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Chapter 3: Chasing Your Tail
"What the hell was that back there," Aspen trudged down the hallway, her best friend Tori beside her. "Since when did you talk to the Devil's Spawn."
"I don't, he was hitting on me earlier during fifth hour in the library and I guess he just now realized we also have last hour together too."
Tori gaped at her friend's words that were spoken so blandly. "That's not him realizing you share a class, he asked you on a date in front of everyone. He's gorgeous Aspen, what are you doing?"
"He's a playboy, and I'd rather not be his flavor of the week so he can throw me in the trash when he's done."
"Understandable, but Aspen come on, you've been through hell and maybe this is what you need. A distraction, someone to get you to smile and maybe even a relationship down the road."
Aspen sighed, pushing her books into her locker and pulling out her car keys. "Exactly, I've been through hell so why the hell would I go on a date with someone we nicknamed Devil's Spawn? I don't care how hot he is, I'm just not ready for a relationship right now."
Tori continued to trail beside her, her fingers running over the prongs on her binder. "Not everyone is like Ethan."
"Don't you dare bring him up to me, Tori. Don't."
"I'm just saying, sure what Ethan did was terrible but there are other guys out there, nicer ones that'll treat you right. Don't let one guy ruin your perception of all the others."
Aspen kept walking, her friends words being heard but she didn't want to believe them. "I'm just not ready, Tori, so leave it alone." Glancing down at her phone, she checked the time. "I have to go to work, I'll talk to you some other time."
Her drive to the ice cream shop ten minutes away from her home was cute and authentic. The adorable old lady that owned it took pride is spending the most on the best flavors of ice cream and selling it for the cheapest prices out there. "Aspen, honey do you mind closing tonight? Jim and I were going to try to catch a movie."
"Of course, I'll have it closed by 11."
"Thank you, we're going to head out now and don't forget the lights when you leave."
"I'll remember."
Aspen washed her hands before changing into a more comfortable top and shorts, they left the doors open to bring a breeze in on the hot days. The tiny little shop stayed busy, tons of customers of all ages stopping by to buy the treats that were sold there.
