~*~3~*~ The Answering Machine

The number twisted through her fingers as she stared at the piece of paper. She had been up working on her paper when she found the number lying beside her wallet and keys.

"Who are you, Spencer Carlin?" She whispered and licked her lips. It was only after eleven and because she was a student at the local University, Ashley figured all people would be up at the same hour. "Spencer better not be a guy," she mumbled and picked up her phone. Curiosity won out and she wanted to know who gave her their number.

Pressing the phone tightly against her ear, she held her breath, waiting for the other line to pick up.

"You've reached Spencer, I'm so not here or I'm sleeping. Try your luck next time. Oh right, leave your name."

Ashley couldn't help but chuckle at the message. "Well Spencer, I'm a complete stranger but found your number rolled up in a five dollar bill at the diner. Call me a perv or weird for actually using the number but uh," she stumbled a bit on her words, "the name's Ashley."

Hanging up, she slammed her head on the desk and groaned. "Stupid Davies, stupid stupid."

"Aww poor Ashley stumped over a problem?" Ashley's roommate came out of the kitchen with a bag of Doritos in his hand.

"Ugh Aiden, you know I hate the smell of those." She started to gather up her books and turned to look at him. "Why are you home anyway? I thought you had a date thing with Carol?"

"Coral," he corrected, "and she cancelled." He shrugged and slumped down on the couch, crumbs all over his way too small t-shirt, "we're going out tomorrow night instead," he sized up his roommate, "why, hot date?"

"No." Ashley scoffed and tucked her books under her arm. "Unless you count an eight page essay on personal beliefs a hot date."

Aiden laughed and flicked on the television. "Oh and Rory won't be home tonight! He said he was spending it with Chelsea or something."

Ashley waved her acknowledgement and made her way to her small cramped room at the end of the hall. Living with two male roommates sucked. Everything was always filthy and they never took responsibility to do any chores on the list Ashley so perfectly made. She didn't have time to play housewife.

Rory tried to be considerate and kept his fiancée away from the place. He did have a job that helped pay rent and he was on the honour role for the University. Ashley liked him, he practically saved her life with his generosity.

Glancing at the clock, Ashley figured she'd try and sleep a few hours before she had to be early for class. When her eyes closed she immediately heard the voice from the young woman on the answering machine.

Spencer Carlin.

Eyes popped open and she breathed heavily. She knew that voice. It was in her head all day.

Gorgeous blonde from the diner.

"Score Davies." She chuckled before settling back again.

Her dreams were already swimming with sweet thoughts.

--

"Well Spencer, I'm a complete stranger but found your number rolled up in a five dollar bill at the diner. Call me a perv or weird for actually using the number but uh…the name's Ashley."

Brandon stared at the answering machine with a confused look before glancing back up at the blonde hovering around him. "Um, I don't get it. What's the problem Spence?" He growled as Spencer smacked the side of his head.

"Ashley has my number?!" She shrieked.

"Hey, she at least used it!" Brandon defended himself.

"You gave a complete stranger my number, Bran! Why would you do that?" Spencer sighed and sunk down on the couch.

"Because you said she was going to get a big tip," he muttered and slouched down next to his best friend, "and trust me, if I think she's valuable enough to have your number and hang out with you, that's more than generous."

Spencer couldn't help but smile and ran her fingers through Brandon's hair before patting him lightly. "You're sweet," she whispered and then stood up, "but I'm still upset."

Brandon threw his hands up in the air. "Why do I even bother?" He fluffed the small throw pillow on the couch and then glared at the blonde, "you need to get out of this place for a bit Spencer. And cuuuutie waitress seemed more than interested... who gives away a free $6 slice of vanilla cream pie?"

Spencer picked up her messenger bag and tucked her iPod in her pocket. "I'm late for work."

"You have twenty minutes left until you're five minutes early." Brandon scowled. "You're being avoidy!"

"Leave me alone Brandon," Spencer narrowed her eyes at him, "I get that you're trying to help but I don't need anyone in my life. I have you and that's enough."

Brandon laughed and ran his hands through his own shaggy locks. "But the difference is that you can't love me like that Spence."

"I love you just fine." Spencer sounded offended.

"Not like that," he pushed and shrugged, "whatever, we're dropping the subject."

"There shouldn't have been a subject in the first place," the blonde gripped her apartment door tightly in her hand, "I just don't want to fall in love."

"It was one phone call." The redheaded guy walked up to his best friend and rubbed her back. "I'm sorry I upset you."

Spencer shrugged and smiled, patting Brandon's face lightly. "See you later?"

Brandon just nodded and stuffed his hands in his front pockets.

He hated when things were off balance with him and Spencer.

--