Part 21
1/7/88
Knowing that Richie was going to call her, Ashley thought about what she was going to say to him for a long time. She played it over and over, talking to herself. What she wanted to tell him, was for him to leave her alone and now, it’s obvious that they could never be friends.
When the phone rang just after noon, she could hardly pick it up without shaking.
“Hey Darlin…how ya doin?”
“Fine. How are you, get any rest?” She asked with an uneven voice.
“No, not really. I ended up going out with my cousin last night. She needed some advice and wanted to have a drink or two. I ended up getting to bed around 2:00 AM.”
The relief spread over her in a smile as wide as the Grand Canyon. “Your cousin?”
“Yeah, Danielle. She’s having some problems,” He said.
Ashley smiled and then felt stupid. “Oh well, that’s nice of you to take time to talk to her. Did everything work out?”
“It did.” He said smiling. “So are you still free tonight?” He asked.
She smiled and felt like melting into the hardwood floor where she stood. “Yes, I am free. What time?’
“How about I pick up around 7:00?”
She grinned; feeling like a giddy teenager. “I’ll be ready.”
When they hung up the phone she was so happy she felt like dancing. She dialed Christy’s number but she didn’t answer her phone. Ashley then lit a cigarette and started thinking about what she was going to wear. A feeling of panic rushed her, so she ran up the steps into her bedroom flailing open her closet doors. She frantically looked for something simple and casual to wear and was horrified that she didn’t like any of her choices.
When the intercom buzzed, she became irritated that she was being interrupted. She ran down the stepped to the door and slapped the intercom. “Yes?”
“It’s Christy. I’m coming up.”
Ashley unlocked the door and then ran back up her stairs into her bedroom. When she head Christy open the front door, she yelled to her from upstairs.
“I’m up here!”
Christy closed the door behind her and then walked up the steps to Ashley’s bedroom. She saw her pulling out her clothes and laughed. “Are you moving?”
Ashley smirked, “No, I have a date tonight. Remember? Richie?”
Christy folded her arms. “You mean after you ran out last night you are still going out with him?”
“He called me and I played like I didn’t know about it. I found out that he was with his cousin.”
“Cousin, ugh?”
“Yes. His cousin.” Ashley answered ignoring her tone of voice. She then turned to her holding up a dark blue sweater and smiled, “Should I wear blue or black?” She asked.
Christy shook her head. “Blue. Ashley, how do you know that was his cousin?”
“He told me earlier. Why, did you see something?”
Christy shook her head, “No, not at all. I am glad you found out the truth. I watched him as much as I could. They definitely weren’t together. That’s what I came to tell you. I’m glad it all turned out okay.”
Ashley bit her bottom lip. “So am I. Now I can’t decide what to wear.”
Christy sat down on the bed and folded her legs as she looked up at her friend. “Where is he taking you tonight?”
“Pizza and a movie, as far as I know,” she answered as she pulled out black vest.
“Something casual, ugh?”
“Yeah, and I can’t find anything I like.” Ashley sat down beside her and laughed softly.
“Well, I like that blue sweater, “Christy offered.
Ashley shook her head. “I don’t. I want to look nice, something he would like.”
Christy giggled, “So, what does he like?”
“I’m serious damn it,” she said as she got back up off the bed.
When she went to the closet, she pushed all of the clothes hangers to one side and started flipping though them one by one.
Christy watched her as the sound of the hangers moving around got louder and louder. “You are so tense. I’ve never seen you act this way.”
Ashley was silent as she continued going through her closet. Finally she decided to just go with something basic. A black silk button up shirt with long sleeves.
When she looked at Christy for a comment, Christy smiled. “Yes, that looks great on you. Wear it. He’ll like it.”
“This is so hard. Why?” She asked Christy as she hung the shirt up on her closet door.
“Well, Ashley it’s because he matters.” Christy got up off the bed and gave her a hug. “Call me tomorrow and tell me all about it. I have to go to Steve’s.”
“Steve? I thought…
“So did I!” Christy laughed. “We’ll talk tomorrow. Have fun.” She gave Ashley a quick kiss on the cheek and bounded down the stairs and out the front door.
_________________________________
Richie stopped at the florist before he left Jersey and bought a dozen long stem red roses tied with a red velvet bow and laid them in the seat of his car. He felt pretty calm until he entered the Holland tunnel. That’s when the butterflies hit. He couldn’t stop smiling even though he was nervous. He had been waiting for this day for months and he wanted it to go right for Ashley just as much as for himself. He hadn’t had a simple date in so long he wasn’t sure exactly how to act.
After he parked his car, he got out and locked the doors then walked down the side walk to enter her building. He opened the left side of the double glass door and pushed the intercom button by the elevator that had her apt. number on it. It wasn’t but a few seconds when she answered.
“Come on up,” he heard her say.
Ashley quickly went into the half bath that was downstairs and checked herself in the mirror again. She left the top 2 buttons on the silk blouse unbuttoned. The cross necklace on a delicate silver chain was visible. The shirt was tucked in. The black belt matched her black boots with the exception of the silver buckle. She fluffed her hair for the 4th time and sprayed another squirt of perfume on just before he knocked on the door.
She calmly walked over to the door and opened it. They both smiled as they saw each other and Richie stepped just inside the door, taking her in his arms.
“Hi,” he said softly.
She barely had time to respond as his lips softly covered hers. She drew her arms around his neck and welcomed him, kissing him deeply. Richie then pulled her closer adding to the excitement of the kiss as she felt like she was floating because she had become dizzy.
When he stepped away from her, she smiled sheepishly. “Hi.”
He grinned and then she moved to close the door. When she turned back to him he smiled again.
“You look very nice,” he said.
She smiled letting him know she was happy he thought so. “So do you,” She said running her hand up to his shoulder.
He leaned in and kissed her again, his arms embracing her waist. He pulled her and she made no argument resting her body against his as he parted his lips. When she moaned softly, Richie felt his body react. He throbbed and became hot all over. Still he continued to kiss her, the consequences he would have to suffer for now. He tilted her head up, by touching her chin with his left hand and then slowly ran his hand from her cheek to the back of her hair.
Breathless she pulled away, her cheeks red and her lips slightly swollen. He smiled caressing her cheek. “Ready to go?” he asked her.
She nodded her head. “Let me get my jacket and purse.”
She walked away from him to go to the closet and opened the door reaching for her jacket. Richie being a gentleman, he helped her put it on. When she turned around he smiled at the way it looked on her. It was a black fitted leather biker jacket. She reached past him to pick up her purse and put it on her shoulder.
He opened the door for her. “Where do you want to eat?”
“There’s a pizza place right down the road we could walk to,” She said as she closed her door and locked it.
They started walking down the hallway and Richie was trying to find a reason why they couldn’t walk down the street. He left the flowers in the car, and wanted her to see them on the seat.
“Ashley, it’s too cold to walk.”
She laughed, “It’s not that far.”
When the elevator door opened, they both got in. Still, Richie was thinking of how to get her to the car. When they stepped into the lobby, it was snowing outside. He moved in front of her and opened the door.
“See,” he said when he took her hand in his. “It’s snowing.”
She laughed, “I’ve walked in the snow before and I am sure you have to. What’s the big deal?”
He smiled, “Just get in the car. Okay?”
She shrugged her shoulders and laughed again. He walked her to the passenger side door and opened it for her. She saw the roses and grinned. When she turned to look at him, he had a big smile on his face.
“Thank you,” she said as she kissed his lips.
“You are welcome,” he said as she pulled away. He bent down to pick them up.
She sat down on the seat and smelled the roses as he closed the door for her. He quickly came around to the driver’s side and got in. Starting the car he glanced over at her and stopped when he saw the look on her face.
“What you are smiling at?” He asked.
“You.” She grinned as she leaned over and kissed him.
“Okay, so tell me...where to?”
“3rd.”
Richie nodded and then put the car reverse, backing out of the parking space and then in forward to start to leave. Pulling out of the parking lot he took her hand and laid it on his thigh.
“This wouldn’t happen to be beside a dry cleaners and a liquor store would it?” He asked, taking his hand away from hers to change gears.
Ashley thought for a second. “Yeah, I think so why?”
Richie smiled. “I like that place.”
“They have the best pizza I’ve ever had,” she said.
He took her hand and kissed it as he laughed. “I like how you think.”
“You’ve been there?”
“More than once. I came all the way here for it one night.”
She sat back against the seat as he continued driving down the street. It was a short drive. He pulled up to a parking spot across the street of the Pizzeria, parallel parked and then shut the car off. He quickly got out of the car hoping to make it around to Ashley to open the car door for her. Instead, he made it there to help her out.
“So, where are you going to record?” She asked as she watched him close the door and lock the car doors.
He the keys into his jacket pocked and then put his arm around her shoulder as the started walking down the street to the cross walk at the light. “Vancouver.”
“You guys must like Vancouver,” she said with a giggle.
He laughed, “Yeah, we do. Hey…we’re men, what do you expect.”
Ashley rolled her eyes and he laughed, pulling her up against his side.
They crossed the street and went on to the restaurant where they sat in the back. Richie ordered a Coke and Ashley ordered a Dr. Pepper to drink and then Richie ordered a medium pizza with the works.
“So, tell me what’s going on with you? Need any help looking over some pictures?” He said kidding her.
She gave him a playful grin and titled her head away from him as she laughed. “You would ask that,” She said looking back up at him shaking her head.
“Of course. You know I’d love to help out.” He winked, and then started laughing. “No, seriously what’s going on?”
“Well, I have a photo shoot next week and I have been asked to do a music video.”
“What video?”
“Def Leppard.”
“Really?” He asked surprised.
“Yeah, not sure what the format is. I’ve seen some of their other stuff. They aren’t Bon Jovi.”
Richie laughed. “No, they aren’t Bon Jovi. They are nice guys. Wild….but you’ll be fine.”
They both laughed at the comment and continued talking. When the pizza was served, they continued to enjoy the time they shared together eating and laughing.
After they finished, Richie took her to the movie theatre. Standing in line, Ashley didn’t see anything that she really cared to see. She was determined to make him watch a chick flick, but nothing interested her.
“See anything?” He asked leaning over her shoulder.
She shook her head, “No.” She turned and looked at him. “And I wanted to make you suffer too.”
He laughed, “I know. I can tell from the look on your face.”
She sighed, “Well, what else do you have in mind?”
“You mean I’m off the hook? No chick flick?”
She rubbed his back, “No chick flick. Whatever you want to see.”
When they walked up to the window Richie asked for two tickets to see Eddie Murphy - Raw. After he purchased the tickets, they went inside handing them to the doorman.
Some of the patrons inside the theatre recognized Richie right away. All they could do was stop and stare. Ashley didn’t seem to notice as Richie took her hand in his.
“Popcorn?” He asked her.
“Absolutely. With a lot of butter, please.”
“Okay, let’s find a place to sit first.”
Hand in hand they went in to the theatre that was showing the movie and found a seat in the back. Ashley led him all the way to the corner and took off her jacket and sat down.
“The corner. You read my mind,” Richie said softly.
“It’s in the gutter. I always know what you are thinking.” She laughed.
He sat down beside her and took her by the shoulder, leaning in closer to her. His eyes were staring deeply into hers. “Tell me what I’m thinking now.”
"Just how great that tub of buttered popcorn is going to taste," She teased.
He laughed and moved away. “Cute,” He said as he stood up.
She smiled and batted her eyes playfully at him. He laughed and shook his head as he left to go get the munchies for the movie.
As he walked towards the concession stand, some girls recognized him and he graciously stopped for them and signed a few autographs. Fearing it would get worse; he asked to speak to a manager. The manager assured him that he would assign a man at the door so he wouldn’t be bothered. He hated doing it, but he didn’t want to make Ashley uncomfortable. He just wanted a regular night out with her no frills no hassles, nothing.
With two cokes and a tub of popcorn in his arms he walked towards the door of the theatre, followed by some girls. As he walked in the door, they were stopped and held at the door until Richie sat down. The theatre worker then stood by the door and at the end of the row, to keep on lookers from bothering him and Ashley.
After the movie, they were asked to leave out the back door so it wouldn’t cause a scene. Luckily Richie parked the car on the side of the building and they were able to get to the car without any hassle.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t want this to happen tonight,” He apologized to her once they were inside the car.
Ashley smiled and kissed his cheek, “It’s no big deal. I don’t mind it.”
“Sure, you say that now. Just wait,” he laughed.
He drove out of the movie theatre parking lot and headed towards Park Avenue to her apt. He really wasn’t ready to call it a night, but he didn’t know how she would feel if he stayed at her apartment for a while.
“Anything else you want to do, before I take you home?” He asked hoping that would go somewhere.
“I don’t know,” She said then looked at the green neon clock on the radio in the car. It was almost 11:30 PM.
“How about getting some wine or something and we could have a drink at my place, if you don’t’ have to go,” She suggested.
Richie smiled feeling a rush of anticipation coming over him. “That’s exactly what I had in mind.” He glanced over at her and winked.
“My place or the wine?”
“Both, I guess. I wasn’t ready for this night to end.”
His voice sent chills up her spine. She smiled and turned away from him.
After Richie stopped at the liquor store, they drove back to her apartment. Ashley opened the wine and poured them each a glass as Richie turned on the radio to the station that played blues music.
“This station is great. Gives you something to listen to when you are relaxing.” He said as she handed him his glass.
“I take it you listen frequently?”
He took a drink from his glass and nodded, “Once in a while I will. Depends on my mood.”
“Come here let me show you something,” She said taking his hand and leading him to the window.
She drew back the curtains and revealed a beautiful panoramic view of the city. “I like to turn off all the lights, open these curtains and sit alone drinking wine. It’s so relaxing. Now, adding some blues will definitely make it all better.”
He came up behind her. Wrapping one arm around her waist, he kissed her cheek. “Music does wonders for the mind, body and soul.” He whispered in her ear.
Her lips curved into a smile as she leaned back against his body and rested her head on his shoulder. She took a small sip of wine and closed her eyes, getting lost in the music and the warmth of his body on her back. They stood that way for awhile, just looking out at the lights. Ashley felt at ease and Richie was content just holding her against him. When the song changed to a slow beat, he pulled her away from the window and turned her to him. He took her glass and sat it down with his on the ledge of the bar that separated the kitchen from the living room. Slowly he started moving to the beat of the music. Their eyes met for a second as he lowered his lips down on hers. The kiss started out soft and tender but grew as the song played on.
Ashley broke the kiss and grinned up at him.
Knowing the words to the song, Richie’s eyes widened as he started to sing the words to the Muddy Waters song, ‘I Just Want to Make Love to You.’
“I don’t want you to cook my bread;
I don’t want you to make my bed;
I don’t want you because I’m sad and blue;
I Just Want to Make Love to You;”
When he stood her upright he swung her around and grinned. They both were now laughing so hard, Richie couldn’t sing the words any longer.
When the song ended, Ashley picked up her glass and took a drink. “You have a wonderful voice. You can sing to me all night if you like.”
He smiled. “If that’s what you want, I’ll do it.”
He walked over to her and without saying anything, he took her face in one and hand kissed her, then slowly pulled away and smiled. “And you can kiss me all night long if you want to,” he said.
“How can we do both?” She asked.
“Take turns I guess.” He said kissing her cheek before he took another drink from his glass.
She laughed as he went back to the window. She turned and went and sat down on the couch. When he turned around she was smiling at him.
“What are you smiling at now?” He asked as he stood at the window still.
“I just can’t believe that you are here,” she said.
He came to her and sat down beside her. Touching her face he didn’t smile. “I should be the one saying that after the way I treated you.”
She shook her head and leaned into him, kissing him. “I don’t want to talk about that anymore,” She said taking his glass and sitting it down on the coffee table beside the roses he had gave her earlier.
“I want to enjoy being with you,” she said softly running her hand along his jaw. As their lips met, her hand was at the back of his neck.
Richie sat up and took her face in both of his hands. “Consider it done,” he said, between kisses.
As theirs kisses deepened, their desire grew to dangerous levels and realizing that, they both stopped before it was too late to turn back. Ashley reached for her wine and downed the rest of the glass.
“Want some more?” Richie asked as he finished off his glass as she did.
She shook her head. “It’ll only make it worse.” She laughed.
He pulled her to him as he laid back against the couch. Her head rested against his chest. “I’m happy just talking Ashley. I don’t want to rush things.” He assured her.
She smiled and ran her hand up and down his chest. “Tell me about the songs you’ve written.”
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