✰ 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.
