A Token of Favor

Valiant and Fayne introduce Aspen to Lace. Aspen is totally crushing, especially hearing the witty banter between Lace & the boys. Meanwhile, Lace has no clue he likes her, and doesn't really feel any sort of romantic attraction. However, she does notice that it's making Valiant hot under the collar, so she turns on the charm.

The scene ends with Lace tying a green ribbon to Aspen's wrist. Tradition states that if he wins an event, Lace owes him a kiss on the cheek. Valiant is having an apoplexy.

-Aspen insisting that Valiant & Fayne introduce him to Lace.

-Establish that Aspen totally likes her, and was flirting with her.
-Valiant is now hot under the collar and jealous.
-EVERYONE except Lace is picking up that he's crushing on her.
-Lace is totally clueless. She only flirts with him to stick it to Valiant, and she gives him the ribbon to be polite.

Lace & Aspen meet for the first time

-Establish Aspen as a potential love interest.
-Show the reader just how clueless Lace is when it comes to love.