“Thanks.” I said “You remember the whipped cream?”

“How could I forget?” She said laughing.

I headed over to a cute little park not too far away that never had too many people.  We found a perfect table tucked in by some trees and still in the sun. I set up my bar-b-que and brought out my endless supply of food.  I grilled some marinated strips of beef tri tip and shrimp skewers that I basted with garlic butter.  I had asparagus and small red potatoes for veggies.  I set out some humus and bread to snack on while thing were cooking. 

It was so relaxing just to hang out with Ashley talking about so many things.  There were still some things I hadn’t shared yet, just because I wasn’t sure how to approach them.  I didn’t want to bring up sad stories unless I was questioned directly.  We finished dinner and let it settle for a bit.  I had spread a blanket out further away from the table in a slip of last remaining sun.  We absent mindedly let our hands intertwine while we lay on our backs talking.

After a bit I rolled over toward her on my stomach and whispered in her ear if she was ready for some whipped cream.

“How will I be receiving said whipped cream?” she asked with a smile rising up on her elbows.

“On strawberry shortcake of course” I replied as I got off the blanket and walked back to the table.

“Oh…” I heard her say with a touch of disappointment as she joined me at the table.

“You don’t like strawberries and whipped cream?” I asked still feigning innocence.

“No, I love them actually.” She said.  We sat at the table to enjoy our desert.

“I just thought you might have something else in mind for the whipped cream.” Ashley said as we finished.

“Nope, it was just a ploy to get you to come on a date with me” I said smiling.

“Well it worked” She said reaching for another spoonful of whipped cream.  Which I thought was going to be applied to her remaining berries and angel food cake.