Third Person POV
"But why do they hate you so much" Rebecca asked Ashley as she scooped a spoon of ice cream.
"Me and Max like hanging around. He is not the social animal and we bring out the nerdiness of each other about racing"
"And George is George and he is the nicest man out there so Carmen feels threatened which I don't understand," Ashley said. All the girls looked at each other. She held her spoon in her mouth and looked at all of them confused.
"What?"
"Ok. This is girl talk and girl talk only right?" Lily asked Ashley. "Just because I have colleagues who are 19 men doesn't make me less of a girl," Ash said pointing the spoon at all of them. "What is it?"
"We thought you and George would end up together," Lexie said Ashley choked on her ice cream.
"What?" She snapped.
"I thought you were already together until Carlos told me you had a boyfriend," Becca said.
"Lando always says that you both should end up together," Lui said. She looked at Lily and Bella.
"Please don't tell me Alex is in this too"
"He just wants the best of you," Lily said.
"I should ask T what he thinks," Bella said. "No, you will not. It doesn't matter cause nothing is happening there" Ashley kinda shouted putting the ice cream tub down.
"What is this sudden mode of defense?" Bella asked in a straight tone.
"Because you are trying to ruin my friend's love life which is already in jeopardy because of me," Ash said.
"Really? So you were all happy when you found out that Carmen and George were back together" Lily asked.
"Yes I was"
"Liar. I met you that night for the first time and me, a 21-year-old could find that you just couldn't take your eyes off them" Lui said.
"Ok. Ladies. This is serious. I am serious. I don't want another headline telling me I am a family breaker. I've already been called many things" Ashley said.
"But Ash. You are family to George. Not her. His parents love you. His brother and sister even his dog loves you" Lily said. "Come on, you know it's true. Didn't your parents like George?"
Ashley stayed quiet. Her parents loved George so much too. Both the families are close after they competed in karting. But she didn't want to get into something, anything again, and get her heart broken again. Especially not with George.
"We know you are doubting everything around you after the series of events that has happened. But you know what makes you happy. And Ashley-" Bella took her hand.
"The only place where I see that spark in your eyes other than you driving the car is when George is around," she said. Ashley didn't know what to say or react.
"Isn't tomorrow your birthday which you share with him?" Lui asked excitedly. Ashley gave a small nod.
"You guys also share the same numbers. 63 and 36" Lexie added.
"Alex told me about this tradition you both have," Lily said. "We do. We always blow our first candles together. Every year. Which I don't think will be happening this time" Ashley said in a sad tone.
Becca wrapped her hands around Ash sideways. "We are always here. We will try to make it memorable"
"Thank you, girls. You are all best" she thanked the girls around her.
