Chapter 4 Dinner with Ash's parents
When Johnny got the message from Ash about what happened and being invited to dinner by her parents he was surprised but decided to go along. Johnny arrived at the restaurant where Ash told him to meet her and her parents. "Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Harper it's been a while" Johnny said as he did his best to be polite. "Yes it has been a while and please call us by our first names," Frank said as he shook Johnny's hand. "Thank you for joining us tonight." Ash, her parents and Johnny went inside of the restaurant together. As soon as everyone sat down a waiter brought them the menus so they could decide what they wanted to eat. "So kids tell me what has been going on with you two?" Robin asked. "Not much we've both been playing music at the new moon theater and other places that hired either Ash, myself or the both of us because we've become quite famous" Johnny replied. "Johnny's right and I love performing with my sweetheart who rocks my world" Ash pointed out, making Johnny smile and blush.
Frank and Robin nodded as the waiter came back to take their orders. While everyone was waiting for their food to come everybody continued to make small talk. Robin looked at Ash and noticed what Ash was wearing around her neck. "Mom, is there something wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?" Ash asked her mother. "It's nothing I was noticing the chain you're wearing with that ring on it" said Robin. "Johnny gave it to me for my birthday last year. I'm wearing it on a chain because recently my ring got caught on my guitar string and it kinda hurt. However my finger is healed so I can finally put it back on" Ash said. "Here Ash let me put it back on your finger," Johnny offered as he took the chain off, placed the ring on Ash's finger and kissed her hand. Ash smiled and thanked Johnny. Robin and Frank wanted to say something but before they could the waiter arrived with their food.
While everyone was enjoying their dinner Frank asked Johnny, "So Johnny besides music and you dating my little girl how's the family?" Johnny finished chewing as he knew it would be rude to talk with his mouth full and answered, "My Dad is good. He actually may be getting out of prison sooner than expected if he is approved for parole. I do miss my Dad and the guys who were always like honorary uncles to me since I've known them my whole life." Robin exclaimed, "That's good to hear, does your Dad know about you two?" Johnny said, "Of course. Ash first met my Dad on my birthday last year when we went to visit him in prison. Dad really likes Ash and is happy for us. I hope the two of you are happy for us as well."
Frank and Robin looked at each other and then their daughter along with Johnny and replied, "Of course we're happy for you two. You kids make each other happy which is great." Ash was surprised to hear those words from her parents and started to think that they were actually changing. When dinner was over Johnny thanked Ash's parents for inviting him. "You're very welcome Johnny. You and Ash be good to each other" Frank told them. Ash told her parents good night and went home with Johnny. When Frank and Robin got back to their hotel they were in utter shock. "I can't believe Ash has a ring. She is way too young to be engaged" Robin stated. "I agree sweetheart but what can we do? She is an adult and we're lucky she even had dinner with us let alone talking to us" Frank pointed out.
Robin knew her husband was right but at the same time she was in her own way concerned for Ash. "If only there was a way to convince Ash that she has her whole life ahead of her," said Robin. "We can try but she is stubborn which she gets from you" Frank stated. Ash's parents became determined to get their daughter to change her mind about her life choices including her relationship with Johnny.