Chapter Seven
It’s been three agonizing weeks.
I miss Ash every single second. I’ve tried to let her go. Thrown myself into work, hung out at the local bar, flirted with a dozen and a half woman. But there’s no moving forward. My heart has chosen. My body has committed. And they don’t want anyone other than Ashley Mercedes Roe.
I’ve decided to make one last-ditch effort. One final gesture.
I want her to see me as I am. I want her to see that even though my clothes and last name are different, inside I’m still the same man. The same man she gave her virginity to, the same man she told she loved, the same man she chose to trust.
If nothing else, I’m trustworthy. I took an oath to be. And I want her to see that.
Outfitted once again in my dress blues, I make my way up the long walkway of the pale-yellow colonial house. Ash’s sorority house. It’s a monster of a structure. Three stories, tons of windows, and an impressive wrap-around porch.
The sun is setting, casting a magnificent glow on the property.
I take a deep breath as I climb the stairs and stride across the painted wood. Knocking on the massive white door, I wait. There seems to be some commotion on the other side as giggling and pattering of feet come through clearly.
A short blonde with tan skin appears. Looks like she either just came back from vacation or has had way too many sessions at the tanning salon.
“Can I help you, Officer?” I wonder if she knows who I am. I wonder if Ash told her sisters everything. If she does know who I am, she isn’t giving anything away.
“I’m looking for Ash.” I just say her first name. No more.
“Is she expecting you?”
“No.” I struggle to play it cool, putting all my training on the forefront.
“Come in, I’ll get her for you.” The girl moves to the side so I can enter. I stand awkwardly in the foyer surrounded by women in all adjoining rooms. Living and dining, and even some hanging out on the stairs. I’ve never been inside a sorority house, but I’ll admit the movies got it right.
Removing my hat, I nod at the ladies as I stand there like a big damn fool. The fool that I know I am.
The blonde runs up the stairs, disappearing within seconds.
I wait. And wait and wait. She’s not coming down. My pessimism breaks through.
The blonde re-appears, and my suspicions are correct. She’s alone.
“She said she’s washing her hair,” the girl announces, and the place erupts in laughter.
Dear god, this is my penance. The butt of the worst woman’s excuse known to man.
“Is she in the shower right now?”
“Ummm.” The girl bites her lip. We all know the deal here. That excuse is horseshit.
“If you don’t mind”—I take a step past her—“I’m going to go up.”
“Third door on the left.” The girl has no qualms about telling me which room is Ash’s. An instant respect forms.
“Thank you.” I climb the stairs two at a time. I’m not leaving until Ash hears me out.
I knock. “Ash.”
Nothing.
I knock again, harder this time. “Ash, please.” I ain’t too proud to beg at the moment.
Still, nothing.