“I think she will, I’ll talk to her about it. And Mom, just try to remember that Ashley does not know what it is like to have a parent that actually gives a damn about her, that wants a say in her life. She’s used to looking out for herself, to protecting herself, so if she does not warm up to you immediately, it’s just ’cause she’s scared, she doesn’t want to be hurt.”

Paula could not help but snort out loud.

“Ashley? Scared? I don’t think so, especially not of me. She’s made that clear on more than one occasion.”

Spencer shook her head sadly.

“I think you scare her, I think on some level the fact that she wants you to like her, scares her. Think about that the next time you give her the death stare.”

Spencer did not know if that was true, maybe Ashley did simply not like her mother, but she hoped she was right. She hoped that Ashley would want to make an effort with her mother. For everyone’s sake.

The next day found Ashley phoning up Madison. She needed a partner in crime and Spencer just did not fit the bill for what she was up to. There was a batchelorette party to be planned, and unless they wanted to end up going to Disney Land, Spencer would have to be kept in the dark.. She smirked into the receiver as Madison finally answered.

“Hey, slut, I need your help with something.”

She could imagine Madison rolling her eyes.

“Oh, joy, my life is complete. Ashley Davies needs me!”

The weight of the sarcasm could buckle a building.

“Oh, don’t get too excited, I only need you ‘cos I don’t know anyone else that can get me strippers on short notice. Lucky for me like half your cousins are in the business, don’t you think?”

Madison sucked in a breath.

“Hey, it’s one cousin, one. And what the hell do you want with a male stripper?”

Ashley rolled her eyes, Madison could be dense sometimes.

“Umm…Hello, my sister’s getting married in two days. Why do you think I want strippers! Bachelorette party! Do I need to elaborate on that, or has that tiny brain of yours caught on?”