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“What?” Selena and Kasey said in unison.

“We broke up.”

“What?” they said again, mouths gaping.

“Are you okay? What happened?” Selena asked.

“I’m fine, it was my decision. It’s a long story, but it’s for the best,” I replied.

“But I thought he was going to propose. Did he propose?” Selena asked.

“No, he didn’t. When you saw him walk out of DSJ, it was because he’d bought me a bracelet. It was beautiful, but I gave it back to him.”

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry. I was sure he must have bought an engagement ring!” Selena covered her mouth.

“It doesn’t matter, I would have assumed the same.”

“How did he react?” Kasey asked.

“Well, things got a little heated, but to be honest, I think he was more upset by my decision to change career than my decision to end the relationship.”

“What? What’s happened to your modelling contract?” I thought I might have to call an ambulance for Selena soon if she didn’t stop gasping.

“I’ve still got it, but I’m going to start working on a design business. Homewares that bring more beauty to people’s living environments.”

“Really? I didn’t know you worked on art in your spare time.”

“I don’t. Well, I used to, years ago and it’s time I got back into it,” I said.

“Oh, Kel, so much is changing, are you sure everything’s all right?” Selena asked.

I nodded. “Absolutely.”

“Then in that case, promise me you’ll design some kind of multi-purpose jewellery holder that attaches to the wall so I can free up space in my bedroom?”

“What a great idea!” I got out my phone.

‘What are you doing?” she asked.

“Adding it to my ideas list. I already have an idea for an automatic decorative tissue dispenser.”

Kasey and Selena laughed and agreed to test the prototype once it was manufactured.

I threw another stick on the fire and noticed Kasey gulping as she looked behind me. I turned to see Max Sheldon walking towards us, his loose white shirt hanging half out of his jeans and unbuttoned at the top revealing chiselled pecs. He was gorgeous, but funnily enough, we’d never had any spark between us. I saw him as a friend, or a brother and in the future, no doubt he’d become my brother-in-law. I held back a knowing chuckle at Kasey’s nerves. If only she knew.

“Max is here, oh my God,” she whispered, wringing her hands and clearing her throat.

“Happy birthday, beautiful,” he said, kissing both of my cheeks and handing me a huge bunch of exotic flowers, along with a bottle of Moet.

“Thanks, Max, the flowers are gorgeous and I’m sure we can make use of this.” I held up the bottle and winked.

He smiled, but his eyes held an edge of sadness. “I don’t think we’ve officially met. You’re Kelli’s sister?” He held out a hand to Kasey.

“I’m Kasey. Nice to meet you, Max,” she replied, shaking his hand and offering her best smile. I could practically hear her heart pounding in her chest and worried it might leap right out and knock Max to the ground.

Max kissed both of Kasey’s cheeks, then did the same to Selena, but his usual charming demeanour seemed subdued as his eyes kept falling to the ground.

“Are you all right, Max?” Selena had noticed too. Kasey hadn’t, she was still beaming from her face having made contact with an underwear model’s lips.