie it's not a big deal."
"What! Not a big deal? You don't just have a steamy makeout session then sing to the guy and say it's no big deal. How long has this been going on?"
"Um...yesterday."
Ellie and Marco looked at each other then back at Ashley.
"You guys are overreacting. It's nothing serious."
"Okay then what is it?" Ellie asked.
Ashley looked at Jay. He was smiling right at her.
"It's nice okay."
"It's nice?"
"Sorry Ash you know she doesn't get out much anymore. Come on Ell we have a English finale tomorrow and I could use a late night study cram."
"Fine but don't think this is over Ash. We have some serious girl talk to do."
"Yes ma'am." Ashley said sternly.
Ellie and Marco looped arms and trotted away.
"Hey Ash."
Ashley's spine stiffened at the sound of his Jimmy's voice. Ashley turned to face him.
"Hey Jimmy."
"You were great tonight."
"Thanks."
"How have you been? I know I see you at school but we don't talk much anymore."
"We broke up remember? You left me for someone else Jimmy. Sorry if being chatty with you wasn't the first thing on my mind."
"It seems Jay Hogart has been on your mind."
"Why do you care."
"Because I want to see you happy and Jay is only going to hurt you."
"I don't have to listen to this or you and if you wanted to see me happy maybe you shouldn't have smashed my heart to pieces." Ashley turned to walk away from Jimmy but he grabbed her arm.
"You won't even talk to me anymore?"
"Let go Jimmy."
"No. Not until you hear me out."
"Jimmy let go."
Suddenly Jay appeared and knocked Jimmy's hand off Ashley's arm. He wrapped his arm around Ashely's waist and pulled her against him.
"I think you should back off Jimmy. It's obvious Ashley doesn't want to talk to you right now and I really don't like seeing your hands on her so why don't you leave."
Ashley scooted closer to Jay.
"Whatever. Nice talking to you Ash." Jimmy sneered then wheeled away.
Jay gently kissed Ashley's forehead.
"You okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine. Better now."
Jay looped his other arm around Ashley and turned to face her.
"You were pretty freaking amazing tonight. The shoutout was a nice subtle touch."
"I had a feeling you would like that. Sorry about Jimmy."
"Don't be. I like fighting for something I want."
Ashley's heart was beating a mile a minute as Jay's thumb went under her shirt and he started rubbing in slow circles on her skin.
"Do you think this all seems a little fast? Maybe even rushed." Ashley asked.
"Hell yes but it feels natural with you. I don't feel awkward or uncomfortable with you. It's sounds lame but I feel like we have this unspoken connection. We don't need to say much to see that there is something between us. I know it sounds stupid."
"No it doesn't. If anything you just read my mind."
Ashley brought her lips to his. The kiss was achingly tender as Jay cupped her cheek with one hand and the other still making small cirlces on her skin. Ashley wrapped her arms around Jay's neck and pressed herself against him as tightly as she could. She wanted this feeling to never stop. Jay broke the kiss and starting trailing kisses down Ashley's neck. Ashley moaned as Jay begin nipping lightly on her earlobe.
"Tell me you want me."
"I want you." Ashley whispered quickly
Jay pulled away and looked at Ashley. Her eyes were glazed with desire, her face was a blushing a lovely shade of pink and her hair was falling in her face. Jay felt a tightening in his groin.
"You want to get out of here?" Jay asked.
"Hell yes."
Jay laughed.
"Oh great I'm already corrupting you."
Ashley rolled her eyes and stepped out of Jay's arms.
"I'm not as innocent as you think." She said with a wink.
"Let me just get my stuff and we can go."
Jay watched her walk away. He was becoming anxious as hell thinking about getting some private time with Ashley.
"Jay Hogart."
The sound of Manny's voice was like a cold bucket of water just got dumped on his head. He gritted his teeth and turned to face her.
"Manny. Nice running into you." Jay lied.
Jay and Manny had a small fling a few weeks ago. She basically used him to piss daddy off and when she got what she wanted from Daddy she kicked Jay to the curb.
"You're looking good Jay." Manny's eyes roamed over Jay.
"Thanks. You too."
"So it seems you and Ashley Kerwin are a thing now."
"We're friends."
"Looks serious for being just friends."
"What do you want Manny?"
"Maybe I want a certain mechanic to take a look under my hood." Manny inched closer. Jay smelled liquor on her breath as she coyly inched her skirt up higher.
"Look Manny it was fun while it lasted so but I don't want you. So go find someone else to use."
Ashley was heading back to Jay when she saw him talking to Manny. She crept up next to them and hide behind some speakers as she listened in.
"You're turning me down?"
"I know you're not used to rejection but yes I'm turning your ass down."
"You think your better because you managed to sink Ashley into your claws? Please Jay. We both know you are playing her like a fiddle. You get girls to fall for you, fuck them and then ditch them. How long before you get bored with her or how long before you hurt her like every other girl? Deep down you know you aren't good enough for Ashley. This is just a challenge for you. Admit it you don't care one ounce for her."
"Fine! I don't care about her. She is hot and looks like a good fuck. As soon as I get her to lose the whole good girl routine I'll fuck her then get her emo ass out of my life. Happy now Manny."
Manny shook her head.
"God Jay you are so pathetic." Manny flipped her long glossy black hair and swievled away. Jay was sick with everything that just came out of his mouth.
"So I look like a good fuck huh?"
Jay wheeled around to find Ashley standing behind him her eyes rimming with tears.
"No Ashley I didn't mean it."
"I can't believe I fell for every single line you fed me."
"I only said that to shut Manny up. I'm crazy about you."
"Bullshit! If you were so damn crazy about me you would have told Manny that. If you really cared you would never say those things about me."
Jay opened his mouth and nothing came out because he knew she was right. He was to much of a coward to admit his real feelings for Ashley.
"I think we should end things now."
"Ashley please don't."
"For a moment I was starting to think maybe this was it. Maybe you were actually different from the rest. Thank you so much for proving me wrong."
Ashley turned and bolted out the door but Jay was hot on her heels.
"Ashley! Ashley! Please let me explain."
Jay grabbed her hand.
"Don't touch me." Ashley yelled as fresh tears ran down her face.
"Look I'm sorry about what I said to Manny. I swear I didn't mean it. I care about you Ashley. I don't know why but I feel closer to you then any other girl I've known.
"But you can't even say that to Manny? I dedicated a song to you tonight and kissed you in front of my ex and best friend. I just don't think you feel anything remotely close to what I thought I felt for you."
Jay grabbed Ashley and roughly pressed his lips to hers. Ashley struggled in his arms as he kissed her in fear it would be the last time. Ashley pushed him off and stared at him.
"Stay away from me Jay. This was a mistake from the start."
Ashley got in her car and sped away taking Jay's heart with her.
