Chapter 4
Paige hadn't expected a call from Spencer, especially so soon after their meeting but she was nevertheless kind of happy to hear from her. She didn't want the other girl to think there was any bad blood between them so naturally she agreed to meet her for coffee after work on Friday.
She didn't expect anyone else there which was why it came as a surprise when Alison of all people showed up with Spencer. Spencer desperately tried to gesture that she was innocent and that she doesn't know what Alison was up to but she predicted Paige wouldn't pick up on her signals and that she'd break out in a rage and get into a fight with Alison, and that Ali would use the fight to make her look bad but she was pleasantly surprised to discover she didn't know the other girl as much as she thought she did because Paige perfectly executed a vitriolic smile towards Alison and carried on conversing with her, while subtly dropping hints that she should get the hell out of here. Alison picked up on them of course but she just didn't care. It was far too tempting for her to stick around and try to rub it in Paige's face that she and Emily were doing swell.
Spencer could see the pain in Paige's eyes and wished that she could do something about it. With Alison watching her like a hawk the most supportive thing she could do was squeeze her thigh under the table. Paige responded by joining their hands in solidarity and continuing her verbal sparring with Alison. Paige gave as good as she got and Spencer was honestly impressed by her crafty work until Alison landed her finishing move and alluded to the 'family' she had at home. The one she stole from Paige. Spencer could see Paige's eyes fill up with tears as Alison smirked, spun on her heel and walked away and as much as she wanted to comfort her she knew that Paige would rather set her hair on fire than cause a scene so she let her go to the bathroom alone and dry her tears as she paid for the coffee. She wanted to have a word with Alison but she knew she'd just be adding fuel to the fire so she just paid for her coffee and her muffin and she left without saying a word.
When Paige returned she found no note or text, just some money and a half-eaten muffin. She texted Spencer but she never heard back from her. She figured it was for the best as being around the girl only reminded her of the things she had and lost so she finished her coffee, paid for her stuff, grabbed her jacket and drove off. She never even saw Spencer waiting by the bus stop, though if she had she might've not been tempted to offer her a ride.