Last week on Sunday after church, I didn't feel like going home and fixing lunch, so I stopped at Wendy's for a bite of lunch. As I sat there eating my chicken sandwich, I heard a female voice asking, "Charlie, where the hell have you been?" I looked up, and to my surprise, there was Ashley.
Ashley lived in College Club Apartments when I first moved to Fort Myers about three years ago. She was a dancer (translated: stripper) at a local club, but was very friendly and often sat with everyone at the pool evenings she wasn't working, and all weekend long in the days. She was fun to be around, and always had new jokes. A bunch of us regularly grilled hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill by the pool, and about every other week, she'd bring steaks for everyone (the fifteen to eighteen regulars). She was just like everyone else. She's not beautiful, cute describes her better, but she has a slender tight body. I'd moved away from College Club after my lease was up β it was just too noisy with parties going on in our building nearly every night until three or four in the morning.
Last Sunday was the first time I'd seen Ashley since leaving College Club. She was as friendly as ever and I was a little surprised that she remembered me. She asked if she could sit down and I motioned for her to sit. "Where are you livin' now?" She asked.
"Over near Winkler and Cypress Lake in a condo." I answered, "Why do you ask? Do you still live at College Club?"
"Wow, that's a nice neighborhood, and no, I'm living with three other girls from the club." She was looking not too happy.
I replied, "Ashley, you don't look too happy about that."
Ashley growled, "Naw, I don't like it at all, especially since two of them have started turning tricks and bringing some of them home. Do you have a roommate where you live?"
"For about four more days, he's in the process of moving closer to his family and work in North Fort Myers."
"Want a new roommate?" Ashley giggled.
I looked at her and said, "Meaning you? If anyone else asked me the answer would be an absolute NO!"
"So does that mean you'd have me for a roommate?"
I snapped back, "You haven't even seen the place yet, and I'm still not to sure, I really was looking forward to the peace and quiet of living alone."
Ashley was not about to let up as she continued, "Well, can I at least have a look at it?"
So, we came over to my place, and she loved it. She told me, "Charlie, I'd love to live here. It's a great place, and I know I can trust you."
I thought immediately, "But could I trust you?" I answered her, "Let me think about it for a few days. I'll call you later in the week."
She kept at me, "Give my your cell number, and I'll call you."
So, I gave her my cell number, and took hers and put it in my cell phone.
On Wednesday evening, she called, "Hey Charlie, what about it, when can I move in?"
"Ashley, I really think I want my privacy, I like living alone and not worrying about anyone else or what they are doing."
Ashley replied, "Charlie, you'll never know I'm home, I'll just stay in my room and keep quiet, besides three nights a week I wouldn't get in until the club closes. Think about it and we can talk next weekend."
"Okay, I'll think about it." And that was it until this Sunday afternoon about two o'clock.