"Thanks for understanding, I'm glad we were able to talk about this," Ashley said as she hugged Rachel.
"I'll be here whenever you need me."
As she watched her now ex-girlfriend walk out of the café, Ashley couldn't help but feel the big weight lifted off her shoulders. The break-up actually went considerably well, given that it was in fact, a break-up. Their relationship was fate though; Rachel was just like her, so of course she would understand that she had fallen for someone else. She was not too thrilled about Ashley sleeping with Spencer, but they got through it, and by the end of the meal, if anyone saw them sitting together, they would just assume they were good friends.
After paying the bill, Ashley left and headed for her car. Ashley was free now, free of guilt, and free to be with Spencer. Ashley pulled her phone out of her purse and dialed a familiar number.
"Hey Ash, how did it go?"
"Good actually, I think we can actually be friends."
"That's great!"
"Yeah…so I was wondering…"
"Yeeeeees?" Spencer teased.
"I'm newly single and everything and I was just wondering what you are doing next Saturday?"
"Hmm…I'm not sure, probably get hammered on wine coolers in my apartment while watching trashy gossip shows, eventually falling asleep amongst piles of pizza boxes with chip crumbs on my shirt. "
"Oh, well if you have plans then, I guess I won't ask you t-."
"Of course I'll go out with you!" Spencer practically shouted.
"Great, I'll pick you up at 7 then. And for this week, I want to keep you a surprise, so I won't see you until Saturday." Laughing, Ashley closed her phone and started the car.
Monday
Time went agonizingly slow. Spencer could not look at these spreadsheets any more. Great, saved by lunch break. Spencer quickly headed to the vending machine opting for a power bar instead of going out with her co-workers. She needed something to wear for Ashley, so she headed for the mall.
Shuffling through the racks at the third store with no luck, Spencer was frustrated. "How hard is it to find an outfit for a date with your best friend," she muttered.
"Spencer?" Turning around, she came face to face with Rachel.
"Oh….hey Rachel." The animosity obviously was gone, but the awkwardness hung thick.
"So did I hear you were going on date? With Ashley I assume?"
"Yeah….hey, I'm sorry tha-"
"Hey, it's ok, I could tell you were totally head over heels. Me and Ashley are cool now anyway, don't worry about it."
"Thanks," Spencer replied, feeling a little better.
"So how did Aiden take it, I mean, you two were together for quite a long time I heard."
Spencer quickly tensed up. What should she say? That she had Ashley break up with her girlfriend, but she herself hadn't yet, or that he actually has no clue about what is going on? Wait, she technically didn't tell them to break up, Ashley did that on her own accord. Not to say she wasn't happy about it. Why is Rachel staring like that? Oh yeah.
"Umm, it was pretty hard," Spencer gulped and hoped that was sufficient enough.
"Yeah, who would want to lose a catch like you?" Rachel responded with a wink. "Hey, I gotta go, but it was good to see you. By the way, you should wear that top, with some pin stripes you would look amazing. Anyway, see you later." And with that Spencer was left standing alone holding up the halter top she decided to buy.
Tuesday
"Tonight the special is eggplant parmesan," Aiden exclaimed as he set the plate in front of Spencer.
"Mmm, this looks great Aid," she earnestly said. He may not be a 5-star chef, but Aiden could definitely hold his own.
"Only the best for my girl." Spencer could not help but flinch a little, damn, why did he have to be so sweet.
Wednesday
Saturday was fast coming and Spencer couldn't help but get more excited as each day passed. She was lying in bed next to an annoyed Aiden.
"Why do you have to blue ball me like this babe," he growled.
"I told you, I'm not in the mood," she growled back.
"Are you serious? You haven't been in the mood for the last three weeks."
"You have a hand."
"What's wrong with you? You're my girlfriend."
"Yeah, girlfriend. I'm not your sex toy."
Thursday
Spencer felt bad for the other night. She still loved him, so she shouldn't treat him like shit. She left a note on the front door before he came over after work, there's a surprise waiting for you in the bedroom. Aiden eagerly walked in and found a very naked Spencer lying on her bed with handcuffs in hand.
Friday
It was finally the end of the week. Spencer decided to leave work early and was back at the mall in search of some new make-up. As she made her purchase, her phone went off.
"Hey Aiden."
"Hey baby, I tried calling you at work, where are you?"
Sighing, she replied, "I'm at the mall, I decided to duck out early"
"Well, can I come over tonight?"
"What? Oh, sure."
"Are you sure?" Damn, he must of noticed her hesitation.
"Yeah, can you bring some food with you?"
-----------
"So what are we doing tomorrow babe?" Aiden asked while noisily slurping up his spaghetti.
"Um, I'm actually going to go ou- hang out with Ashley."
"Oh. Do you have to tomorrow? You've been with her a lot lately; I thought it could just be us tomorrow. You know, maybe some wine, movies…"
"She's my best friend, bro's before ho's I always say."
"You've never said that before," he looked at her incredulously.
Spencer put down her fork and took a sip of her beer. This was too hard, a tight knot was forming in her stomach. She took a deep breath and looked into Aiden's eyes. "Listen, Aiden…"