Ashley flicked the remaining cigarette butt over the railing. Before it even hit the ground, she had pulled out a new one and lit it.

“Becoming a chain smoker?” Aiden asked while sending his own cigarette remains over the edge. The question lingered in the air before Ashley answered, “Just celebrating.”

Aiden nodded as he stretched in the lounge chair. “How are you going to live in such an elaborate place, Ashley?” Aiden playfully hit his friend in the arm.

Ashley smiled. “Oh, I think I’ll manage.” She laughed as she saw Aiden roll his eyes. “You’re just jealous.” She pointed an accusing finger in Aiden’s face. The raven-haired man raised his eyebrows and questioned, “Jealous? Of what? Spencer?” He snorted. “Hell, I could’ve had this place–she certainly would’ve let me. It’s not the living space that would’ve worried me; it’s who’s occupying it.”

Ashley’s face turned cold. She harshly responded, “She’s a good girl. You’re always putting her down when you guys were together–”

“Ashley!” Aiden interrupted as he held up a hand. “You’re right–I’m a cruel and heartless bastard.”

“Yes, you are.” Ashley crossed her arms over her chest and looked away. Aiden laughed inwardly at his friend’s disposition. At the same time, another feeling permeated into his mind. A feeling he shouldn’t be experiencing. He couldn’t quite place it, but it was almost a sense of fear or apprehension. He scrunched his eyebrows together, a habit when he thinks too hard or gets baffled by a particular issue.

At that moment, the glass doors to the inside pushed open and out stepped the Carlins.

“’Ello.” Aiden reached out for his lover and pulled him onto his lap. Half heartedly, Glen struggled against the strong arms but let himself fall back into an embrace. Spencer and Ashley’s eyes locked and simultaneously rolled their eyes and shared muffled snickers. Spencer jerked her head towards the door and motioned for Ashley to come inside. Tossing her smoke away, Ashley followed her new roommate.

They sauntered to the kitchen, Spencer heading for the refrigerator while Ashley took seat by the large oak table. Ashley listened to the blonde’s tirade about this and that. She couldn’t help but smile at the almost childlike behavior as Spencer squeezed out chocolate into her just-poured cup of milk, then licked her fingers sloppily after it spilled on her hand.