‘What do you mean, you’ve never seenEmpire Records?’ Ellie quit flicking through her streaming services long enough to cast a critical eye in Beth’s direction.
They’d bailed on Noah, Caleb and the fireworks display in Busselton in favour of a girls-only movie night instead. Ellie had made the suggestion, claiming that she was feeling a bit under the weather, but Beth suspected Ellie had been trying to give her an easy out, and for that, she was super grateful. She hadnotbeen looking forward to spending the night in a crowd of thousands of revellers.
She tucked her feet up underneath her on the couch and twirled some noodles onto her fork. ‘I mean, I’ve never seen it. What’s the big deal?’
‘What’s the—?’ Ellie clamped her jaw shut and shook her head, apparently refusing to entertain such a ridiculous question, then jabbed a button on the remote. ‘That’s it, decision made. Young lady, prepare to be blown away by the best coming-of-age comedy-drama of the nineties.’
They spent the next hour and a half laughing at how ridiculous Rex Manning was and cringing when both Corey and Gina threw themselves at him. Beth felt Debra’s pain when she had to reveal her scars to get people to notice her, and their hearts melted as AJ practised declaring his feelings for Corey.
When Gina finally found the courage to rock out in front of the crowd, Ellie squealed and launched from the couch. ‘My favourite part!’
Hauling Beth to her feet, she sang along with Renée Zellweger and danced around the room, her joy palpable.
Beth was reluctant to join in at first, but Ellie’s energy was so contagious that she soon lost her inhibitions and let the music fuel her body’s movements. It was a heady feeling, to be so carefree. Why had she never tried this before?
As the final credits rolled, they collapsed onto the couch, their laughter finally subsiding. Ellie swung her head in Beth’s direction.
‘Can I say I told you so now?’
Beth nodded, feeling more than a little tipsy from the wine she’d consumed. ‘You absolutely can. Best movie ever!’
Ellie grinned. ‘And best friend ever!’
‘Totally.’ Beth stuck her fist out and Ellie bumped hers against it.
Not too long ago—though it felt like a lifetime—she’d sat in the lunch room at work and wished for someone to socialise with on her terms. Hell, she’d pretty much imagined this exact scenario, only they were watching movies instead of talking about books. Never in a million years, though, would she have envisioned dancing and singing along to a movie withanyone. Yet here she was, having done just that.
‘I’m serious, Elle.’ Her chin trembled slightly. ‘You’re an amazing friend.’
‘Aww, Bethie, I could say the same about you. You’ve got no idea how nice it is to have some girl time. Don’t get me wrong, Noah and Caleb are great, but—Hey, what’s wrong?’
‘Nothing,’ Beth blubbered and used the sleeve of her T-shirt to dry her tears. ‘It’s just that it’s been so long since I had a friend, and I couldn’t ask for a better one than you. I’m so glad to have met you.’
Ellie scooted closer and wrapped an arm around Beth’s shoulders. ‘That’s seriously sweet, but you’re the best. Anyone would be lucky to have you as a mate.’
Shame bubbled up inside her. ‘I don’t think you understand. I was five years old the last time I had a friend. That’s over twenty years I’ve been friendless! How pathetic is that?’
Ellie hugged her tighter. ‘You know what I think? If others haven’t seen how amazing you are, that says more about them than you. Besides, all you’ve needed is a little encouragement to show your true colours and I, for one, consider it an honour to draw the rainbow out of you.’
‘Um … what?’
‘I don’t know, must be the wine talking, but the sentiment is one hundred per cent true. You’re a beautiful soul and I’m so glad we’re friends.’
Beth smiled up at Ellie through her wet lashes. ‘Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome. Although, you should know that there’s no getting rid of me now. We’re gonna be friends for life.’
‘Promise?’
Ellie grinned and extended her pinkie finger. ‘Promise. Hey, we should play a game to solidify our pact! How ’bout Truth or Dare?’
‘Eww, no thanks.’ Any game with an element of unpredictability wasnota game Beth wanted to play.
‘C’mon. It’ll be fun. Don’t you trust me?’ Ellie levelled Beth with a serious case of puppy-dog eyes.
‘Fine,’ Beth grumbled. ‘But only because Idotrust you.’ Besides, she could be brave. But trusting Ellie and being brave didn’t mean she had to be happy about it.
‘Okay, you first. Truth or dare?’
