"I think you've had enough iced tea Spence." I tell my girlfriend and smirk at the pout that forms on her lips. She knows how I can't say no to her when she does that.

"But it's delicious." She adds in a whiny voice. I swear she has me wrapped around her finger.

"Get a grip woman its juice!" Madison spits out as she sips her lemonade. Ms. Williams left the room as she answers another call from her beau. It's so cute to see her this way. Spencer and I are very much like that, never getting enough of each other. Always calling as soon as one of us leaves the house because we miss the others voice that much.

Yes it's sad and pathetic but when you're as in love as we are it can't be helped.

It's like this heart clenching feeling of not knowing what the other is doing, or if they're thinking about you even if you know they are, or if they miss you almost as much as you miss them.

It's overwhelming and amazing all at the same time.

"Baby tell Madison to shove it!"

I eye Madison and her glare is withering. I opt to kiss Spencer softly on the lips and tell her. "I love you." I flash a charming smile and she just looks at me with a blank stare.

"Coward!" My girlfriend shouts at me and I would hang my mouth open in shock but she's completely right.

"She better be scared." Madison says as she just pours herself another drink. "I swear Ms. Williams must be putting crack or something in this drink I can't get enough." Aiden and I chuckle as Madison wastes no time taking a long sip of her beverage.

"Get a grip woman it's just juice." Spencer says in a tone that tries to mimic her friend's voice from before.

Madison just smirks as she looks at my girlfriend over the rim of her cup.

"And here I thought you loved me."

"I do love you baby, more than you can imagine." I tell her honestly and though I know she's joking it's still nice to remind her just how in love I am with her. If there were enough words to express how I felt they still wouldn't be enough. This girl is my heart and I'd do anything for…except stand up to Madison that's like standing up to the devil without God on your side…automatic death.

How am I supposed to love Spencer from the grave?! When you have an answer then I will gladly go head to head with the New Yorker. Until then as my baby would say…shove it!

"Love me enough to let me have another glass of iced tea?" She gives me a cheesy grin and if I could I wouldn't tell her no. I nod towards the glass pitcher. She does a little dance in her seat and I can't contain her cuteness.

"You better let me have another glass or I'd give you a silent treatment." She flashes me a smile. "I know how much you love those." She says with a chuckle her voice echoing inside the glass as she holds the cup to her mouth.

I glare at her. "Yeah almost as much as you love them."

She hates them…just in case you didn't catch that. She always has… And so have I...

I can't believe Spencer is actually doing this. It's been almost two weeks since we talked in her bedroom that night and she declared that it'd be best if we avoid this whole thing. Whatever this is that's going on between us. I didn't expect her to actually try.

I'm going crazy not talking to her or hanging out with her. She plays nice when Lexy's around but whenever Lexy's away, it's like we're strangers.

"Spencer can we please stop this?" I question in a whisper as she tries to walk past me into the kitchen for a drink of water. We were all in the living room watching a movie but we both got thirsty at the same time. Well she got thirsty... I'm just desperate.

"Ashley move." She begs as she tries to side step me to go back into the living room.

"Could one of you grab me some more popcorn while you're in there?" Lexy yells from the living room. Spencer sighs and turns back into the kitchen to get the popcorn.

"Can we please stop this... I don't want to not talk to you. Could you just please-"

"No." She cuts me off, turning her head to look at me. "I can't just anything." She sighs as she shakes her head. "I can't be around you Ashley. I can't have these feelings-"

"I feel them too." I cut her off, moving closer to her. I try to take her hand in mine but she snatches it away. She pours the rest of the popcorn in a bowl, turning to face me completely.

"This is wrong." She says simply, walking past me into the living room. These feelings I'm feeling aren't just gonna go away. No matter how much I try to push them out of my mind. Every second of every day is consumed by thoughts of Spencer.

"I'm sorry you have to go so soon, George is running late, he had some problems with a shipment."

"I know me too, but I have to meet with the band to make sure we're all set for your big day. We'll see him at the rehearsal dinner." I reassure Ms. Williams as she pulls me into a hug. She pats my back and let go. Spencer takes my place in the embrace.

"Don't you worry I'll have to have a stern talking with George before he says his 'I do'." My girlfriend the bully.

I smile as our host chuckles. "Don't scare off my soon to be husband."

"Well I'll be there to take his place if he's crazy enough to even think it."Aiden answers and this guy is the sweetest as he gently lifts her off the ground.

"My turn!" Madison as she shoves her boyfriend out of the way once he's a safe distance from Ms. Williams. Aiden scoffs as he crosses his arms and watches his girlfriend hug our favorite elder.

"Ashley can I see you a second?" Ms. Williams asks as everyone starts to head towards the car. I smile and nod as she pulls me inside the front door. "I've discussed your plan with George, he thinks it's a lovely idea." She smiles.

"Really?" I ask, pleased. I honestly can't believe he agreed to let me do it, seeing it's their big day and all.

"Mhm." She nods.

"That's amazing, Ms. Williams. Thanks so much." I tell her as I pull her into a hug. "Tell Mr. Radin that I really appreciate it." I nod as I lean forward and kiss her cheek.

"He knows." She assures me. I say goodbye once again and catch up to the group at the car.

"What was that all about?" Spencer asks, once I reach the car.

"She um..." I stutter a bit, I don't want to lie to Spencer but it's kinda necessary in this situation. "Just some stuff about the play list for the reception." I lie and can see Madison eying me from the rear view mirror.

"Oh, well you guys are all set on that right?" Spencer asks as Madison continues to glare at me from the backseat.

"Mhm." I nod, putting the car in drive. Change of subject would be great. "I can drop you guys back at the hotel while I go meet with the band." I suggest as I turn off Ms. Williams' block.

Madison and Aiden agree but apparently Spencer has other plans as a pout appears at her lips and she crosses her arms.

"What is it?" I ask, reaching over and placing a hand on my girlfriends thigh.

"I wanna goooooo." She whines out and I chuckle at her cuteness.

"Spence it's kinda just-"

"Please let her go or she'll be whining about how much she misses you." Madison begs from the backseat.

"You're just jealous that I don't miss you."

Madison just sucks her teeth and rolls down her window letting her arm drape outside. You see how she doesn't disagree. Spencer notices too because she quickly says "Love you Madison." The Latina waves her off mumbling an 'uh huh'. "So can I go?"

I just nod as my hand finds hers. She starts to go on a tangent about all the things she has to tell the guys and Stacy since the last time she's seen them. She really has clicked well with all of us. Even though she and Stacy had that little fling they have managed to remain pretty good friends. I do however catch Stacy eying Spencer every once in a while. I don't let myself get too jealous but the history between them does bug me just a bit. Especially when I think about how it all started…why it all started.

I'm glad that Spencer decided to come with us to the audition and I'm glad that she decided to come to lunch with the band. She's become so important to me in such a short time and the band is like the family I've always wished I had so I'm glad they're getting to meet her. They think I don't know, but I'm aware of the fact that they've never really liked Lexy but they seem to be falling in easily with Spencer, which brings a smile to my face. The boys decide it'd be fun to tell embarrassing stories and I can't say I didn't expect it. Stacy is so engrossed in Spencer she probably has no idea what we've even been talking about for the past hour.

I'm not sure how I feel about this.

I mean I guess I don't have a right to be protective or jealous because technically Spencer isn't mine but in my mind... since I kinda want her to be then that counts for something right?

My fingers dance on Spencer's arm and the feel of her skin against the pads of my fingers feels so good that I can't help but make the strokes a little more firm. I feel the goose bumps as I continue and I catch the quick glance that Spence throws in my direction. I can't help myself around her though. I'm like someone I always knew I was but for some reason I haven't been that person for a while. Spencer just brings out that part of me…if that makes any sense.

With Spencer around I feel more like myself than I ever have and I love that she does that for me. I just hope I do that for her.

My phone rings and I excuse myself to answer the call. I quickly head outside where it's a bit quieter.

"Hey there."

"Hey baby how'd it go?"

I smile at Lexy's voice, she's such a comfort to have around. Her sweetness, and personality always a treat to associated with. She's like the best friend I never really had. The band doesn't really count they're the family I picked because the family I didn't…let's just say they are quite the bunch.

"It went great. The producer really liked us, he said we were exactly what they were looking for and there's a high chance of being signed with them. Like I can't believe this is happening…"

"You deserve baby you're so amazing and so talented. I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks babe. It's just everything I've ever dreamed you know." I look into the window of the diner to check on the group and I catch a glimpse of Spencer. "And it's all just happening so fast. I can't stop it." I get lost as I watch her.

"And why would you want to it's a great thing."

"Yeah." I answer absentmindedly.

"Listen I can't wait to hear more but I have to get back to work I was just getting really anxious. Is Spence still with you?"

I'm watching Stacy flirt with her and I'm wondering myself if she is. "Uh sorta I guess we're just having lunch with the band. We're leaving now though."

I can't let Stacy stay too long around her.

"Okay baby well I'll see you tonight. Love you."

I quickly say the same and hang up the phone. I rush towards the table but I'm stopped by one of the waitresses who despite my efforts not to, manages to get me to engage in small talk. The band and I have been coming here for years and she was our first waitress. I try my best not to be rude and thank all that his holy when she gets flagged down by another table.

When I reach the table Stacy has effectively stolen my seat and offered me hers. I don't want her seat it's too far away from Spencer. Which is probably why she stole mine!

Chair thief.

I'm trying not to let my jealously rear its ugly head and I think I'm doing a pretty good job. Everyone else seems to buy it, everyone's but Spencer.

I don't know exactly what triggered my abrupt reason to rush Spencer and myself out of there but it must have been necessary. My mind isn't with me as we say our goodbyes and even though I wanted Spencer and I to leave together I'm storming off like a bat out of hell. Leaving her behind because right now my heart…it's hurting.

My mind is confused.

My frustration is boiling.

My like is turning into so much more.

My desire is burning so much more than it has been.

Most of all my fear is growing because I feel like I'm losing Spencer to one of my good friends and suddenly…I slightly understand how she feels.

"Are you training to be a speed walker in the Olympics? Slow down."

I'm ignoring her and as I get to my car I open the passenger door and wait for her to arrive. She comes up to me and stands by the open door.

"What's wrong with you?" She asks.

"You can't go out with Stacy." I tell her…yeah tell. Like I own her or something…I don't even know where that came from. I mean sure, yeah, I was thinking but I didn't actually mean to say it. Okay maybe I did but I didn't mean for her to hear the words because I'm just coming off as a pompous brat that doesn't want to share her toys.

"I'll go out with whomever I want. Not your call."

First of all who uses the proper term 'whomever'! Second yes, I know it's not my call, doesn't mean I won't call it. Lots of things aren't mine doesn't mean I don't sort of consider them mine…like you for instance.

"She's not good for you Spencer. I love her like a sister, but Stacy's not the most committed person."

Ha! Hey pot my name is kettle.

How committed am I if I'm falling for someone that's not my girlfriend?

She catches me off guard when she asks, "Who says I'm looking for commitment?"

I swallow the lemon in my throat but I know she can see the sudden appearance of sadness in my eyes. That's not really something I want to hear from someone I'm developing deep feelings for. Does that mean if the time came for it…she wouldn't commit to me? I know I shouldn't be thinking of being committed to her when I'm committed to Lexy. At least I'm supposed to be. I can't help but wonder, just what I am to her…

"Spencer!" All the guys shout as they scoop her up in their arms. It's amazing how much they all love her, and how they've loved her from the beginning. Even after they found out about the whole 'affair.' It's one thing I truly love about them. They don't judge.

"Hey guys." My girlfriend chuckles as they release her. "Hey Stace." Spencer smiles shyly as my friend pulls her into a hug. See what I mean! There's no need for the shyness, we're all friends here! Right?

Stop being paranoid Ashley! Spencer loves you!

"Hey." Stacy whispers as she pulls back.

"So, how about we get this show on the road." I suggest to the band, everyone nods. We're gonna get a couple hours of practice in today, although I'm confident in our ability to not have to. But this is Ms. Williams' big day, we don't want to have any mishaps. "Spence you can sit over there if you want." I point to a row in the corner." She gives me a bright smile and kisses me quickly before heading over to the chairs. "Okay guys on Mikey's count." I tell them as Mikey bangs his sticks together to cue us in.

After we practice a few songs we feel we've done enough for the day and start packing up.

"So this is the last one before the wedding then?" Andrew asks, closing his guitar case.

"Yeah, unless you feel like you need to go over the songs a few more times?" I question him with a raised brow and smile.

"No, no." He shakes his head and smiles as everyone else stares at him. Sporting the same look as me. "I got it."

"Yo Andrew it's cool if you need a little more practice bro. We understand." Mikey pipes up, barely able to hold back his laughter.

"Shut it, Mikey!" Andrew snaps at out friend.

"If you're sure." I cut in.

"Yeah, yeah I'm sure." He nods as he walks over and punches Mikey on the arm.

"Ow." Mikey grabs his arm, rubbing it.

"Spence could you give us a minute, I need to discuss something with the band." I tell her, she gives me a smile and a nod as she leaves the studio.

"So we're all set for your big thing then?" Joey questions, barely able to contain his excitement.

"You seem more excited than me Joe."

"Well it's not everyday that..."

"Shhh!" Everyone in the room hushes him.

"Sorry." He holds his hands up in defense.

"Everything is set, I just need to talk to my parents." I sigh as I pick up my guitar case.

"We sometimes have to make sacrifices for the greater good." Andrew says, getting a look from the entire band. I swear, if I hadn't met Andrew years ago... I'd think he was the weirdest guy ever.

"We'll you know we're ready." Stacy speaks up.

"Thanks guys." I smile and nod. "I should go, Spencer's not the most patient person." They all agree and nod. We say our goodbyes and head out the studio.

"Official band business huh?" Spencer asks as we walk down the stairs to the car.

"Yeah you know, like stuff... and stuff." Oh nice Ashley! That didn't raise any red flags.

"Ash you're not keeping secrets right?" She asks as she laces my fingers in hers. I readjust my guitar on my shoulder. Here comes another lie.

"No." I shake my head and kiss her.

"We both know where secrets get us, Ash. What they get us." She says, stopping her movement to look at me.

"I'm not keeping anything from you Spence. I..." I trail off, studying her face. I don't like that I have to lie to her but it's necessary for this situation. Otherwise I wouldn't do it and I hope Spencer can understand that.

"Kay." She forces out a smile. She's knows something is up, I can tell. I just hope she doesn't figure it out before the wedding.

"That went better than I expected." I tell Spencer as we get in the car to drive to her parents house.

"What!" She shrieks. "You guys are totally professionals now. You don't even need to practice." She smiles and I can't help but shake my head at her logic.

"You know that makes no sense right?" I turn to my girlfriend briefly and ask.

She shrugs and purses her lips. "Meh. You know I'm saying." Ugh! I swear this girl is so freaking perfect.

"I love you." I tell her as I take her hand in mine, glancing over at her.

"I love you more." She smiles, lifting my hand to kiss it. "Everything okay?" She asks a moment later.

"Perfectly fine." I assure her as a small smile creeps on my face and I continue to drive to her parents house.

–

"Mom, where's dad? I thought you said he'd be home today." Spencer asks when she sees her dad's car is not in the driveway.

"He was supposed to be honey, but you know how work is." Paula shakes her head as we walk the Carlin residence for the second time on this visit. "He promises to see you at the wedding though." Paula smiles and offers us a cookie. Spencer grabs one and I shake my head no thanks.

"That's in three whole days!" Spencer whines as she takes a seat on a stool. I take the seat next to her and smile a little at her pouty face. She can be so cute sometimes.

"You know, I'm starting to think you love your dad a lot more than you love me." Paula raises a brow at the younger blonde.

"It's a different kinda love mom." Spencer counters. I snort a laugh. What does that even mean?