Small talk

Ethan stares at Ashley for a moment, unsure of what to say. {if Ashley Sex-true}Things were complicated between them at best.{endif}

"So, uh..."

Ashley cuts him off. "Ethan."

"Yeah?"

"Can you grab that power cord over there and strangle me?"

You glance over at said cord, then back to Ashley, finding a smile on her face when you do. "Well... I could... But Charlie might not forgive me."

"Ah," Ashley clicks her tongue, "True. Well, that fucking sucks for me then." She keeps smiling but lets out a large sigh.

"Helping your aunt that bad?"

"Eh," Ashley shrugs, "No. But wasting half the fair with her rather than getting hammered and having fun? Well, that's a no-brainer."

You nod slightly in agreement. "But since you don't have a job, isn't that what you do most nights?"

"Ah!" Ashley feigns outrage. "Ethan! I would never!" She gives you a knowing look. "I'm a lady, after all. I only get drunk when I'm not paying for it!"

Ethan laughs, then nods again. "Oh right! I mean, that makes sense since you don't have any money."

Ashley frowns and rolls her eyes, but she doesn't seem wholly unamused by the jab. "Ethan?"

"Yeah?"

"Shush."

You laugh and proceed to not shush, continuing to make small talk with Ashley.