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Ethan: Yep, what’s up?
Me: Liv’s here. Act normal when you get to mine OK?
Ethan: I guessed that. Avery said you went home together.
Me: Whatever. Just don’t be weird about it.
Ethan: Ha, I’m the epitome of discretion. There will be questions though. What’s going on with you guys?
Me: Not now mate.
Ethan: OK chill out. Be there soon. Avery wants to come too since Liv’s there.
Me: *thumbs up emoji*
That done, I loaded the dishwasher and went to tell Olivia that Ethan and Avery would be over soon.
“Ooh, great. I’ll message Aves and see if she can bring me anything to wear.” In the meantime, she’d helped herself to one of my hoodies and a pair of navy pyjama bottoms that were far too big for her. I smirked as she shuffled over to the sofa, holding them up at the waist and almost tripping over the bottom of the material that was trailing down past her feet. She looked so cute, but hilarious at the same time.
“I’m gonna jump in the shower quickly before Eth and Avery get here. Make yourself at home.” I paused, smiling down at her. “Although you look at home to me.” Curled up on my sofa, TV remote in hand, legs tucked under a fleecy blanket, she glanced up at me, eyes shining.
“I feel at home,” she told me, her full mouth curving upwards, wet hair falling across her face.
I couldn’t resist. I strode over to her and bent down, tucking her hair behind her ears before placing my lips on hers. She sighed against me, one hand coming up to caress my cheek.
Reluctantly, I pulled away.
“Hold that thought. I’ll be back.” I turned towards the bathroom, then remembered the text I’d received the day before.
“Actually, Liv. Can I ask you something?”
I sank into a crouch so we were at eye level.
She stared at me, her gaze curious. “Course you can. Always. What is it?”
“It’s Martha’s funeral on Wednesday. Would you come with me?” I asked. “I mean, don’t feel obliged,” I hurried to add. “You don’t have to. I—well, I’d like to have a friend there for support, if I’m honest.”
“Luke,” she said, her tone firm. “Of course I will. I want to be there for you. If Ethan doesn’t mind us both taking time off work at once. I’m assuming it’s during the day?”
I nodded. “Yeah. Liv, if you’re sure, it would mean a lot to me.”
“I’ll be there,” she promised, leaning forward and kissing me sweetly.
“Thank you. I appreciate it. More than you know.” I straightened up, planting one last kiss on her head before I walked away.
Alone in the bathroom, I slumped against the tiled wall, the reality of the last twelve hours or so hitting me. Was this what I wanted? This whole friends-with-benefits thing had the potential to go horribly wrong.
I sighed heavily, turning the shower on. I guess we owed it to each other to give it a go. Despite everything. Despite my fears.
I just had to hope I didn’t bugger it up.
Going by my track record, though, I didn’t hold out much hope.
I heard voices as I was towelling my hair dry. Quickly pulling on a pair of faded jeans and a bottle-green T-shirt, I padded out to greet Ethan and Avery.
“Alright, mate?” Nodding to Ethan, I gave Avery a quick hug hello, and she disappeared into my bedroom with Olivia, closing the door behind them.
“Want a drink?”
