“Well, I’m a product of my environment, ok? I was born in LA, raised in LA, and in case you haven’t noticed, I still live in LA. I’m used to warm weather.”

Spencer took a sip of her margarita before responding, “This is awesome.”

“Yeah, I make killer margaritas. Maybe I should be a bartender.”

“Oh, that reminds me. Did you land that gig for next Saturday?”

“I don’t know. The guy hasn’t called me back yet.”

“Hmm…”

“Why?”

“I was actually thinking of flying to Ohio next weekend. I haven’t seen my extended family in forever and there’s this big family reunion or something. My dad told me about it on the phone last night.”

“And you want to make sure you don’t miss me perform?”

Spencer nodded before taking another sip of her drink.

“Spence, if all goes as planned, there will be other shows. You should see your family—even if I will miss you like crazy.”

“You should come!”

“No, no…I don’t do awkward family introductions these days.”

“Come on! It’ll be so much fun. I would love for you to meet my family. They’ll love you.”

“You mean your deeply Catholic family that doesn’t quite know you’re a lesbian will love me—your girlfriend? I don’t think so.”

“Just think about it. Promise me you’ll think about it at least.”

“I’ll think about it. You have my word.”

“Good, so what are our plans for this evening, Ms. Davies?”

Ashley thought about the fact that soon that Ms. could be replaced with a Mrs. “I wanted to go for a drive.”

“A drive?”

“Yeah, maybe get dinner somewhere and then go for a drive.”

“Wow, you haven’t suggested we go on a drive since high school.”

“Well,” Ashley said, kissing Spencer lightly on the lips, “let’s just say I’m feeling a little nostalgic.”

Hours later, Ashley drove a familiar street as Spencer stared out the window, in deep thought about something Ashley would’ve given anything to know. All she would have to do is ask, but at the moment she appreciated the silence that had fallen over the car. She needed it to still her heart, calm her nerves, and work up the courage to do what she had been waiting ten years to do. And it was almost time. Ashley had chosen what she thought to be the perfect location, and as she glanced at Spencer’s face as she parked her car, she knew she had been right.