Paula gave a nervous look over at Aiden who was quietly sipping his juice and then Spencer who looked like she was burning her alive with the strength of her gaze. Paula almost audibly gulped.

Ashley smirked when she realized Paula was actually uncomfortable now, Ashley’s even question and Spencer’s death stare had thrown her. Yay for us!

“Well, I guess a few years ago that could have been true, but to be honest, I like the idea of marriage. It’s one of the most beautiful things in this world when two people are brave enough to promise themselves to each other and no one else. I like to think someday someone will feel that way about me, trust me enough to love them unconditionally for the rest of our lives.” She gave a rather pointed stare at Spencer and smirked when she turned back to Paula. “And as for being bi? I realized a long time ago that I’m not interested in men, not in anyway other than friendship.”

This time her eyes flickered over to Aiden who only gave her a neutral look in return. Ashley guessed this meant she had to have a talk with not only Spencer, but Aiden too. After all, she had treated him like shit. He had not deserved that back then, not really. Well, okay, maybe to some extent, but she still would make the effort at some point, she was mature now after all.

Arthur broke the silence with a soft smile on his face.

“That’s a beautiful thought, Ashley. I hope that happens for you and might I say it is really good to see you looking so…well…good. It’s a huge improvement from the last time I saw you.”

Ashley gave a self deprecating smile.

“Oh, you mean when I showed up half drunk at four in the morning to say goodbye to Spencer before leaving? Yeah, that wasn’t my best moment. Sorry about that, and just for your future peace of mind, it won’t happen again. I’m off the happy juice.”

Everyone around the table looked surprised at that except for Kyla. She of course knew Ashley was clean and sober for a good few years now.

“Oh, well, that’s nice for you. Could you please pass the potatoes, Glen dear?”