✰ Hardy's POV: ✰
Today's the day. Today, me and Ashland are finally going to talk things out. Hopefully, anyways. It's now March 9th, meaning that there's only ten more days until the tour starts back up and I need to know what in the hell I am supposed to do and everything. Obviously, I won't cancel the tour even if it's awkward if me and Ash do decide to break things off.
That, and we both are mature adults, we can handle these types of situations. If she can't, then that's on her. She just, one day, needs to realize that she can't expect Jon to drop everything and be there for her one hundred percent. It don't work like that. Most women are independent so that's why it confuses me so much. Obviously, since she blocked my number or whatever happened, I ended up getting in touch with Ash's photographer, Brayln. Thank the Lord above that she was able to work a time and place for me and Ash to go have coffee and talk like grown ups.
As much as I wanted things to work between her and I, it just wasn't meant to be. It's going to hurt the both of us at the end of the day if we don't talk things through. I love Ashland, I really do. I know my actions speak louder than words, and talking to Caleigh behind her back isn't cool at all, but I can't help it. Caleigh makes me happy, laugh, smile, and so many other things. I see a future with her, unlike Ash. I knew her and I weren't going to last. I low-key hate that, though..
I put on my Mississippi State hoodie, Jon has one just like it, ugh, why am I even thinking of him? Anyway, after putting it on and rubbing my hands down it to get rid of the wrinkles, I put on a pair of Nike tennis shoes. Thankfully, I looked alright. Me and Ash are going out for coffee so I hope that goes well. I know she ain't going to like what I'll say, but it's better to clear the air than to not. Right?
**
I got to Starbucks, parked my truck, and texted Brayln, telling her I was there, and how long it would be until Ashland was ready and when she'd arrive.
Brayln 📸😜:
heyo, Hardy boy.
Ash is going to be there
within ten minutes or so.
If she isn't, chances are,
the traffic is horrible! Just
a little FYI for you! ☺️
I smirked and liked the message she had sent me. I was hoping for this ten minutes to ride on by quickly. I just need to get this conversation over and done with as soon as possible.
I went ahead and ordered me a coffee. Just a regular espresso is all I need to get by. That, and I'm no sissy, I don't need no creamer, sugar, or anything crazy like that in my coffee. That ruins the purpose! In my opinion, anyway.
I was sitting at the table when I heard the bell ring, meaning someone opened up the door to the coffee shop. I saw a blonde figure, along with her was a guy in a ballcap. Hmm, I should've known that Ashland was going to bring Jon along. I'm not even shocked at this point. But I can't make a scene or some paparazzi might catch that on camera and paint me into a bad picture, which it's far from that, obviously.
I guided my hands up so I could motion them over to my table, where I was sitting at. This is going to be one long and hard conversation. Maybe Jon will like, I don't know, go away for a moment's time, this is mine and Ashland's relationship, not his. I swear if he's only here to be nosy, I will kick him in the place where the sun doesn't shine. Oh, did I say think that out loud? Oops.
I greeted them both with a wave and a tip of my own ballcap. The two seemed happy when standing side by side. Not going to lie, it kind of broke me seeing Ash so happy with Jon. Like yes, I know that they are best friends and everything, but at the same time, it isn't fair to me to have to watch my own girlfriend hang out with my best bud. It hurts, drinking beer, cutting up and having a good time was mine and Jon's thing to do, not him and Ashland's thing to do. It pisses me off that a girl, a fucking girl whisked away my best friend!
I faked my smile as those two ordered some drinks for themselves. It's taking a lot of strength and energy out of me to not blow up and get angry. Truly in my heart, I am so guilty and so mad. Not about what I'm doing with Caleigh, but with how everything went down.
Honestly, I feel like a complete failure, and I don't have anyone but myself to blame for that. I threw everything down the drain. I am looking forward to seeing Caleigh though, this week! She's finally flying in from California, which is so exciting. The quicker I hopefully successfully kick Ash to the curb, the quicker me and Caleigh can start our new lives together with one another. I am looking forward to that!
The barista finished making both Jon and Ashland's drinks, they came over to the table and finally sat down. Of course, the two were sitting right beside one another. I'm definitely not going to be surprised on if they get together after me and Ashland break things off. Literally, I'm not even kidding. I always knew the two liked each other like that. There's no denying it on either side, I said what I said.
"Michael, umm, hi. Brayln told me you wanted to talk. What's up?" Ashland asked me as she scooted closer to Jon. He looked so bored being here. I wonder if Ash drug him along, it definitely makes me wonder.
"Yes, I had to get ahold of your fucking photographer and videographer because someone wanted to block my phone number and all my social media accounts," I rolled my eyes so far back, I could've swore they went to the back of my head for a split second there. "Anyway, we're not here to talk about Bray. This isn't even about her. This is about us!"
"Man, can you not be so loud? The whole café is goin' to hear," Jon told me, his tone as awkward as can be. "Look, I need to make a quick trip to the men's room, I'll be back, Mike and Ashy cash. See y'all in a bit. Don't be doin' anything y'all shouldn't be," Jon then made his exit from mine and Ashland's conversation. I guess he had to go- quite literally.
Haha, now Ashland's boy toy is gone for a while, she has no one to run to for help, I don't know why she'd need the help, but whatever. I know she only brought him along just so she wouldn't get embarrassed in public. There's nothing to get embarrassed over. She's the one who's too scared to even talk to me, which is bullshit. That's just my opinion though. Most wouldn't agree, but I know someone on this planet would somewhat agree, right?
I reached over the table as she was sitting across from me on the other booth and I attempted to grab ahold of her hand, but she soon snatched it away and put her attention on something that was over my shoulder. Well, I guess she didn't want to have any kind of affection today, I assume. That's okay, what she's going to hear from me, she's going to wish she had some kind of love and affection afterwards. But ha, there's no way that Jon will be there for her twenty four seven. It's not humanly or physically possible.
"We need to talk," I simply stated to Ash.
She just looked at me and raised her right eyebrow at me, "What are we supposed to talk about? That you need to seek attention from some other girl who lives across the country? Michael, you've hurt and broke me, my heart, and my trust. You've been doing that for so long.. Just, why? And how could you..? I wanted us. I wanted it to work so desperately but you're not putting in any effort into our relationship. It's hard waking up every morning to an empty bed, and an even emptier heart. Go ahead, say and do what I already know you want to.. If Caleigh is what makes you happy, then so be it. I'll be fine, I swear."
My lip quivered and I felt one pesky tear drop down to my cheek, in which I rapidly wiped it away. Dammit! Now's not the time to be boo-hooing and crying my eyes out. Damn, I really need to hurry up and get this over with before I turn into a sad bum.
With a shaky breath, I started to gather up all the words I rehearsed to myself in the mirror before I left my house, "Ashland, there's so much we did do, didn't do, and things we had planned to do. Sadly, I broke my promises, and I broke your heart and trust. I had the best of intentions from the beginning of our relationship. Where those intentions, plans, and everything else ended up? I have no idea, either. I hate that this is how it ends for us both. But you deserve someone way better that loves you more than me. It just wasn't meant to be. I hope you find your happy ever after. All I know is your happy ever after isn't going to be with me. You'll find the one, even if you really and truly did believe it was with me. But I can't keep going back and forth from you and Caleigh. It drains me. Ashland, that's it, we're done."
I expected her to start hyperventilating, crying, screaming, or something like that, but Ashland just sat there, no emotion on her face at all. It was like all the emotions she had on her face moments prior were sucked away very, very quickly. The worst part of it all is that it's my fault that she's emotionless and not saying a word. Maybe she's gearing up to say something too. Maybe she was getting back at me and cheating on me with Jon. No, she wouldn't do that, or would she..?
I saw her bob her head into a slight nod and she took a sip of her coffee, she ordered something with whipped cream, I can see. But I'm not entirely what she actually ordered. I can only tell that there's whipped cream in it. And coffee, obviously.
Straight after I had dropped the break up bombshell on Ashland, Jon came back as he wipes his hands on his pants, and he then took back his seat he was sitting at a couple minutes ago. I wonder if he was doing more than just taking a piss. That could be a very big possibility. What the hell am I saying? That's none of my business.
✰ Ashland's POV: ✰
That was it. Hardy and I are officially over, done, no more of us. No more thinking about the future. No more wishing and waiting on forever, no more love.
Then I soon realized that this break up means, no more hurting. No more pain. No more heartbreak. No more broken trust, even though it's gonna take a while to rebuild that back. No more wasted tears on him. No more being cheated on and being the second choice. Y'know, maybe it isn't going to be half bad. Coming into the café, I knew it was going to be hectic, but I didn't expect it to turn out like this. In a way, or two, it actually feels like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders now that he's said everything, and broke things off. It's like a breath of fresh air now that it's official that we're done with one another.
Not even a minute after he spilled out his feelings and everything else, Jon thankfully came back from the restroom and he plopped his self back onto the booth we were sitting at.
Hardy soon excused himself and he threw away his cup as he was done with his coffee, and he headed straight to the same place where Jon had disappeared to moments earlier. I'm assuming that's where the men's bathroom is located at. I could be wrong, but I also could be right.
Jon smiled as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, and he kissed the top of my head, his thumb carefully and gently grazing on my skin.
"Hey, baby girl. What's the verdict? What all got said? What happened? He didn't hurt you physically, did he?" The amount of questions he asked was enough to make someone who didn't have a headache, have a huge migraine. I love Jon and all, but damn! He talks a lot!
I giggled, "Slow down, cowboy. You're talking and asking questions a bit too fast. First off, it didn't get physical, just really awkward and silent. Second off, he just said the generic break up bullshit. How he so wishes it was me and him until the very end of time, blah blah blah, and other shit like that. I don't think for one second he meant any of the things he said. I guess it's not settling in, I'm sad about it, but then again, I'm also not sad about it. It's a tough thing, to be honest," I answered all of his questions.
Jon stayed quiet and he just laid his face into my scalp. I could feel him breathing, the hairs on the top of my head were being breathed in and out repeatedly, it kind of tickled, in all honesty. So much so to the point that I laughed softly.
After I calmed down from my laughing and tickling high, I remembered a special place where Jon was ticklish at, meaning it was payback time. His nose and breathing tickled my hair, it's my turn to tickle him, and his side. More specifically, his right side is the most ticklish. I learned this by accident. I brushed my hand on his right side, hip, or whatever you want to call the extremity, and he about slapped me when he threw his hands up in shock, but it was all in good fun.
My hands made their way to his side and I just started tickling the absolute shit out of Jon and when he felt it, I could've swore he yelped and squealed like a little school girl. I busted out laughing, I was in hysterics- in a good way, obviously. This is just what the doctor ordered; tickling your best friend and laughing your socks off. You know what they say, laughter is the best medicine, same goes with music. Jon had always told me that music is his medicine. I can see why. Ahh, he's got such a way with words.
"Uh, I am being here for you and everything through this tough time, you ain't gotta tickle me! That tickled!" He laughed breathlessly, I was catching my breath too from the laughing high.
"Yeah, it may tickle, but you know what tickles me more?" I asked him.
Jon was quiet once more and thought for a moment until he spoke, "Oh yeah, what could possibly tickle you more? Please do tell."
"When you kiss me. Your beard tickles the hell out of my face. But it's a good kind. It doesn't only make me giggle, but it makes me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside, as well," I answered. "You're the best friend in the whole entire world. The next woman to get with you is lucky as hell."
Jon cupped his hand on one side of my face, stared deep into my eyes and the next thing I knew and felt, were the warm and luscious lips from the love of my life and best friend crashing onto my own. This couldn't be real life, this couldn't be! Yes, we've shared smooches in the past, but this time it felt different. It felt right, it felt normal, it felt good, it felt like it was.. Meant to be. For the first time in my life, something felt right, normal, good, and meant to be. Thank heavens though, Michael wasn't around. Even though we aren't together anymore, I know he'd be pissed seeing his best friend kiss his ex. Oh well, shit happens, hehe.
~ !disclaimer! i would've had this chapter out sooner, but sadly i had gotten covid, got over it, done housework & schoolwork that i missed out on doing from being sick, and on top of that, writers block has been kicking my ASS! then on the tippy top of all that, i've been obviously hard at work with my new book series i've been writing, don't cry, daddy and i just forgot to update this one like i was wanting to. So just a little (but very big and long) apology. I know i don't owe you guys an apology but y'all deserve one anyway!! love y'all and the support always! ☺️
~ ooohhhh, so Ashland and Hardy broke up.. 😳 how do y'all feel about that?! We all saw it coming, tbh. don't lie to me, my faithful readers, you all knew H & A were going to break up. It took twelve/thirteen chapters, but they did it. Wowww, to be honest, IM even shocked that this happened. But this makes for an amazing story, right? 😛
~ y'all, the scene where Jon and Ashland tickle one another though!😍😭😂 like why are they so adorable?! i don't know, but i thought it was cute, honestly!! Maybe you guys did as well. hopefully! 😚
~ also I had to sneak in a little kissy kissy scene with Jon and Ash for a "just because" moment 🥰 I think it was SO WHOLESOME AND CUTE!!! Ahhhh!! I'm obsessed with my own book characters, but I think it's okay. this obsession isn't hurting anyone.. so be it, right? 😂😜 anyway, I'm going to end this author's note. Bye bye, you beautiful souls!😚
~ if you guys enjoyed this chapter, lemme know, vote, comment and add this story to your library. thank you in advance!! 🤍💕
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