"Yes! Oh My God, Ashley! Thank you so much for helping me set this up. You’re the best." Aiden said enthused, but I was still in shock. Ashley was there. I could feel my body get hot. I was getting more nervous by the second. She was giving me side glances, waiting for me to say something.

"It was no problem. I’m always happy to help two lovers." She strained out the last word. Aiden was about to say something, but I cut in.

"Ummm, do you mind if me and Ashley have a few minutes alone?" I asked, turning towards him.

"Sure, I guess. Um, I’ll be outside." I looked back at Ashley as Aiden walked back outside.

"What did you want to be alone for?"

"Ashley…"

"I know that we weren’t an item or anything, but I still thought we had something. Enough to say that, when Aiden asked me to help him out with your date, I couldn’t help but feel……. betrayed. I was going to have a talk with you about it when we got out of my office, but then he told me his plans. And I couldn’t. What he wanted to do for you was so sweet. I thought you deserved it."

"I’m sorry. I…I…"

"Spencer, you don’t have to explain yourself. Aiden is a good guy. Don’t let him slip away." She smiled.

"What are you trying to say with that?"

"I think you and Aiden are better off together, then you and me."

"What?"

"Look, it would be way easier for you. You wouldn’t have to deal with coming out, or being with someone 6 years older than you. It’s way less complicated."

"You don’t want to be with me?" I could feel the tears in my eyes, threatening to come streaming out.

"I just think it would be the best thing to do. I’m only thinking about you here, Spence. I want what is best for you."

"Just because it’s the best thing to do, doesn’t mean it’s what I want." Tears were now rolling down my checks. Ashley steped closer and wiped them off with the pad of her thumb, while placing her palm on the side of my neck.

"Please don’t cry. I can’t stand tears. Especially from you."