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“You’re buying again?”

“I shouldn’t have stopped. I love collectables, I love cons. I love Simon, too, but I can’t keep sacrificing who I am to keep him sweet. Relationships shouldn’t be like that. It’s got to be give and take. Sometimes I think Simon didn’t get that memo—his parents still don’t know he’s gay, still don’t know about our engagement. I want to marry him, but I’m done trying to twist myself into someone I’m not. That’s why I came out in the first place—to stop pretending. I hate pretending.” He chuckled. “God, I’m preaching to the converted, aren’t I? I’ll shut up.”

Alex smiled.

“Hopefully, Simon will realize I’m just as adorable without the vegetarianism and Cross-Fit bod.”

“Freds, you’ve never had a Cross-Fit bod.”

“Fair enough. I’d choose cheese and onion pasties over having six-pack abs any day. So…you’ll talk to Lucy?”

“Yep. Promise.”

“Her and Harry, eh? I was the last to know.”

“They’re cute together. I’m happy for them.”

“Oh, you’re a bigger person than me, honey. After breaking up with my ex, I hated all lovey-dovey couples. I dove into dancing, drinking, shagging randos…worked a charm. If you ever want to get off your tits, I can leave Si with his pipe and slippers. You and I can stay out till all hours. We’ll give London’s most notorious party animals a run for their money!”

“If Tom and Naomi patch things up, I might have to.” She leaned in, her voice lowered discreetly. “I’m dreading the first time I stumble over a threesome…”

Freddie roared with laughter. “Oh, my God! Did you ever think that sentence would pass your lips when you moved here three years ago?”

“Never in my wildest, Freddie.” She laughed and grabbed another pile of envelopes.