"So, you guys ready to talk?" Damon looked back and forth between Ash and Joey, who were sitting across from each other at the table.
Ashley sat next to Joey and looked back and forth between them with a slightly uncomfortable look.
When Ash looked into Damon's eyes, he showed a hint of annoyance. "You know you don't have to treat us like kids, right?"
Damon shrugged casually. "Just don't wanna come back and find you two throwing hands."
Ash rolled his eyes, slumping back in his chair. "I was drunk, okay? Things got out of hand."
Joey glanced sideways at Ash, keeping quiet but looking ready to listen.
Damon leaned back, giving them space but ready to step in if things got heated again. It was time to get everything out in the open.
Joey took a deep breath, looking straight at Ash. "Alright... I know this is unexpected, and I understand if you're not thrilled about it. But I didn't plan this, and I can't pretend it didn't happen either."
He hesitated, glancing at Ashley before continuing. "I'm sorry if it feels like I blindsided you, but I'm not sorry for how I feel about her. It's real, and I'd rather be upfront with you than keep it hidden."
Joey looked at Ash with a steady gaze and waited for him to speak, hoping he would understand.
Ash leaned back, crossing his arms, his expression tense. "But you guys kept it hidden, didn't you? Who knows how long you two have been... yeah, whatever you've been doing."
Ashley sighed, her voice edged with frustration. "I told him to keep it quiet because of you, Ash."
Ash's eyes narrowed. "Because of me? Seriously?"
"Don't act like you don't know why," she snapped. "You're always breathing down my neck when I start seeing someone. Why can't you just let me date in peace? I'm not yours to control."
Ash's voice lowered and his jaw clenched. "I'm not trying to control you, Ash. But every single guy you bring around either has some hidden motive or turns out to be a complete jerk. And then when it falls apart, you come to me, asking for help. Do you think I enjoy watching you get hurt by people who don't actually care about you?"
Ashley's gaze softened, but she held her ground. "You think Joey is the same as them?"
Ash let out a short, humorless laugh. "Do you think he's different?"
Ashley crossed her arms defiantly. "Yeah, I do."
Joey leaned forward, meeting Ash's gaze. "Look, man, I get why you're worried. I know my past isn't exactly spotless, and yeah, maybe I was all over the place before. But I'm not here to mess things up. I wouldn't do that to her, or to you."
Ash rubbed a hand over his face, looking torn. "I get that, but... people don't just change overnight. It's hard to trust that this isn't just another phase for you."
Damon, watching them both, spoke up. "Ash, maybe people don't change overnight. But they can change when they find something, or someone, that matters enough."
Ash glanced at Damon, then back at Joey and Ashley. He sighed, finally letting his defenses drop. "Alright... if you're serious about this, and you're in it for the right reasons, then I won't stand in the way. Just... don't prove me right about this, Joey."
With a serious look on his face, Joey nodded. "I won't, Ash. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."
Ashley reached over, giving her brother's hand a quick squeeze, a silent thank you in her eyes.
Ash looked back at her, a reluctant smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Fine," he said, trying to sound annoyed but unable to hide the hint of a smile. "But if he screws this up, I'm not letting him off easy."
Damon grinned, shaking his head. "Deal. Now, can we all just relax and enjoy the rest of the day?"
Everyone seemed at ease for the first time that morning after they laughed together.
Joey smiled, looking over at Ash with genuine appreciation. "Thanks, bro."
Ash gave him a smirk, pointing at the bruised cheek. "And I'm not sorry about that."
Joey laughed, shaking his head. "Fair enough. Guess I deserved that one."
Ash chuckled, the tension finally easing as he clapped Joey on the shoulder. "Just don't give me a reason to do it again."
Damon and Svetlana exchanged an amused look, and Ashley rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips.
'I didn't even say anything impactful but I managed to stop it'
'Fucking genius'
It seemed, for now at least, the air was finally clear.