A/N Thank you all who have showed your support. Let me know what you think. I have a couple unpublished chapters to add, but not sure if I am a big fan yet. Starting this story, I had a basic outline of what I wanted. Had a few ideas, most of them I have yet to reach and I am already putting chapter 11 online. I hope this story is coming out clear and you like it. R&R It would really help. Thank you!

Chapter 11- Sugarcane

As soon as Ashley was a safe distance away, Madison and Chelsea broke out into a fit of laughter. Both women took a while to calm down, whipping numerous tears from their eyes. The assistant reclaimed her seat once again.

"You two done?" This whole thing was so unnerving.

Madison took a few deep breathes and a long drink from her glass. As soon as she made eye contact with the bartender, they were both gone again. "Wow!" Madison grabbed a bar napkin and whipped the tears. "I don't think I have laughed that hard in a long time."

"Ha ha very funny chuckles. " I gave her a shoulder check. Maybe tomorrow, or months from now this would be funny, but not right now.

"God Spencer, I've worked here a few years now. I have seen so much shit go down here, but I have never seen something so funny. And you Madison, girl you really need to come here with Spencer more often and hang down here at the bar." At least Chelsea was nice enough to get me a new drink.

"Chels, if the show is this good every night, I might have to become a bouncer. Oh, I cannot wait tell round two." Madison in her excitement rubbed her hands together.

"Madison, you're not really helping me out here. Chels, you're not helping either."

The bartender leaned closer to me over the bar. A serious expression soon replaced her normal contagious smile. "Alright Spencer, be honest with me. It's obvious you told Madison about Ashley. Why you told her about Ashley was not so clear at first. After everything we have talked about and seeing Ashley and you interact, which might I add was awkward but extremely hysterical, I can't help but feel you are, as Madison said smitten." She turned her attention to Madison. "Although I would never use the word smitten." Madison just shrugged. "Now Spencer, you don't have to say it, 'cause we already know, but damn girl you are hooked."

I couldn't make eye contact with either of them; I looked up at the DJ booth as Ashley stood by the door frame. Is she right, am I really hooked? What is so special about her, I barely know her. Soon my straw in my drink became very interesting as the assistant and the bartender began talking as if I wasn't here.

"I've known Spencer for a long time now, she's my best friend. I have seen her with a lot of women. Most of the time a smile their way makes them melt and they are instantly taken. Lot of the time they make the first move." Really Madison, tell Chelsea, Ashley's friend what a whore you think I am. "She turns away more then she lets in. But, I have never seen her act like this. She almost seems shy and vulnerable. "

"I consider Ashley a close friend, even in just the couple of months I have known her. Women and men throw themselves at her; she has a confidence about her. I wouldn't necessarily call it cocky. She could have her pick nightly of the people here, but she hasn't, at least what she has told me. I've never seen her act the way she just did with Spencer."

"Spence," Madison said but I couldn't make eye contact. "Spencer Carlin, look at me now or I will…"

I looked at her. "You'll what?"

"Never mind now, I have your attention." Damn it. "As much fun as it is to tease you about this, and don't get too comfortable because there will be more another day, I just want to see you happy."

"Spencer, you have always treated me as a friend. I hope we are actually." I nodded and smiled at her in what felt like the first time in forever. "I want you to know Ashley and I have actually talked about you a few times. Not sure if you two will decide to date or anything but if you two could become friends at the very least, I think both of you could benefit from it. Besides you and Dee are practically best friends, seeing how she is her aunt, you're bound to spend more time together. Hopefully you can get through whatever is the cause of this awkwardness."

"Now with our little speeches out of the way, time to get that confidence and swagger we all know you have."

Not sure if it is the words of encouragement or the fact of Ashley promising return, but some of the uneasiness I was feeling eased.

I waited outside the booth until Greg had the next song set up and then made my way inside the booth.

"Strike out so soon? Come to make your little speech and present me with my long awaited kiss?" Greg's words laced with overconfidence.

I walked up and smacked him upside the head. Not enough to cause damage, but enough to get my point across.

"Ow." He rubbed the back of his blonde head a few times. "What the hell was that for?"

"You cheated Greg." I spat at him.

"Cheated? How did I cheat?" Greg's smile gave away that he knew just what I was talking about.

"Out of all the people at the bar, you pick Spencer 'Fucking' Carlin? That's not even fair, man. " He starts laughing so I hit him in the arm.

After hitting him I took a couple steps back. "Hey easy there killer, don't want people thinking we are having a lovers' quarrel up here."

I shook my head at how amusing he thought this was. "Fuck you, Greg."

"Now Ashley, that wasn't part of the bet but if you insist." I made a step towards him, making the DJ put his hands up in defense. "We agreed I pick the lady and you try to show me how much game you have. How did I cheat?"

"You knew who you picked, didn't you?" I already knew the answer to the question.

"I spotted her the moment she walked in. So yes, Ashley, I knew it was Spencer Carlin. I didn't cheat, though." Damn, I hate it that he is right. "But if you aren't up to it, we can just declare me the winner and you can do your thing on the microphone. " He winked and then, blew a few kisses at me. Spencer's wink made me blush, his only made me frustrated.

Now more than ever I want to remove that smug look from his face. A bet is a bet, I can't back down now. It shouldn't be that hard, right?

Walking back to the bar, Chelsea's words from before played in my head. Give her a chance. Don't judge a book by its cover. She might surprise you. Okay, I will give this a shot. Anything to wipe that smug look off Greg's face, ladies man my ass. With my pep talk finished, I stop to take one last look at Greg, who is looking directly at me. I turn back to the bar, seeing what appears to be a serious conversation between the three of them. I throw up my middle finger in Greg's direction, knowing he is still watching.

When I approach the spot I was once in, I notice two things. Spencer and Madison switched seats, and the conversation ended. "Miss me?" I say to no one in particular, but a part of me hopes a certain blonde does.

Chelsea and Madison look at Spencer who still hasn't looked my way. After what seems like minutes she turns, and looks me right in the eyes. "Of course." It came out a little above a whisper but seemed sincere. "There is your drink of choice as promised."

Maybe this wouldn't be so hard. Still making eye contact I said, "Thank you." I turned and looked at Chelsea who was looking between the two of us. I had this strange feeling something was up. "She did pay for this right?" I held up the beer in question. I quickly add, "Kidding Spencer."

She turns to me giving me a mock glare. "Keep it up Ashley, and that might be your last beer, ever."

"I will try my best, but I can't promise anything." I smile at our friendly banter.

"So how do you like LA so far?" Spencer asks.

Maybe she isn't as bad as what I was picturing her to be. I was expecting a question more the lines of, "do you think I am hot?" or "did you see my last movie?" But defiantly not that. "So far it's been good. I lived here when I was really young, so I don't remember much of it. North Carolina will always be special to me, but it's really nice being so close to Dee. What about you, are you from LA?"

She looked almost shocked when I asked her. "Well, I lived here most of my life, but was born in Ohio. I still go and visit when I have the time."

"What do you like most about living here? I'm sure you have been all over. " I'm curious to see if her personality from our first meeting will come back.

Her eyes light up before she speaks. "As interesting as it is to travel and see new places, not that I have much time for it, I love the ocean. Something about being near the water, it puts me at ease." She broke out in a smile that reached her eyes, making me return it. "What is Ashley's favorite part of living here so far?"

I have to stop myself from saying the first thing that popped in my head at the moment. Right here with you. Something about this feels…great? I guess I'm not quite sure how to describe this. I take a sip of my beer to stop myself from saying anything I might regret. "I swear I am not copying you, but I was sold on the view. I'm sure you have been to Dee's house, you have to agree it has a breathtaking view."

"Uh, yes I have to agree with you on that." She looked like she wanted to add more but stopped herself.

"What brings Madison and you out to the bar tonight?"

"I was hoping you would be bartending."

"Really?" Uncertainty in my voice, most likely showing on my face as well.

Spencer started laughing. "Can you imagine the damage Madison and I could do if we took up space at the bar with you behind it?"

Now I am really thankful Madison wasn't here the first night we met. "I would be scared for life. Here I thought you came back because you thought I was hot. After all you did say that."

"That I did. Actually, Madison and I had a break for a few days and needed a night out to unwind. I was hoping Dee would be in, but I haven't seen her around." She looked around as if Dee would magically appear.

"Sorry to disappoint you. We both kind of have the night off. Between you and me, I think Dee had a date tonight. She told me not to wait up and left Chelsea in charge. Very vague on the details, and that's not like Dee."

She looked excited. "Oh I can't wait to ask her about it, I am usually the one telling her my dirty little secrets."

"Please, spare me the details if there are any. I am still trying to shake the mental image of her and the gardener."

Even though this topic could creep me out, when she laughs I can't help but join in. "I recommend her gardener. His name is Gerald, and I am pretty sure his wife would have a problem with what you just said. Not to mention he's about 80. Have you met him?"

"No, haven't had the pleasures yet. I think my aunt has been reading too many romance navels. Her tails are carrying on to her real life and she is confusing reality with fantasy." I grin at her.

She holds up her glass in my direction. "To Dee. She is one of a kind in all ways possible."

I clink my glass with Spencer's. "To Dee. Thankfully there is only one of her."

We continued talking, and the more we talked, the more I saw there is more to her then some celebrity. A couple times people would come up and asked for an autograph and a few pictures. It brought back to reality what she did for a living, must get tiresome. She took the time to talk to them and was kind to each one. She would apologies each time for the interruptions.

Even though we weren't talking about anything too personal, I could tell she is funny, sweet and seems to be actually interested in what I have to say. Nothing at all like the over confident, cocky woman I first met. I also find myself interested in what she has to say. Every once in a while my eyes would drift to her lips. I have to stop myself from contemplating why that is.

Even though Ashley and I are communicating, I still feel very nervous to be around her. What makes her different from the women I meet regularly is still a huge mystery to me. To top it off, the two on lookers weren't helping. If there was popcorn available, Madison would have a tub.

The conversation Ashley and I are having must be boring to Madison, because she vacated her seat and approached Ashley. "Spencer's not so bad, is she?"

Ashley let out a nervous laugh. I can't blame her; Madison makes a lot of people nervous. Ashley looked me in the eyes, giving me a little smile. "No, she's not so bad." I hope it's not the fear of Madison that made her say that, but I will take what I can get.

"Before you returned to us, Spencer was telling Chelsea and I how bad she wanted to dance." I did? I may have had a few drinks by now, but that was not one of the topics. "The problem is there is this really cute guy at the end of the bar I have had my eye on for some time now. If I dance with Spencer, he might get the wrong impression and I really want to dance with him. Chelsea can't dance with her for obvious reasons. That leaves you."

I was about to speak but Ashley spoke first. A shocked expression ran a crossed her face. "Um, you want me to dance with Spencer?"

"You really don't have to if you don't want to." I give her a smile to assure her it's really okay to say no. I'm hoping she will say yes.

"You do know how to dance, don't you Ashley?" The assistant continues on, challenging Ashley.

"It may have been a few months, but I believe I still got some moves."

"Good, now you two run along, the night is almost over. I got to talk to a guy about a dance."

Madison proceeds to pull me from my stool and join our hands. With a not so gentle push we made our way to the mass of bodies already out on the floor. The closer we were to the dance floor, the harder having a conversation would be. "I don't," I start to say but notice Ashley can't hear me.

I give her hand a gentle tug, causing her to stop walking and look at me. Stepping further towards her, I lean into her, taking in her intoxicating smell tell my mouth is right by her ear. I was so close it wouldn't take much to just to taste her. Stopping myself from doing just that, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. I saw Ashley shiver as I said, "I don't want you to feel like you have to do this. I know how Madison can be, trust me." I swallowed the lump in my throat before adding, "But if you're up for it I would really like to."

I moved back from her to be able to see her face with our hands still joined. I noticed her eyes were closed. She slowly opened them, blinking a few times and then focusing her gorgeous eyes my way. They were a shade darker than earlier. "Let's dance." I can't hear her words but could tell by her lips what she said. She turned towards the people dancing and continued walking; with our hands joined I couldn't do much but follow….willingly.