Spencer does some lifting before Ashley opens up

Spencer found Ashley waiting by her station wagon out in front of the apartment complex.

"Hey Ashley. Hows it going?"

"Good." Ashley dismissed.

"So, is it in the boot?"

"Yeah. Should be no trouble for you."

Ashley opened the boot, revealing a cardboard box that Spencer grabbed before following her inside.

"So how's your day been so far?"

"Oh, alright I guess."

"Okay."

The two dwell in the awkward silence until the elevator arrived. Spencer then followed Ashley to her apartment and put the box down where she requested. Once it was down, Spencer noticed the tear fall down Ashley's face.

"Hey, you okay?"

"No." Ashley confessed, knowing her calm facade was cracking.

"Want me to go?"

"No. Stay."

"Should we sit down?"

Ashley nodded and the two sat down on the couch. "It...it's been such a fucking nightmare. Everything was going so well, like... I had a great job and a husband and everything was great and then he cheated on me. He fucking cheated on me. It wasn't just one woman either. The bastard was fucking teachers and... students."

"Ashley. I'm so sorry." Spencer felt some frustration at giving such a standard response, but at the same time knew that anything he said wasn't going to do much.

"I-I've been betrayed by just about everyone, and now I'm here in... bum-fuck nowhere trying to restart my life at 34."

"Hey, I know it's difficult, but Avonwick's a nice place, and you're doing a pretty good job of it so far."

Ashley took a deep breath, having seemingly cooled down a little. "I know, I just, ... it's just such a curveball."

"Well, you're doing well, and I know we may not be twenty-somethings ready to take on the world, but not many people get the chance to start again. I mean you still have your health... and a decent job. It's not all hopeless."

Finally, Ashley flashed the smile Spencer was so **** to see. "Thanks Spence."

"Hey, if you need anything, don't be afraid to call me, okay?"

"Sure. You know, how about we have a tea?"

"Sounds like a good idea."

Spencer made two cups of tea which they both drink down. Ashley seemed to calm down after her confession, but Spencer still had his concerns. He was no expert, but he could tell Ashley wasn't in a good place mentally, and he knew that he'd have to tread carefully. After the drink, Ashley said "Thanks, Spence. Seriously."

"Well, I better get going."

"Do you have to? Maybe we could get lunch together, you know?"