IN THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS Read Free Page B

bun. She was sitting in the back booth gossiping to a few other towns folk which was nothing new. I always wondered if she was so Christian why she spent so much time degrading others. Apparently she had never heard the saying let he who has no sins cast the first stone. Surprising enough the day didn’t go as slow as Ashley thought it would. Matter of fact it seemed to fly by. She had just finished with her shift when she noticed a red camaro pull up in front of the deli. It caught her attention because it wasn’t a car that she had recognized. One thing when you live in a small town like Peter Springs you get to know everyone whether you want to or not.
    Then the thought came to her head of old Nancy Peters and how she knew everyone’s business. She didn’t want to be known for that so she went about her business trying to put the car out of her mind. When she filled up the remainder of the ketchup containers she hung up her apron and headed out the door. As she walked out she noticed that the red camaro was still sitting there. The driver of the car which she couldn’t see because of the tinted windows then blew the horn. Ashley stood in the same spot as she was like her feet had been glued to the ground. She wasn’t about to walk over to a strangers car. Then after a brief moment the driver’s door flung open.
    “Didn't you see me sitting here? I was waiting here for over an hour.” The driver said. It was then that Ashley noticed who it was. It was Joe. She could tell by the look on his face that he was more than a little annoyed by having to wait so long. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean keep you waiting. I finished up with work as quickly as I could.” She explains feeling uncomfortable with his anger. Joe could tell that Ashley had started to feel insecure. That wasn't his intention. “It's okay you don't have to explain anything to me. I was just worried that something might be wrong is all.” He said flashing her smile. He could see that Ashley's mood had finally lightened.
     
    CHAPTER:9
    That put him at ease.
    “So I remember you saying something about wanting to go to Italy. I know this is short notice, but my dad has a private plane. If your game we can go. That is if you want to.” Joe said studying Ashley's face. Ashley just giggled. She thought for sure that he had been joking. After seeing the look in his face and seeing that he never cracked a smile she knew it wasn't a joke. Ashley had no idea what to say. She was flabbergasted by his impulsive nature. “It's so far away. That isn't a trip that you take just like that. Something of that magnitude requires preparation.” She explained to him. He seemed to be annoyed by her hesitation. “I know that. I guess I just get sick of playing by the rules all the time. For once in my life I just wanted to be impulsive instead of worrying about everything.” He explained to her staring at his hands.
        Ashley was completely speechless. She didn't think there was another person in this world that felt the way that she did. “I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. We can find something else to do, but I promise you we are going to Italy. We might not go tonight , but soon. I got you a present. Hopefully that will make you feel a little bit better. It's in the backseat.” He said as he started the car. Ashley recently the backseat and grabbed the bag. When she opened it she couldn't believe her eyes. It was a sweater. Not just any sweater it was the exact same sweater that she had fallen in love with. Soon as she looked at it she started to cry.
        Joe was confused by her reaction. He thought for sure sweater would make her happy not make her cry. “If you don't like it I can take it back. You don't need to cry about it.” He said trying to console her to the best of his ability. “It's not that. I love the sweater. It's just that no one has ever done anything like this before for me.” She explained as she wiped the tears