We went back to the room and I looked at the clock. It was already around six. I threw all the stuff I’d bought on the bed and put the signed picture of Adam with the CD Abs signed for me in my suitcase. I still wondered what the picture was that Ashley had told me about before we left.
"Ashley, about that picture you told me about this morning, what is it?" I asked.
"Well, I’ll tell you one thing. When you get the pictures developed, take them yourself. I don’t think your parents are going to like that one, but trust me it’s really funny. It’s kinda cute, but do not show your parents or it’ll be both of our heads," she replied.
"Oh c’mon. Just tell me."
"Fine. Since knowing you you’ll pester me ‘til I tell you. It’s a picture of you and Abs sleeping and it looks like he’s grabbing your ass and you’re grabbing his crotch, ok? I couldn’t resist and took a picture of it."
"I was not grabbing his crotch."
"Wait until you see this picture. You sure as hell were. And then this morning, I was awake and you two didn’t realize. You two were huggin’ each other for some reason. It was all unconscious stuff though probably."
"I can’t wait to see this one," I said. "I won’t believe it until I see it and that’s that."
"Suit yourself. You’ll see. Heed my advice though punk. Do NOT let your mother get them developed, ok?"
"Ok."
"Well what do you have planned for tonight?" I asked.
"I was gonna go visit Scott while you got ready and see if he has plans I could have this miraculous recovery and go with Bryan."
"Well, what happens if he doesn’t show up?"
"I’ll call him beforehand and tell him how much better I feel."
"Sounds like a plan. A little too devious for me though. Ashley you are being such a player."
"I’m not a playa I just crush a lot," she said the words to a song by Big Pun.
"Do you think everyone back home will believe us? That we spent New Year’s with popstars?"
"They have to Laura. As long as we don’t lose the camera and we have stuff autographed by Adam Rickitt and you have the Five CD Abs signed."
I looked at the clock again. I started to get ready and Ashley took off to see what Scott was doing. I checked myself out in the mirror. I wasn’t used to seeing myself in this type of clothing, but I had to say that I liked it.

Ashley came in the door. She looked a little angry.
"Well, what’d he say?" I asked.
"Where’s the phone? I gotta call Bryan and tell him how much better I feel. Scott’s going out with Carrie tonight. I guess she’s his girlfriend and he told me that just because we had a couple of drinks does not mean that we are dating."
"And?"
"And what? Where’s the damn phone?"
"Right here," I said pointing to it sitting on the dresser.
"Where did I put his number?" she asked rummaging through old clothes piled on the floor. She was going through the pockets on everything she’d worn in the past two days.
"Aha! Found it!" she said and starting tapping away at the digits on the phone.
"Bryan? Yeah, this is Ashley. I’m feeling so much better, so are we still on for tonight?" I saw a glimmer of hope in her face and then watched it fade away. "Oh, no. That’s ok. Don’t worry about me. Bye."
"Well, he went ahead and made plans with the lads as he calls them. Looks like I’ll be spending the biggest New Years’ ever here in my room sulking."
"What about Abs?" I asked.
"You think? Scott’s gonna be so pissed when I go over there."
"So you’ve got nothing to lose."
"You’re right. I’ll be back."
A few minutes later she came back smiling. "We’re on for tonight."
"Where are you going?"
"Who cares? It’s Abs Breen for God’s sake!" No truer statement was ever spoken.