Love 'Em or Leave 'Em (19 page)

Ashley smiled and nodded as she listened to Luke's dad. Luke was indeed a diamond. The kind of rare and special person you didn't meet often. "You would have to look long and hard to find another person like him anywhere, I'm sure."

For the first time in her life, she put a spoonful of black-eyed peas in her mouth.

"Speaking of looking, sweetie," said Maxine, Luke's mom. "How long have you been looking to hitch up with a nice boy like our Luke?"

"Excuse me?" Ashley choked. She wasn't sure if it was the peas or the question. "I wouldn't exactly say I have been looking to `hitch up' with anyone."

"No?" asked Gus. "Well then, what exactly are you doing if you're not trying to find a man?"

Ashley glanced at Luke for a hint as to how to answer the question. He shrugged.

She hesitated while swallowing the vile peas, unsure how to proceed. "Well, I came here to spend more time with Luke. I've had such a wonderful time getting to know him and he kindly invited me to meet all of you. Today has been a special treat."

They all looked at her. Was there food in her teeth? Did she imagine the oppressive silence, or was it real? Luke didn't seem to notice as he shoveled a mystery vegetable in his mouth. It must be okra, or squash, or some other scary food Ashley'd never encountered.

"Then why did you enter this contest?" asked Mike. "Isn't this set up so you all compete to marry the rich dude?"

How could she possibly answer his question truthfully? Yes, it was a contest to find a husband. Yes, it was a competition, but she hadn't entered it on purpose, and she didn't want to get married. Not now and not for a long time. What could she say? The evil cameras rolled quietly in the corner, catching every word. What should she say? Ashley took a deep breath and hoped whatever sputtered out of her mouth sounded honest and heartfelt.

"Yes, I did enter this contest," she lied. "And for many the goal is to marry the-how did you say it?rich dude." Ashley nodded toward his now-quietlyobserving brother. "However, I'd like to believe I'm different than the other women"

Mike rolled his eyes.

"I was looking for a little adventure and a change of pace in life, and I must certainly say this has been it. Wouldn't you agree, Luke?" She smiled over at him.

"Can't argue with that," Luke agreed. "We have certainly enjoyed our adventures, and life with you is definitely a change of pace" He eyed her mischievously.

Was that a compliment or not? she wondered.

"So, what do you do for a living, Ashley?" asked Luke's mother.

Slightly embarrassed, she admitted, "Right now, I'm doing this quirky reality show on competing to marry a bachelor."

His brother nodded pointedly at his father.

She tried to bring some levity to the conversation and quickly added, "I am actually between jobs at the moment and using this opportunity to try something fun and different."

"So, you've been leading him on throughout this whole little game show? Is that what you're saying?" Gus questioned. "You're playing with my son's emotions."

"Oh my gosh, no! I would never lead anyone on. Luke and I have shared some great times together, and I think we have a lot in common"

Luke snorted with laughter. She looked at him in disbelief. What was so funny?

"Don't you think you're exaggerating a bit? You don't golf, you don't hunt, you don't like sports, and you're afraid of wildlife. Ashley, I know we have a couple things in common, but a lot?"

Who was this man, and was he really the same guy she'd shown up with? Or was his family somehow changing him? She was more confused than ever. "It was my impression that we both enjoyed humor and interesting conversation."

"Yes, and that's about it." Luke gave her a broad wink.

Before she could respond, Mike entered the fray. "Luke's always been successful with the ladies. Even the ugly ones. I have to admit, the way you looked at me earlier today made me wonder if I was finally going to beat my brother at something." Mike winked at her. What was with the men in this family and the winking?

Mike continued. "If Luke doesn't pick you, maybe you'll settle for me."

Her jaw dropped. She looked to Luke for his support. This was getting out of hand. Luke gave Mike a cold stare.

"Don't feel bad," said Luke's mother. "We get this all the time with Luke. He's such a ladies' man. No one can resist him. You don't have to feel bad about playing your best hand for him. We understand. We're used to it."

His father interrupted. "You know you'd have to sign a pre-nup if you win this contest? You don't just get all his money."

"I don't want his money!" Ashley was stunned. Why would he say that? What a terrible man. How could Luke tolerate their behavior?

"Well then, what is it you do want with him?"

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing." She couldn't sit there and be attacked any longer. She stood, her stomach churning, and looked at Maxine. "Thank you for welcoming me to your home" Then she looked at the rest of the group and added, "And thank you for all of the hos pitality extended to me" Ashley stepped away from the table and pushed in her chair. "Enjoy your dinner."

She grabbed her purse from the table in the hall and walked out the front door.

She didn't look back.

"What in the world were you doing?" Luke shouted in disbelief.

"You said we could tease her, that she had a sense of humor," said Mike.

"I said you could tease her-not rake her over the coals"

His family all sat quietly, looking guilty.

"I'm sorry, honey. We didn't mean to hurt her," said his mom. "She seems like a very nice girl. You should know, the producer, Jim, told us to put her on the spot. He said it would make a better show. Otherwise he said it would be boring."

"Well, it sure wasn't boring, was it? Do you realize you looked like a bunch of uneducated hicks? White trash"

"We did, didn't we? Susan is going to kill me when she hears about this," Mike said, referring to his wife.

"Now I understand why she refused to be a part of this. She knew what you had planned" Luke glared at Mike.

"You'd better go after her," said his mother. "She'll be halfway to Mississippi by now"

Luke shoved his chair out of the way. "I'll deal with you later," he said pointedly to Mike.

"What? What'd I do?"

"Mike, shut up" Gus cuffed him upside the head.

Luke stormed out of the house.

Ashley walked hastily down the long drive, away from the Townsend home.

"Ashley, wait," Luke's voice called.

Her pace picked up as she reached the road.

Luke caught up and took her by the shoulder. "Please don't leave"

"Don't," she said, pulling away from him, her blood still boiling from their insults.

"They didn't mean anything," Luke said, his face full of concern.

"Didn't mean anything?" she shouted, infuriated. "Open your eyes, Luke! They hated me and wanted to make sure both you and I knew it!"

"No, they were playing around. They do it to everyone." He took her hand and tried to soothe her. "Don't worry, they like you just fine."

"Oh sure, Mike loved me! He kept pinching my butt and winking at me every time you turned your back" Her temper was rising. "I thought I was going to scream! Or slug him. That's what I should have done!"

"Ignore Mike. He can be a jerk sometimes."

"No! I'm not going to ignore it! I have more respect for myself than that. He's a creep! I'm sorry. I know he's your brother and you love him, but he is."

She turned onto the main gravel road. It was worn, with more chicory growing on the shoulder.

"Come on, Ashley, calm down. Don't you think you're overreacting a bit?"

"Overreacting!" She turned back, waving her hands in the air. "You think this is overreacting? You ain't seen nothing yet!" She pointed a finger in his face. "Don't push me, Luke. I'm in no mood." She continued stomping toward town, her face pinched in anger.

"Ashley, wait, we have to talk."

"You want to talk? Fine! Let's freaking talk" She came back at him, fists on hips. "Your father thinks I'm playing with your emotions and that I'm a gold digger, your brother thinks I'm free for the taking, and your mother thinks I'm a bimbo. I'm surprised the dog didn't bite me!"

"Ashley, they didn't mean anything, and you're taking this way too seriously. Calm down"

"Taking this too seriously?" she asked in disbelief. "You sat there and let them attack me. What was that about? Listen, Luke, when someone attacks me, I bleed, okay? And when I get cornered, I fight back. Your family cornered me and it took everything in me just to be respectful and walk away, which is a lot more than I can say for them-or for you" She turned back, fuming as she marched down the road, then paused and came back.

"Oh, and thanks so much for the big vote of confidence. I really felt your support back there. Especially with your line, `A lot in common? Don't you think you're exaggerating a bit'?"

"You don't understand," Luke said.

"No, you don't understand," she said, beginning to yell in earnest. The cameraman followed her every move. "You understand nothing! Nothing at all! I didn't want to embarrass myself on this show. You knew it better than anyone and what did you do? You sat by while I turned into a crazed lunatic," she yelled, shaking her hands in the air. "You let your family tear me apart in front of the cameras. I've lost it. I've fallen over the edge of sanity."

Luke stood frozen in place, his eyes wide.

"Look at me, Luke! I'm on national television and the world is going to know I'm a freaking loser!" she screamed. "I'll never be able to show my face again. I'll be known as the crazy gold-digging loser from `Love 'Em or Leave 'Em."' She couldn't stop herself. She wanted to, but all her pent-up emotions and tension from the last few weeks had sprung. Everything was coming out and she couldn't stop it. "I guess this is where you leave 'em, huh?"

Luke winced.

Ashley's tone changed. "Wow, the ratings are really going to go sky-high with my performance." She mocked a smile. "Whew! Bet you're proud to be on a winning football team and a hit TV show! You sure are great! And some lucky chick is gonna get you! Oops, be sure to tell her about the pre-nup before your dad does. You don't want to shock a gal again. Who knows how she'll react?"

"Ashley, please," Luke tried again, his voice soft to calm her hysteria. She was over-the-top and the cameraman continued to follow. It was all on film and there wasn't a thing he could do about it.

"Ashley." He stood in front of her, blocking the camera, his hands on her shoulders.

"Calm down? Right!" Tears ran freely, her hair stuck out, and her eyes darted about wildly. "Do me a favor, okay?" She cried openly. He watched, not knowing how to help. "Can't you do just one thing for me?"

"Sure," he answered, his voice filled with compassion. "Anything. What can I do?"

"At the next rose ceremony, don't you dare give me a rose" She sobbed. "I don't care if I never see another rose for the rest of my life."

His heart was breaking. All he wanted to do was ease her pain. But he didn't want to lose her, either. He stood silently, full of indecision.

"What? You can't even manage that?"

"Okay." His voice were soft and barely audible. "Not another rose"

"Didn't anyone ever tell you? Roses stink!"

She started back down the road and hailed down an old pickup truck rumbling toward them. It was old man Walker on his daily trip to town. She asked for a ride and hopped in the cab before he could answer. Walker looked at Luke questioningly, and he nodded for them to go ahead. Old Walk would be kind to her and make sure she arrived safely. She couldn't be in better hands. Ashley put sunglasses on over her blotchy face and never looked back.

Luke watched the ancient truck drive away until it was out of sight. With a sigh, he turned toward home, his head hung low, the infernal cameraman still following. What had happened? How had things gone from so great to so bad, without him realizing it until it was too late? He didn't blame Ashley, though. His family had insulted her character and attacked her pride. All of it in front of those blasted cameras. Ashley was right. The show would love this and she would look like a fool. There was nothing he could do about it. Plus, he needed to bring Cricket to meet his parents in two days. What a mess.

And this show was supposed to be fun.

Ashley caught a bus north out of Podunk, Louisiana, and cried all the way to Tennessee. After changing buses, she slept most of the way back to Wisconsin.

She never did eat that day.

"Why are you in Madison? I hear you practically shut down production. What is going on?"

"I quit, Kel. It's over." Ashley's voice was flat and void of emotion.

"What do you mean `it's over'? Talk to me. Spill it."

"No, I'm not going to spill it," she said. "Suffice it to say, any shred of dignity I had left is now gone." Not to mention the shape her heart was in, which was in shreds. She'd fallen hard and fast. She made Rachel and Gwen look like naive beginners when it came to falling hard. She had bared her soul. Now it felt as though she'd been trampled by the entire Packer team. No bandage could heal her wound. Maybe time would numb the pain, but the humiliation would take much longer. With the whole fiasco about to hit the TV waves, there'd be nowhere to hide, and she hadn't even finished the show.

"I'm sure it's not as bad as you think. You're just emotional right now."

"Go watch the dailies, Kelli. It's all there in Technicolor," she said, wallowing in self-pity. "I know what I did and what I said. And those bosses of yours are going to show every frame of it."

"It's okay," her friend responded.

Silence. Then, "I'm not going back," she said.

"I'm sorry, Ashley, but you have to"

"No, Kelli, I don't." For once she wasn't going to budge. "It's about time I stood up for myself, and it starts now. I've spent too much time being taken advantage of and played for a fool. I won't let it happen again." Ashley paced back and forth in the small space of her kitchen, one arm held protectively across her middle. "You know I love you and would do anything for you, but this has gone beyond the bounds of friendship. I never signed a contract. Beyond my loyalty to you, I don't owe anything to anyone. I need you to do something for me. I want the scene pulled off the air." She prayed it would happen.