Look, Spencer. I moved out to L.A. to get away from all of the drama, and no offense, but I think being with you would be too much drama for me to handle.”

Instead of whining and begging and pleading, I play it off like a true Carlin.

“Aight. Sure thing. I get you,” I say coolly.

“Wait, Spencer. I didn’t mean it like that.”

“No no. It’s all good. Really. More fish in the sea.”

I almost apologize when I see her face sink a little, but I can’t. Plan ‘Get Davies on Team Spencer’ was already underway, and there was no turning back.

I swear you’ll be my girlfriend whether you like it or not, Ashley Davies, no matter what it takes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ride back home was a bit awkward but we managed to keep it somewhat light by making small talk.

How are we supposed to face each other now during gym?

“Spencer, it’s nothing personal against you. Really.” She said as she pulled into my driveway. “I actually like you a lot so I hope this doesn’t get in the way of our friendship because I truly enjoyed the time we spent together. If you’d like, we could do this again sometime, but if not I understand.”

I know I’m not going to win her over by being scornful and surly, so I’m going to go with the friendly yet flirty approach again.

“Sure,” I reply, trying to give her as warm of a smile that I can manage. “There’s supposed to be an awesome party this Saturday at Aiden’s house. His parents are never home and he always has the best parties.”

Atta girl! Spencer Carlin the comeback kid… Marty cooed. I’m so proud.

“Saturday? As in two days from today?” There is a look of hesitancy on her face. “I don’t know if that’s the best idea. I might not be to big on math, but from my experience huge parties plus no parents equals disaster. Also, you might be forgetting but I am a teacher. I don’t think anybody wants me to crash his or her party. Plus, I don’t want to see that boy more than I have to,” she mumbles.