Closer Than Ever

Chapter 2

Spencer's POV

My shoes crunch over the gravel driveway to the Cavanaugh's house, and I can hear Ashton running behind me, his brown hair hanging over his eyes as he tries to catch up to me. We reach their front porch and I stop, almost out of breath.

"When are you going to let ME win?" Ashton says, sitting on the front steps.

"Never," I smirk. I sit down beside him quietly until our breathing is even. Suddenly the front door creaks open and Drea steps out with a plate of watermelon slices, Toby behind her with his camera hanging around his neck. His eyes scan around, looking for something, and his eyes land on me. I feel a blush creeping on my cheeks, and I glance away, but Drea catches our exchange. She whispers something in Toby's ear and he nods. A bright flash makes me cover my eyes in shock.

"SAY CHEESE!" he shouts, his shutter clicking away.

"I'm going to strangle you!" I say, more bright flashes making it hard to see.

"I'd like to see you try!" he challenged, finally putting down his camera.

Andrea seems delighted at this, and she grins at me, mouthing 'You like him!' I shake my head no, embarrassed. Drea's dark brown curls bounce behind her as she plops down next to Ash. Toby hesitates before joining us, sitting next to me. Andrea's grin widens.

"Are you going to eat that watermelon?" Ash asks, breaking the silence. I suppress a laugh. Of course Ash goes for the food first.

"What's the magic word, Ashy?" Drea says, teasing him.

"Please," he says, sounding like a little kid. This time I bark out a laugh, and Toby seems amused before he joins in on the laughter too. Andrea hands Ash the fruit, their fingers accidentally reacts and she immediately drops her hand down.  I see her face turning pink and my mind finally clicks, the puzzle pieces coming together. Drea likes Ashton. How could I've not known before?!

"Uh, Spence? You want a slice?" Toby asks, waving his hand in front of my face. I snap back to reality.

"Yes, please!" I say, emphasizing the please as I grin at Ashton. Toby passes me the plate and I grab one, taking a bite. Mmm, refreshing.

"See, Spencer knows her manners," Drea says, wiping her hands on her leggings. Ashton mockingly glares at her, and we all laugh again.

"So, there's school tomorrow." I say wistfully. Unlike others, I actually like school.

"I wish summer could last forever." Andrea frowns.

"No more daily basketball," Ash chimes in. We all look at Toby for his response, but he just shrugs.

"School's not that bad," he says, siding with me. I smile at him, and he grins an adorable crooked grin back. No, no, no, stop, Spencer. You do not like him like that. Toby's one of my best friends.

It starts to drizzle, so me and Ash decide to head home. Ash says his goodbyes and I tell Drea to call me later. Ash gives Drea a hug, while I stand awkwardly at the side. Toby walks over to me.

"See you tomorrow, Spence." he says, hands in his pockets.

"See you, Toby," I whisper, and without thinking, I hug him tightly. My face burning, I let go. My arm tingles from his touch, and I hide my face behind my brown curls. I glance up to see his reaction, but he and Drea are already heading inside. Ashton steps next to me and we walk home.

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Hope you enjoyed!

-fearlesstrash