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Bridget eyed them as if she was debating, though they all knew it was a lie. However, it was enough to lighten the mood of the conversation back to the jovial tones it had before. Eli brought out another round of beer for everyone, Bridget taking her up on the offer this time. Now that the tension she’d been carrying was out of the way, she wanted to fully enjoy herself while she could, because who knew how long this was going to last.

Because nothing good ever lasted for her.

They drank late into the evening, but at some point, Eli ushered them out. Bridget’s head spun as she sat on the couch that she hadn’t moved from in hours. Eli flopped next to her, tipping a beer bottle to her lips as she stared across at the glowing fire.

“I’m glad you invited them up,” Eli mumbled.

“Me too. I missed them.”

“They’re part of your family, you know. They love you.”

Bridget wanted to reject the notion, but at the same time, she didn’t. It felt good to be needed and loved like that. It was in some ways one of the few times she had felt like she was a part of something in her life. Instead, she remained quiet, not answering Eli one way or the other.

“Think we should head downstairs?”

“Yeah. Not sure I can move, though. I’ve been stuck here for so long.”

Eli laughed, tipped her bottle up so she could chug the rest of it and then slapped her knee. “Let me clean up a little while you loosen up your muscles.”

Bridget rolled her eyes, but Eli stood up, wobbling a bit as she made her way through the den, cleaning up after everyone. She came back, holding her arms out for Bridget.

They stumbled upright, Bridget wobbling far more than she thought she should. Eli laughed and held her still until she could grab her knee scooter and roll herself to the basement. They got to the stairs, and Bridget shook her head at it.

“It was stupid to get buzzed.”

“Sure it was, but it was fun.”

Snorting, Bridget sat on her butt and moved down a step. She giggled as she went down the next step. Eli carried her scooter down and waited for her until she got to the bottom, then helped her to stand up.

“Thanks, Eli.”

“Any time.”

Bridget grabbed Eli’s hand to get her full attention. “No, I mean it. Thank you. I don’t deserve a friend like you.”

“Sure you don’t.” Eli clapped her good shoulder hard and turned to leave, but Bridget wasn’t done yet.

She snagged Eli’s hand again. “I’m serious.”

“I know you are, Bridge. You’re always serious. I think tonight was the first time I’ve seen you have fun since college. You should do it more often. You light up the room when you’re relaxed.”

“You…you don’t have to say things like that anymore.”

“I say it because I mean it.” Eli eyed her.

“Thanks.” Bridget awkwardly stared at Eli before sighing. “And I really am sorry about how everything started with Sarah and me. I like her, and I’m really happy that you found her.”

“I think she found me more than I found her.” Eli winked and tried to walk away, but Bridget held her firmly. “What is it?”

“I’m being serious.”

Eli laughed again. “Like I said two seconds ago, you’re always serious.”

“I’d like to meet her again, when I’m not such a bitch.”

“Well, I think that can be arranged. She’s coming home soon.” Eli’s gaze danced with laughter. “Maybe the two of you will become the best of friends.”

“Doubt that, but at least maybe we can be personable. She’s not…she’s not upset that I’m staying here?”