Disclaimer: I don't own neither SON or Beautiful Disaster the book

Chp.3 Cheap Shot

Carmen took another drag, the smoke flowed from her nose in two thick streams. I angled my face toward the sun as she regaled me with the recent weekend of dancing, booze and a very persistent new friend.

"if she's stalking you then why do you let him buy you drinks?" I laughed

"its simple, Spencer. I'm broke"

I laughed again, and Carmen jabbed her elbow into my side when she caught sight of Ashley walking towards us.

"hey Ashley" Carmen lilted, winking at me

"Carmen" Ashley said with a nod. She dangles her keys. "I'm headed home, pidge. You need a ride?"

"I was just going in" I said, grinning up at her through my sunglasses

"you're not staying with me tonight?" she asked, her face was a combination of surprise and disappointed

"no, I am. I just had to grab a few things that I forgot."

"like what?"

"well, my razor for one. What do you care?"

"it's about time you shaved your legs. They've been tearing the hell outta mine" she said with an impish grin

Carmen's eyes bulged as she gave me a quick one-over and I made a face at Ashley. "that's how rumors get started" I look at Carmen and shook my head "I'm sleeping in her bed…..just sleeping"

"right" Carmen said with a smug smile

I smacked Carmen's arm before yanking the door open and climbing the stairs. By the time I reached the second floor, Ashley was beside me

"oh don't be mad. I was just kidding"

"everyone already assumes we're having sex. You're making it worse"

"who cares what they think?"

"I do, Ashley! I do!" I pushed open my doors, shoved random items into a small tote and then stormed out, with Ashley trailing behind. She chuckles as she took the bag from my hand and I glared at her. "it's not funny. Do you want the whole school to think I'm one of your sluts?"

Ashley frowned "no one thinks that and if they do they better hope I don't hear about it"

She held the door open and after walking through, I stopped abruptly in front of her.

"whoa!" she said, slamming into me

I flipped around "oh my God! People probably think we're together and you're shamelessly continuing your…lifestyle. I must look pathetic" I said, coming to the realization as I spoke "I don't think I should stay with you anymore. We should just stay away from each other in general for a while"

I took my bag from her and she snatched it back. "no one thinks we're together, Spence. You don't have to quit talking to me to prove a point"

We engaged in a tug-of-war with the tote and when she fused to let go, I growled loudly in frustration "have you ever had a girl- that's friend- stay with you? Have you ever given girls rides to and from school? Have you eaten lunch with them every day? No one knows what to think about us, even when we tell them!"

She walked to the parking lot holding my effects hostage. "I'll fix this okay? I don't want anyone thinking less of you because of me" she said with a troubled expression. Her eyes brightened and she smiled "let me make it up to you, why don't we go to the Dutch tonight?"

"that's a biker bar,: I sneered, watching her fasten my tote to her bike

"okay, then let's go to the club. I'll take you to dinner and then we can go to the Red Door. My treat."

"how will going out to dinner and then to a club fix the problem? When people see us out together it will make it worse"

She straddles her bike "think about it. Me, drunk, in a room full of scantily clad women? It won't take long for people to figure out we're not together."

"so what am I suppose to do? take someone home from the bar to drive the point home?"

"I didn't say that, no need to get carried away" she said with a frown. I rolled my eyes and climbed onto the seat, wrapping my arms around her middle. "some random girl is going to follow us home from the bar? That's how you're going to make it up to me?"

"you're not jealous, are you?"

"jealous of what? The Std-infested imbecile you're going to piss off in the morning?"

Ashley laughed and then started her Harley. She flew towards her apartment at twice the speed limit and I closed my eyes to block out the trees and cars we left behind.

After climbing off her bike, I smacked her shoulder "did you forget I was with you? Are you trying to get me killed?"

"its hard to forget you're behind me when your thighs are squeezing the life out of me" a smirk came with her next thought " I couldn't think of a better way to dies, actually"

"there is something very wrong with you"

We had barely made it inside when Kyla shuffles out of Aiden's room "we were thinking about going out tonight, you guys in?"

I looked at Ashley and grinned "we're going to swing by the sushi place before we go to red"

Kyla smiled spanned from one side of her face to the other "Aiden!" she cried, scampering into the bathroom "we're going out tonight!"

I was the last one in the shower, so Aiden, Kyla and Ashley were impatiently standing by the door when I stepped out of the bathroom in a black dress and hot pink heels.

Kyla whistled "hot damn, Mama!"

I smiled in appreciation and Ashley held out her hand "nice legs"

"did I mention that it's a magic razor?"

"I don't think it's the razor" she smiled, pulling me out the door

We were far too loud and obnoxious in the sushi bar and had already had a nights worth to drink before we stepped foot in the Red Door. Aiden pulled into the parking lot, taking time to find a space.

"Sometime tonight, Aid" Kyla muttered

"hey I have to find a wide space, I don't want some drunken idiot dinging the paint"

Once we parked, Ashley leaned the seat forwards and helped me out "I meant to ask you about your ID's they're flawless. You didn't get them around here."

"yea, we've had them for a while. It was necessary….in Wichita." I said

"necessary?" Ashley asked

"it's a good thing you have connections" Kyla said, she hiccupped and covered her mouth, giggling

"dear god, woman" Aiden said, holding Kyla's arm as she awkwardly stepped along the gravel. "I think you're already done for the night"

Ashley made a face "what are you talking about, Ky? What connections?"

"Spencer has some old friends that-"

"they're fake ID's Ash," I interrupted. "you have to know the right people if you want them done right, right?"

Kyla purposefully looked away from Ashley, and I waited.

"right" she said extending her hand for mine.

I grabbed three of her fingers and smiled, knowing by her expression that she wasn't satisfied with my answer.

"I need another drink!" I said as a second attempt to change the subject

"shots" Kyla yelled

Aiden rolled his eyes "oh yea. That's what you need another shot"

Once inside, Kyla immediately pulled me on to the dance floor. Her brown hair was everywhere, and I laughed at the duck face she made when she moved to the music. When the song was over, we joined the boys at the bar. An excessively voluptuous platinum blonde was already at Ashley's side. And Kyla's face screwed into revulsion.

"its going to be like this all night, ky. Just ignore them" Aiden said. Nodding to a small group of girls standing a few feet away. They eyed the blonde waiting for their turn.

"it looks like Vegas threw up on a flock of vultures" Kyla sneered

Ashley lit a cigarette as she ordered two more beers and the blonde bit her puffy, glossed lips and smiles. The bartender popped the tops open and slid the bottles to Ashley. The blonde picked up one of the beer but Ashley pulled it from her hand

"uh….not yours" she said to her, handing it to me. my initial though was to toss the bottle in the trash but the woman looked so offended I smiled and took a drink. She walked off in a huff and I chuckled that Ashley didn't seem to notice.

"like I would buy a beer to some chick at a bar "she said shaking her head. I held up my beer and she pulled up one side of her mouth into a half smile "you're different"

I clinked my bottle against hers. "to being the only girl a girl with no standards doesn't want to sleep with" I said taking a swig.

"are you serious?" she asked, pulling the bottle from my mouth. When I dint recant, she leaned toward me "first of all… I have standards. I've never been with an ugly woman. Ever. Second of all, I wanted to sleep with you. I thought about throwing you over my couch fifty different ways, but I haven't because I don't see you that way anymore. Its not that I'm not attracted to you, I just think you are better than that"

I couldn't hold back the smug smile that crept across my face "you think I'm too good for you"

She sneered at my second insult "I can't think of a single person I know that's good enough for you"

The smugness melted away, replaced with a touched, appreciative smile "thanks, Ash" I said setting my empty bottle on the bar.

Ashley pulled on my hand "c'mon" she said tugging me through the crowd to the dance floor.

"I've had a lot to drink I'm going o fall"

Ashley smiled and pulled me to her. grabbing my hips "shut up and dance"

Kyla and Aiden appeared beside us. Aiden moved like he had been watching too many Usher videos. Ashley had me near panic with the way she was pressed against me. is she used any of these moves on the couch, I could see why so many girls chanced humiliation in the morning.

She cinched her hands around my hips and I noticed that her expression was different, almost serious. I ran my hands over her chest and then abs as they she tensed under her shirt to the music. I turned my back to her smiling when she wrapped her arms around my waist. Coupled with the alcohol in my system, when she pulled my body against hers, things came to mind that were anything but friendly.

The next song blend into the one we were dancing to and Ashley showed no signs of wanting to return to the bar. The sweat beaded on the back of my neck, and the multicolored stobe lights made me feel a bit dizzy. I closed my eyes and leaned against her shoulder. She grabbed my hands and pulled them around her neck. Her hands ran down my arms and down my ribs, finally returning to my hips. When I felt her lips and then tongue against my neck, I pulled away from her.

She chuckled, looking a bit surprised "what, Pidge?"

My temper flared, making the sharp words I wanted to say stick to my throat. I retreated to the bar and ordered another corona. Ashley took the stool beside me, holding up her finger to order one for herself. As soon as the bartender set the bottle in front of me, I tipped it up and drank half the contents before slamming it to the bar.

"you think this is going to change anyone's mind about us?" I said pulling my hair to the side, covering the spot she kissed.

She laughed once "I don't give a dam what they think about us"

I shot her a dirty look and then turned to face forward

"pidge" she said, touching my arm. I pulled away from her

"don't, I could never get drunk enough to let you get me to the couch"

Her face twisted in ager but before she could say anything a dark haired stunner with pouty lips, enormous blue eyes and far too much cleavage approached her.

"well if it isn't Ashley Davies" she said bouncing in all the right places.

She took a drink and then her eyes locked on mine "hey Megan"

"introduce me to your girlfriend" she said. I rolled my eyes

Ashley tipped her head back to finish her beer and then slid her empty bottle down the bar. Everyone waiting to order watched as it fell into the trash can at the end "she's not my girlfriend"

She grabbed Megan's hand, and she happily traipsed behind her to the dance floor. She all but mauled her for one song and then another and another. They were causing a scene with the way she let her grope her and when she bent her over I turned my back to them.

"you look pissed" a man said as he sat next to me "is that your girlfriend out there?"

"no she's just a friend" I grumbled

"well that's good. That could have been pretty awkward for you if she is" he faced the dance floor shaking his head at the spectacle.

"tell me about it" I said drinking the last of my beer, I barley tasted the last two I had put away and my teeth were numb.

"would you like another one?" he asked. I looked over at him and he smiled "I'm Ethan"

"Spencer" I said taking his outstretched hand. He held up two fingers to the bartender and I smiled "thanks"

"so you live here?" he asked

"in Morgan hall at eastern"

"I have an apartment in Hinley"'

"you go to state?" I asked "what is that….like an hour away? What are you doing over here?"

"I graduated last may. My little sister goes to Easter. I'm staying with her this week while I apply for jobs."

"uh-oh…living in the real world huh?"

Ethan laughed "and its everything they say it is"

I pulled the gloss out of my pocket and smeared it across my lips, using the mirror lining the wall behind the bar.

"that's a nice shade" he said, watching me press my lips together.

I smiled, feeling the anger at Ashley and the heaviness of the alcohol. "maybe you can try it out later"

Ethan's eyes brighten as I leaned in closer and I smiled when he touched my knee. He pulled back his hand when Ashley stepped between us.

"you ready Pidge?"

"I'm talking, Ashley." I said moving her back. Her shirt was damp from the circus on the dance floor and I made a show of wiping my hand on my skirt.

Ashley's made a face "do you even know this guy?"

"this is Ethan" I said sending my new friend the best flirty smile I could manage

He winked at me and then looked at Ashley, extending his hand "nice to meet you"

Ashley watched me expectantly until I finally gave in, waving my hand in her "Ethan this is Ashley" I muttered

"Ashley Davies" she said staring at Ethan's hand as if she wanted to rip it off

Ethan's eyes grew wide as he awkwardly pulled back his hand "Ashley Davies? Eastern's Ashley Davies?"

I rested my cheek on my fist, dreading the inevitable fuel story swapping that would soon ensue.

Ashley stretched her arm behind me to grip the bat "yeah what of it?"

"I saw you fight Shawna Smith last year. I thought I was about to witness someone's death!"

Ashley glowered down at him "you wanna see it again?"

Ethan laughed once his eyes darting back and forth between us. When he realized Ashley was serious he smiled at me apologetically and left.

"are you ready now" she snapped

"you are such a bitch, you know that?"

"I've been called worse" she said helping me off the stool.

We followed Kyla and Aiden to the car and when Ashley tired to grab my hand to lead me across the parking lot, I yanked it away. She wheeled around and I jerked to a stop leaning back when she came within a few inches of my face.

"I should just kiss you and get over with" she yelled "you're being ridiculous! I kissed your neck so what?"

I could smell beer and cigarettes on her breath and pushed her away. "I'm not your fuck buddy, Ashley"

She shook her head in disbelief "I never said you were! You're around me 24-7, you sleep in my bed, but half the time you act like you don't want to be seen with me!"

"I came here with you"

"I have never treated you with anything but respect, pidge"

I stood my ground "no you treat me like your property. You had no right to run Ethan off like that!"

"do you know who he is" she asked when I shook my head she leaned in closer "I do, he was arrested last year for sexual battery but the charges were dropped"

I crossed my arms "oh, so you have something in common?"

Ashley's eyes narrowed and the her jaw tighten "are you calling me a rapist?" she said in a cold tone

I pressed my lips together, even angrier that she was right. I had taken it too far "no, I'm just pissed at you!"

"I've been drinking, all right? Your skin was there inches from my face and you're beautiful and you smell fucking awesome when you sweat. I kissed you! I'm sorry! Get over yourself!"

Her excuse made the corners of my mouth turn up "you think I'm beautiful? "

She frowned with disgust "you're gorgeous and you know it. What are you smiling about?"

I tried to quell my amusement, to no avail "nothing, let's go"

Ashley laughed once and shook her head "wha….?you…? you're a pain in my ass!" she yelled, glaring at me. I couldn't stop smiling and after a few seconds Ashley's mouth turned up. She shook her head again and then hooked her arm around my neck, "you're making me crazy, you know that right?"

At the apartment we all stumbled through the door. I made a beeline for the bathroom to wash the smoke out of my hair. When I stepped out of the shower, I saw that Ashley had brought me one of her big T-shirts and a pair of her boxers to change into.

The shirt swallowed me and the boxers disappeared under the shirt. I crashed into the bed and sighed, still smiling at what she'd said in the parking lot.

Ashley stared at me for a moment and I felt a twinge in my chest. I had an almost ravenous urge to grab her face and plant my mouth of hers but I fought against the alcohol and the hormones raging through my bloodstream.

"night Spence" she whispered, turning over.

I fidgeted, not yet ready to sleep "Ash?" I said leaning up to rest my chin on her shoulder

"yeah?"

"I know I'm drunk and we just got into a ginormous fight over this, but…."

"I'm not having sex with you, so quit asking" she said, her back still to me

"what? Not!" I cried

Ashley laughed and turned, looking at me with a soft expression "what, Spence?"

I sighed "this" I said laying my head on her chest and stretching my arm across her middle, snuggling as close to her as I could.

She stiffened and held her hands up, as if she didn't know how to react "you're drunk"

"I know" I said, too intoxicated to be embarrassed.

She relaxed one hand against my back and the other on my wet hair and then pressed her lips to my forehead "you are the most confusing woman I've ever met"

"it's the least you can do aster scaring off the only guy that approached me tonight"

"you mean Ethan the rapist? Yea, I owe you for that one"

"never mind" I said feeling the beginning of a rejection coming on.

She grabbed my arm and held it on her stomach to keep me from pulling away "no, I'm serious. You need to be more careful. If I wasn't there… I don't even want to think about it and now expect me to apologize for running him off?"

"I don't want you to apologize. Its not even about that"

"then what is it about?" she asked searching my eyes for something. Her face was just a few inches from mine and I could feel her breath on my lips.

I frowned "I'm drunk, Ashley. It's the only excuse I have"

"you just want me to hold you until you fall asleep?"

I didn't answer.

She just shifted to look straighter into my eyes "I should say no to prove a point" she said, her eyebrows pulling together "but I would hate myself later if I said no and you never asked me again"

I nestled my cheek against her chest and she tightened her arms sighing "you don't need an excuse Pidge, all you have to do is ask"

….

I cringed at the sunlight pouring through the window and the alarm blaring into my ear. Ashley was still asleep surrounding me with both her arms and legs. I maneuvered an arm free to reach over and pound the snooze button. Wiping my face, I looked at her, sleeping soundly two inches from me.

"oh my god" I whispered, wondering how we'd manage to become so tangled. I took a deep breath and held it as I worked to free myself from her.

"stop it Spencer, I'm sleepin" she mumbled, squeezing me against her

After several attempts I finally slid from her grip and sat on the edge of the bed, looking back at her half naked body draped in covers. I watched her for a moment and sighed. The lines were becoming blurred and it was my fault.

Her hand slid across the sheets and touched my fingers. "what's wrong?" she said, her eyes barley open

"I'm going to get a glass of water, you want anything? Ashley shook her head and closed her eyes , her cheek flat against in the mattress

"morning Spencer" Aiden said from the recliner when I rounded the corner

"Where's Kyla?"

"Still sleeping. What are you doing up so early?" he asked looking at the clock

"the alarm went off, but I always wake up early after I drink, it's a curse"

"me, too" he nodded

"you better get Ky up. We have class in an hour" I said running on the tap and leaning to take a sip

Aiden nodded "I was just going to let her sleep"

"don't do that, she'll be mad if she misses"

"oh" he said standing up "better wake her then" he wheeled around "hey Spencer?"

"yeah?"

"I don't know what's going on with you and Ashley, but I know that she's going to do something stupid to piss you off. It's a tic she has. She doesn't get close with anyone very often and for whatever reason she's let you in. but you have to overlook her demons. It's the only way she'll know"

"know what?"I asked raising an eyebrow at his melodramatic speech

"if you'll climb over the wall" he answered simply

I shook my head and chuckled "whatever you say Aid"

Aiden shrugged and then disappeared into his bedroom. I heard soft murmurs a protesting groan and them Kyla's sweet giggling.

I swirled the oatmeal around in my bowl and squeezed the chocolate syrup in as I stirred

"that's sick Spencer" Ashley said, she rubbed her eyes and pulled a box of cereal from the cabinet.

"good morning to you too" I said, snapping the cap on the bottle

"I hear your birthday is coming up. Last stand of your teenage years" she grinned, her eyes puffy and red

"yeah… I'm not a big birthday person. I think Kyla is going to take me to dinner or something" I smiled "you can come if you want"

"all right" she shrugged "it's a week from Sunday?"

"yes, when is yours?"

"not till April, April first"

"shut up"

"no, I'm serious" she said, chewing

"your birthday is on April fools?"

I asked again raising an eyebrow

She laughed "yes! You're gonna be late. I better get dressed."

"I'm riding with Kyla"

I could tell she was being intentionally cool when she shrugged "whatever" she said, turning her back to me to finish her cereal.