Hey guys,
First of all I really appreciate all the reviews and encouragements to continue this story. Sorry I haven't had a chance to update or respond but it was finals week and things got hectic. I'm going to try to give you guys an update at least once a week but if it takes a little longer sometimes then I apologize in advance. I'm going to start including Ashley and Spencer's points of views in the story and will really just kind of jump back in forth in narration so hopefully that works for you guys.
Anyway, thanks again for taking the time to read this. You guys are awesome.
The room remained silent while family and friends attempted to digest the news of Spencer's new engagement. Sensing the awkwardness of the situation, Ashley decided it was time to speak up.
"Well Haley", the brunette started confidently. "I don't know you very well but you seem like a pretty great girl. I'm sure if Spencer agreed to marry, you must really be special."
Spencer could only cringe as her former flame finished her congratulations. She already knew that announcing her engagement would be somewhat awkward, considering that her family absolutely loved Ashley and Ashley happened to be her brother's best friend. However, Spencer was not counting on announcing her engagement to her ex-girlfriend, the ex-girlfriend whose heart she crushed with one two letter word.
Spencer vaguely heard Haley's enthusiastic thank you as she made eye contact with her mother, who was silently telling her that there was a conversation to be had at a later time.
The blonde did, however, notice Ashley rise from the table.
"I'm sorry guys, I really hate to run out on Mr. C's famous lasagna but I really should get going to my hotel. It would seem that there was an issue with my reservation that I need to correct". A quick glance was thrown in Glen's direction, begging him not to stop her from going. Although she originally agreed to stay with her second family, she had no way of preparing herself for the bombshell that was dropped at dinner.
Surely nobody could expect her to stay in this house considering the situation.
"Ashley don't be silly", Paula interjected. "We have the pool house all set up for you to stay here. We already worked it out with your family. I know Glen told you".
Ashley's eyes snapped to Glen as he snickered at his mother's persistence. He felt bad for his friend, but it was still funny to see Paula give Ashley a hard time. She was family after all.
"Paula, I really appreciate you going through all the trouble but I really don't want to be a burden. Besides, I'm really tired anyway". Was the brunette's final attempt at escaping the uncomfortable situation.
Spencer burning a hole into the side of her face with her intense stare wasn't helping her feel any better.
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I was trying my hardest to look away from Ashley but it was a task that proved much more difficult than expected. I didn't get a chance to look at her when she first walked in, too overwhelmed by the fact that I hadn't seen her in years. It also didn't help that my fiancé was sitting next to me.
Caught in the commotion of the announcement of my engagement, I took a moment to finally take her in. Long legs covered in skin tight faded black jeans accented with biker boots. My eyes slowly reacquainted themselves with her body as they took in tan cleavage slightly peaking out over a loose fitting grey tank. I couldn't help but notice that Ashley's all black and grey attire, topped off with her fitted moto jacket was in stark contrast to the brighter colors she used to wear. I always remember her saying that dark colors were just too depressing for her to wear everyday. I guess some things change.
If there were anything Spencer could say with confidence, it would be that Ashley Davies was definitely one of those people that got better looking with age, if that were even possible. Even though she shouldn't have been checking her out it was hard not to at least appreciate the beauty of the girl that she once loved. Her subtle appreciation came to a halt when blue eyes connected to brown ones, now looking at her curiously.
Although Ashley had caught Spencer checking her out, she wasn't going to call her out in front of everyone. She didn't need to though. The small exchange between the two was only lost on Haley.
Deciding to save his daughter from an increasingly stressful situation, Arthur decided to lend a hand. "Ashley, why don't you go get settled into the pool house. Like Paula said, we have it all set up for you and it's a little far removed so you can rest easy without worrying about much noise from this rowdy group tonight". He gave the brunette a reassuring smile as she nodded and gave the group another apology before retreating.
One last look was exchanged between Spencer and Glen. Neither sibling knew what to say to each other but both were very aware that drama was going to be unavoidable.
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Ashley woke up the next day feeling less than well rested. After she bolted from dinner she decided it was best to get herself unpacked and settled into her new accommodations for the next few weeks. Knowing the Carlin's, there was no way for her to get out of staying with them regardless of her relationship with their daughter.
Instead of fighting it, the brunette hoped to distract herself from the announcement of Spencer's engagement with sleep. For Ashley, there wasn't a problem that could not be solved, or temporarily forgotten with sleep. With her iPod on shuffle the brunette hoped to fall asleep quickly to put her anxious mind at rest.
She had spent years trying to rid herself of memories of Spencer's rejection. In less than one hour, all of her progress had come undone. What was the point of moving to Chicago when she just winded up back where she started?
This was one of many questions that picked at her restless mind throughout the night.
At 6 a.m. Ashley grew irritated by her endless thoughts of a certain blonde haired devil and decided that a morning run would at least give her time to get out on her own before she had to deal with her second family when they all started to wake up.
After changing into her basketball shorts, tank top, and running shoes Ashley quickly made her way out of the pool house. Once she made it through the main house and out onto the rode, the brunette took off into a slow jog as she started her warm up for what she hoped would be a relaxing run.
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The sound of an alarm clock caused Spencer to stir a little in bed. After a mumbled demand to "shut that thing off", Spencer smiled as she felt Haley kiss the top of her messy blonde head as she leaned over to turn off her alarm. Unfortunately, Haley had to help set up some pieces for the art gallery she worked at. That meant they had no time for sleeping in together this morning. As Spencer lay in bed for a few minutes longer, she felt the bed dip once again as her girlfriend gave her another kiss as she got ready to leave.
Another small grumble left soft lips after realizing that it was 6:30 a.m. and there was no way that she could get back to sleep once she was awake. Appreciating the fact that her girlfriend had gone to work, Spencer finally let herself think about a certain brunette from her past.
Spencer was surprised that Ashley was back in L.A. to be honest. Once Ashley left she never once made a trip back. No phone calls, no texts, no emails, nothing. Seeing her was a shock, but Spencer couldn't deny that some part of her was glad to see her again.
There was definitely something different about twenty-five year old Ashley and the blonde's curiosity was peaked. It shouldn't have been but it was and as much as Spencer knew she should stay away, the young blonde needed to have some sort of contact with Ashley. Even if it was just for a little closure for herself.
Deciding that she definitely couldn't get her mind to shut off enough to squeeze another hour or two of sleep out of her day, Spencer decided she would get started early and shower before going over to her parent's house for Sunday breakfast.
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By the time Spencer finished showering and getting ready it was already 7:30 a.m. and she figured her parent's would be awake by the time she made it to their house.
Thirty minutes later the blonde pulled up to her parent's house. As she parked her car she noticed a flash of brown hair run past towards the back of the mansion. She could only assume it was Ashley.
Spencer got out of her car and started to make her way towards the pool house. From the looks of it her parents were probably still sleeping for a little longer and for some reason a little voice in her head told her it would be a good idea to talk to Ashley.
Although Spencer had no idea what brought Ashley back into town, she could only assume that she might be around for a little bit. For the blonde, this was the perfect opportunity to talk to Ashley about her engagement to Haley away from her family, friends, and fiancé. They could actually have a one on one talk, one that was way overdue for both women without feeling like they had to hold back because of an audience.
Knowing that Ashley probably didn't lock the door, Spencer turned the doorknob to the pool house and let herself in.
What she wasn't expecting to find was a completely naked Ashley standing in the middle of the room. A completely naked Ashley whose body was glistening with sweat and a completely naked Ashley with toned muscles and abs to die for.
This was new. In the years that Spencer had known Ashley, the brunette had never been this fit. Sure she was in shape but my god, that body was new.
Spencer knew she should have looked away but as her eyes rose to finally meet brown ones, the smirk on Ashley's face let her know that it was too late.
This talk might be harder than expected.
….
Alright guys, I that's it for right now. I know it's a little slow going but it's going to pick up in the next few chapters.
Once again I really appreciate you taking the time to read this. I really appreciate all reviews, so thanks to all of you guys who gave me positive feedback last time.
Til next time.