An ALL-AMERICAN Summer Love

Reality Kicking In - Chapter 13

"Liv talk to me.  You have been quiet since we all received the Vegas invitation from Layla & Coop," Spencer said.  "Spencer, I don't think me going to Vegas is a good idea.  The environment and I don't want everyone tipping toeing around me and honestly I don't need that kind of temptation, "Olivia admits.   "I will be there and you have nothing to worry about," Spencer tells her.  "Plus, it's just a weekend for all us to celebrate Coop and her tour as well as a time for all us to catch up and hang out.  So, I am not taking no for an answer.  Plus, I need someone to calm my nerves on the flight," Spencer jokes.  "In all seriousness, Liv I want you to come and have some fun with me.  I have never been to Vegas and who is better to show me around and enjoy my 1st trip there with than you," Spencer nudge her. "Olivia smiling, "I will think about it but I am not making any promises  Mr. James," Olivia tells Spencer. Shaking his head, "I guess I will have to settle with you thinking about it.  Just do me a favor," he says to Olivia.  "And what's that," she says with careful look on her face.  "While you are thinking about on whether or not to go to Vegas, just picture us goofing off and being BFFs making our presence known on the strip," Spencer says proudly.  "You're really trying to make it hard for me to say no," Olivia smiles.  "That's the whole point Ms. Baker, "Spencer grins.  They both are looking at each other when all of sudden they hear what seems like an explosion.  They move closer to one another while their feet remain in the pool.  Spencer puts his arm around her and she places her head on his shoulder as they look up watching the fireworks display from afar.  

Later that night, everyone is back home sleeping.  Olivia is laying in the bed thinking about whether or not she should go on the Vegas trip.  She then hears her phone ring.

Olivia:  Hello

Layla:  Hey Olivia, I know it's late but I needed to talk.

Olivia: Okkkk...is everything fine?

Layla: Oh yea!  Everything is great and the tour has been a success so far.

Olivia: That's great Layla!  So, what's up?

Layla :  What you think about the Vegas trip?  I thought it would be good to see everyone to catch up and have some fun while supporting Coop's tour.  

Olivia:  Yeah, Vegas will be nice.

Layla:  I can't wait to see everyone especially Spencer. How has he been?

Olivia:  He is good but why don't you just call or text him yourself?

Layla: I have texted him here and there.  You know the simple how are you, hope things are well, etc.

Olivia:  Buuuttttt...

Layla:  There's no but it's just I don't know.... I have been thinking about him a lot lately.

Olivia:  Really?  Then maybe you should tell him.

Layla:  I don't want to come across weird or anxious.  He said he was giving me time to get better and I want to respect that.  Plus, I don't know where his head space is...do you by chance?

Olivia Inner Thoughts

Why is Layla asking me about Spencer's head space and what's on his mind?  We talk about everything but we try to not go so deep into each other's relationships...well at least we haven't lately.  

Layla:  Olivia are you there?

Olivia:  Yeah, I just know he is focus on being 100% for the new season. I honestly don't know but Layla if you are still feeling Spencer you should just let him know. Otherwise, how do you expect him to know?  I know he cares for you so maybe you two just need to have a conversation.

Layla:  I plan to use this Vegas trip for us to spend some time together and just get a feel of what he is thinking.  Nothing more nothing less...if something comes from it then hey but if not that's cool too.  You know what they say, "What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas".  (Layla laughs).  So, what about you and Asher?  How are you two doing?  

Olivia:  We're good.  He and his mom needed this break together to try to repair any damage to their relationship.  

Layla: Yeah, sometimes just spending time with someone makes you realize just how much that person means to you.  This tour has really helped my dad and I relationship. 

Olivia:  I am glad for you Layla.  Truly I am because I know how rough it was for you.  

Layla:  Yeah but everything is going so well now.  He is so proud of me.  Hence the reason he wanted to treat all my friends to this Vegas weekend. 

Olivia:  (changing the subject)  Yeah, well it's late and you know how I am about my sleep.

Layla:  Yeah, we all know. (they both laugh) Thanks for the advice Olivia and see ya in Vegas!

Olivia:  Good night, Layla!

It's about 1:00 a.m. when Spencer gets up to go the bathroom. He notices Olivia's bedroom door is open and she's not there.  He goes downstairs and sees her wrapped in a blanket watching "Girls Trip" with a tub ice cream.  "So, we having an after mid-night hang without me," he asks while startling her.  She pauses the television  while turning around only to shrug her shoulders at him with a spoonful of ice cream in her mouth.