I ponder for a moment before responding, “I have no clue. This entire thing is so bizarre. I mean, how did—“

The thoughts that swirl around in my brain only come to one feasible conclusion.

“Aiden,” I tell her. “It had to be Aiden who set all of this up! It all makes sense now…”

She gives me another confused look before I continue. “Aiden Dennison is a jock head at King High. In fact, he’s friends with my brother—at least I think he still is. He used to be cool, but then something happened,” I shrug. “Anyway, he tried to slip a roofie in Ashley’s drink at the beginning of the year, and since then…”

She waits a moment before going, “Since then what?”

I try to find a more comfortable position on the couch, saving me time. “I’ve kinda tormented him,” I mumble.

“Serves him right,” she says, slamming her fist on the couch. “How would he ever hook up with your mom, though?”

“Maybe…” I search for a possible explanation, “physical therapy? I’m pretty sure he got hurt for a few weeks and it took him out of the game for a while. That would give him time to plot,” I offer.

“It’s freaky, but possible,” she nods, seeming to accept this theory.

I sigh. “It’s just my luck my two worst enemies would happen to team up.”

We sit on opposite sides of the room just thinking and looking at each other for what seems like hours before I finally offer, “Listen, I know I was a bitch before, but I really do appreciate you coming to help us like this. You’ve been a lifesaver,” I admit.

Her green eyes light up as she smiles. “Thanks, Spencer. That means a lot.” She stands, offering a hug, and I accept.

Just then, the door opens and Ashley appears.

“Whoa, love fest,” she says, taken off guard.

I turn, expecting to see her greeting me warmly, but instead her face is lined with anxiety.

“Babe, what’s wrong,” I ask, rushing to her.

She meets me half way and hugs me before throwing a magazine on the cocktail table. “Take a look.”