Southern Charm | wlw

12

The sun peeked through the curtains of their dorm room, casting a warm glow on the scattered clothes and empty cups that told the tale of last night's wild adventure. Aspen stirred awake first, groaning as she turned to see Maya still snuggled under her blankets. The events of the previous night rushed back, and Aspen's lips curled into a smile.

"Morning, sunshine!" Aspen chirped, shaking Maya's shoulder playfully. "Time to rise and shine!"

Maya groaned, pulling the covers over her head. "Five more minutes, please. I can still feel the bass from the party in my bones."

Aspen chuckled, propping herself up on her elbow. "You mean the bass from the epic dance moves I pulled off? Because I was on fire last night! You should've stayed!"

Maya finally peeked out from under her blanket, her eyes narrowed in mock annoyance. "You were on fire? Or just on a different planet? I swear, you were practically the life of the party. Did you even notice I left?"

Aspen's smile faded slightly as she recalled Maya slipping away. "Yeah, I saw you leave. I thought you were just taking a break from the madness. But girl, you missed some serious fun!"

Maya rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Fun? Or you just being reckless and charming? What about Rowyn? I saw you dancing with her! You two looked cozy."

"Cozy? Nah, we were just having a good time. I mean, sure, she's super cute, but it was just a dance." Aspen shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Just a dance? Aspen, you were practically glued to her! I thought you were going to ask her to marry you right there on the dance floor!" Maya teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Okay, okay, maybe I was a little flirty," Aspen admitted, her cheeks warming at the memory. "But can you blame me? She was just so... incredible. Like, straight out of a movie."

Maya raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying this. "Oh really? A movie? Which one? 'How to Be a Southern Cowgirl and Fall in Love at a Frat Party?'"

Aspen laughed, shaking her head. "Maybe! Or 'Dances with Gorgeous Girls.' It has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

Maya snorted, unable to contain her amusement. "I can see the title now: 'Cowboy Dreams and Rowyn's Hair Blowing in the Wind.' Classic."

"Stop! You're going to make me blush!" Aspen said, covering her face with her hands. "But seriously, she was so beautiful. I couldn't help but be drawn to her."

Maya's expression shifted slightly, a hint of something flickering in her eyes. "And what's your plan now? Are you going to see her again? Ask her out or something?"

Aspen shrugged, a slight frown crossing her features. "I don't know. It was just one night, and I was drunk. I'm sure she's just as likely to forget me as I am to forget her."

Maya bit her lip, trying to gauge Aspen's feelings. "But you liked her, didn't you? I mean, you seemed really into her."

Aspen sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I did, but I don't want to get ahead of myself. I mean, what if she doesn't feel the same way? Or worse, what if it turns out to be just another party fling?"

"Sounds like you're scared," Maya said gently. "You're usually so confident. Just go for it! What's the worst that could happen?"

Aspen looked at Maya, pondering her words. "Maybe I'm just worried about ruining things. I mean, we had a fun night, but what if I'm not what she's looking for?"

"Or what if you're exactly what she needs?" Maya countered, her voice encouraging. "Life's too short to overthink it. Just be yourself and see what happens."

Aspen nodded slowly, her thoughts racing as she considered Maya's advice. "You're right. I just need to take a leap of faith, huh?"

"Exactly!" Maya grinned. "So, what's the plan? Are you going to text her or something?"

Aspen hesitated, biting her lip. "I think I will. I just need to come up with the perfect line. Something charming but not too cheesy, you know?"

Maya smirked, playfully nudging Aspen. "How about, 'Hey, Rowyn, do you want to go from dancing in the smoke to chilling under the stars?'"

"Wow, smooth! But I think I'll come up with something a little less... romantic," Aspen laughed.

"Whatever you say, cowboy," Maya teased, pulling the blanket tighter around her. "Just remember to keep me updated on all your love stories."

"Deal!" Aspen replied, feeling a spark of excitement bubbling inside her. Maybe this time, things could lead somewhere wonderful. As she reached for her phone, she felt a sense of hope wash over her, mixed with a hint of nervousness. "Here goes nothing."

Aspen: Hey there, Rowyn! It's Aspen—the one you rescued at the party. 

Rowyn: Hey!  Last night was a wild ride!

Aspen: Well, bless your heart! I had a blast dancin' with you. You really know how to light up a room, sugar!

Rowyn: Haha, thanks! You were definitely the life of the party! I'm still recovering from all those shots. 

Aspen: I reckon we both might be nursing some hangovers today! I was worried I'd dance myself right into one! Wanna grab a sweet tea or some coffee this week?

Rowyn: That sounds great! I could use some caffeine after last night. When are you free?

Aspen: How 'bout tomorrow afternoon? I know a little café nearby that's just darling!

Rowyn: Perfect! I'll see you then. Looking forward to it!

Aspen: Me too, darlin'! Can't wait to see that beautiful smile again!