Page 86 of Turning the Tide

He turns toward me, rolling his eyes, "You put her up to this?"

I point to myself, unsure if he is actually speaking to me.

"Yeah, you. You've always been this self-righteous bitch that doesn't understand what we have."

A manic laugh leaves my lips, "You mean the way you use Karly and then leave her to claw her way out of the hole you dug?"

His glare of hatred lands on me, "Karly, stop being stupid. Tell her to leave so we can talk."

I can tell this isn't going to end well. I pull out my phone, typing a text to Eric, hoping he will come and get this asshole out of here.

"No. I told you, Ashton, we're over. It's been seven years of the shit. Just leave me alone."

He closes the space between them, placing the back of his hand on her cheek, "Baby, you know that you will always be mine."

She pulls back, pushing his hand down off of her face, "Don't you get it? I'm not your property, Ashton!"

He steps closer to her, a murderous look in his eyes.

I step between them, "Maybe you should give her a little space. Just back up."

His strong fingers wrap around my arm, his grip nearly bruising. He drags me out of his way, his gaze turning to Eric, who is standing in the doorway.

"Who the fuck is that?" He spits at Karly, her tears quickly falling.

"I'm the guy who is going to kick your ass if you don't get your hands off my girlfriend and her friend."

Ashton looks at Karly, "Wow, Kar. What a downgrade, haven't you realized that you will never be able to do better than me?"

Karly's fists clench at her sides, on the verge of a panic attack. I see her counting, trying to calm herself down.

"Downgrade?" Eric laughs, "Let's talk about that for a second. Surely you've realized that Karly made you. The lies the media spun about you two are what made your pathetic career. Karly made your stupid ass look desirable when the truth is, you’re trash. Just like your music."

Karly's gaze rips from Ashton, landing on Eric. I didn't realize Eric knew all of that about them. I mean, I guess I've voiced my opinions enough for him to sponge it all up.

Ashton stalks across the room, standing toe to toe with Eric. Eric isn't Jameson ripped, but he's pretty damn close. Ashton turns back to give Karly one last aggravated glance before walking out the door.

Hopefully forever.

"You alright?" Eric whispers to me, his eyes still locked on Karly.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for coming. I know you are busy."

He laughs, "Not too busy to run that asshole off. You okay, Jolene?"

Karly rolls her eyes, "Yeah. I guess. When are you gonna stop callin' me that."

Eric laughs before singing, "Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Joleeeeeeeene."

Karly bursts out in laughter, a steady stream of tears and flakes of black mascara staining her cheeks. I always call Karly, Karly Jo. That is her actual name, and Eric started calling her Jolene when we first met. Her auburn hair and green eyes, the culprit.

"Ugh, Jolene was a whore," Karly whines.

Eric gets defensive, holding his hand up, "Stop right there, young lady. Queen Dolly never said Jolene was a whore."

I twist my face, "Isn't that what the whole song is about? Jolene takin’ her man?”

Eric laughs, "Jolene was the most beautiful girl in the world that could turn any man's head, but any man that can be taken away isn't worth having."