We’re here, in San Francisco, after what felt like a long grueling trip. Oh did I mention it’s also Saturday, and that as we speak we’re standing on Ashley’s mother’s front step?

No? Hmm, I guess I forgot to point that out. Anyway, we’ve been standing here for a while because Ashley hasn’t knocked on the door.

                “I don’t want to.” Her nervous eyes meet mine. She’s so scared, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her this vulnerable. The Ashley I know doesn’t ever let anything break down her defenses.

                “Ash, we’re already here.”

                “Yes, I know that. But I don’t want to.” She’s walking off the step, trying to make her way back to the car.

                “Stop, stop. Ash stop,” I pull her back as she reluctantly goes back to her previous position, next to me.

                “Spencer, I didn’t even think this through.” She’s been trying to back away from this the whole ride here. You’d think she had enough of time to think this through since she’s found out.

                “There’s nothing to think through Ash, it’s just one dinner.” I try to soothe her. I don’t think it’s working very well because she has the same look in her eyes.

                “One dinner that can possibly be hell.”

                “Possibly, but I guess we won’t know unless we go through with it.” I tell her.

                “I’m okay with not knowing.” And she’s off the step again. This is probably the fourth time I’ve had to pull her back up.

                “No you’re not, okay? Now knock on the door, or I will.” It’s about time I put my foot down, don’t you think?

She unwillingly agrees to my request. Her hand makes its way to the door as she holds it two inches away. She stops before actually touching the door.

                “I…”

She’s stalling, so I do what she won’t. I knock twice hoping that’s enough, but not too much. Sometimes I get annoyed when people knock twice, especially if I’m right next to the door. Call me weird, but that’s just how it is with me.

I can tell as soon as my hand makes contact with the door, Ashley stiffens as I hear her take a deep breath.