Southern Charm | wlw

11

Aspen and Maya's dorm was buzzing with energy as they sifted through piles of clothes, each of them pulling together a look that felt right for a wild Friday night out. Aspen grinned as she settled on her outfit—a crisp, plaid button-down tucked into high-waisted jeans, paired with scuffed-up cowboy boots that had clearly seen their share of adventures. To top it off, she placed her favorite tan cowboy hat on her head, adjusting it in the mirror with a playful wink.

Maya, meanwhile, chose a soft, vintage-inspired outfit: a cream-colored, lace-trimmed blouse with a high collar, tucked into a flowy skirt patterned with faded flowers. Paired with leather loafers and some gold hoop earrings, she looked like she'd stepped straight out of a record store in the '70s.

They climbed into Aspen's Denali, the truck rumbling to life as Aspen flashed a wild grin Maya's way. "Ready to cause some trouble, California?"

Maya laughed, rolling her eyes. "Only if you promise to behave yourself this time, Georgia."

Aspen smirked, pressing down on the gas with a flourish. "Can't make any promises!"

The frat house was packed with people and pulsing with music as soon as they walked through the door. Aspen was in her element, mingling, making jokes, and throwing around her Southern charm. It wasn't long before she was at the center of a drinking game, taking shots between rounds and cracking jokes that had everyone roaring. Maya stayed by her side, alternating between laughter and mock exasperation as Aspen's antics grew wilder with every shot.

They eventually made their way to the makeshift bar in the corner, where Aspen, already a few shots in, leaned against it with a grin. She nudged Maya playfully, tilting her hat back.

"Alright, California," Aspen drawled, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Think you're ready for a real drink? Or is that vintage style just for looks?"

Maya rolled her eyes, reaching for a red Solo cup. "Says the girl who just tried to convince someone she was born with a Southern accent."

Aspen burst out laughing, throwing an arm around Maya's shoulders. "Hey, it worked, didn't it?" She winked at the bartender and pointed to two tequila bottles. "Two shots, please!"

Maya gave her a skeptical look, lifting her cup as the shots were poured. "You do realize you'll be dragging me home if I keep up with you, right?"

Aspen clinked her shot glass against Maya's. "Then I'll just toss you over my shoulder like a proper cowboy."

"Or I could just toss you into a cab when you can't walk," Maya shot back, smirking as they took their shots.

Aspen laughed, squinting as the tequila burned down her throat. "I love it when you talk all tough," she teased, setting down her glass and scanning the crowd. "Let's dance, partner!"

Maya chuckled, feigning exasperation but following as Aspen led the way toward the crowded dance floor.

The music was pulsing, and Aspen was fully in her element, spinning Maya around and twirling her under one arm. They laughed as they stumbled slightly, moving to the beat as the crowd buzzed around them.

Aspen grinned down at Maya. "See? Not so bad, right? Even vintage California girls know how to dance!"

Maya laughed, feigning annoyance. "Aspen, if you mention California one more time, I'm going to tell everyone here that your cowboy hat is from a gift shop."

Aspen gasped dramatically, placing her hand over her heart. "Maya! That's below the belt. My poor cowboy hat didn't ask for this!"

They both dissolved into laughter, swaying together as the song changed to an upbeat country track. Aspen couldn't resist belting out the chorus, which drew amused looks from some nearby dancers.