“Whew!  Okay, c’mon CJ,” Chelsea said, holding her hand out.  CJ quickly filled the space.  “Bye guys.”

When the door closed, Spencer looked back over at Ashley who had settled on the floor, the covers having fallen off her shoulders and pooled around her waist.  Spencer kneeled on the floor and crawled over to the brunette.  Ashley’s downcast eyes watched her fingers play with each other until Spencer’s hands slid between them and calmed them.

“Ash…what’s wrong?”

Ashley kept her head down and continued to stare at her hands.  She watched Spencer’s fingers gently graze over her own.  Felt the warmth that emanated from them and let it penetrate her skin.  Everything about this moment felt right to Ashley and she wished she could stay in this room forever.  Unfortunately, she still had unfinished business.

“I haven’t broken it off with Gia yet,” Ashley said softly.  She looked up into Spencer’s blue orbs and expected to see anger or disappointment radiating from them, but instead they softened as she nodded.

“It’s okay,” Spencer said, moving her hand up to the back of Ashley’s neck, giving it a reassuring rub.  “You will.”

“Yeah…it’s just…seeing Natalie as hurt as she was.  I dunno…I wish I didn’t have to do this to someone too.”

Spencer nodded again, fully understanding but suddenly, a wave of worry fell over Spencer.  “You are going to do it though right?”

Ashley’s head snapped up and she looked Spencer in her eyes.  “Of course.  I don’t want to hurt Gia but…I could never hurt you again.  Okay?”  Spencer nodded.  “But for now, can we just go bed?  I’m exhausted.”  Ashley gave a lopsided grin as she got to her feet and pulled Spencer up and into her arms. 

“Just sleep?” Spencer asked as she melted into Ashley’s arms.  She giggled when she felt Ashley’s lips along her collar bone.

“Mmm…or whatever.  As long as we are doing it laying down.”

Spencer quirked an eyebrow.  “Someone’s being lazy.”

“I really am tired.  But if you want to sit on my face…”

****

                Kyla pressed the end button on her cell phone again and redialed Ashley’s number for what seemed like the hundredth time.  She had escaped to her bedroom for a moment as Gia watched television in the living room.  Gia had just shown up at their loft, looking for Ashley and when Kyla said Ashley had stepped out and would be back soon, Gia offered to wait.  Not knowing what else to do, Kyla let Gia in and frantically texted Ashley.

                As Ashley’s voicemail picked up again, Kyla let out a frustrated sigh and waited for the tone.  “Ashley!  You need to get your ass back here.  I’m glad you have made up your mind and you are probably fucking Spencer blind to make up for all the lost sex but maybe you should have broken it off with Gia first.  She probably wouldn’t be here waiting for you now!  How do I get into the middle of these situations with you?  Jesus!  Just call me back or text me or something.  Tell Spencer I said hi.”

                Kyla hung the phone up and ran a hand over her face and through her hair before standing up.  She froze when she saw Gia watching her through the crack in the door.

                “I – I had just wanted to ask if you wanted pizza…” Gia said, holding the menu to the local pizzeria up.  Kyla watched as Gia’s green eyes watered.  Her cheeks turned rosy quickly and she slowly backed away from the door. 

                “Gia…”

                “On second thought, I think I’m going to just leave.”  Gia hurried back to the living room and gathered her things.  “It was good seeing you, Kyla.”

                “Gia, you can stay…”

                “No, no, no.”  Gia said, waving Kyla off and forcing a small smile on her face.  “I’m sure you have things to do and…I should just go.”  Gia bumped into one of the chair, knocking it over in her hurry.  She reached for the doorknob.  “Tell Ashley, she doesn’t have to call me…I truly hope that they are happy.”  Gia nodded her head and gave another forced smiled, trying to convince herself of her own words.

                Kyla stood in the loft and watched as the door slam behind Gia.  She felt as if she had just broken it off with Gia.  “Damn you Ashley!”  Kyla shouted at no one, through clenched teeth.