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“First in, first served,” Sam singsonged, biting into the wing. She shut her eyes as the flavours hit her tongue. “Ugh, why are theseSOgood.”

Alex hummed in agreement, chowing down on her own piece. “Seriously.”

Sam shut the car door, waving to Alex as she drove off. She sank into the seat, letting her head fall back. She was so full; there was sauce all down her shirt and she could still hear Alex absolutely losing it when a wing had slipped out her fingers mid-bite and seesawed all the way down her top.

She scoffed out loud at her clumsiness, grabbing her phone and snapping a photo of the chicken’s artful crawl. She shot it off to Taylor, then saw the last message she still hadn’t responded to as well as two more she’d completely missed.

Taylor 7:31pm:

If you like paddleboarding that is, I just figured with your boat and all.

Taylor 8:22pm:

Also, if you don’t, that’s cool too.

She chuckled at Taylor’s clear discomfort, thinking she’d been left on read. It really was awkward navigating newfriendships when you didn’t know enough about the other person yet. She quickly typed out a response.

Sam 8:57pm:

Hey! Sorry, I was out with a friend.

I took a leaf out of your book and decided to glow up my own shirt tonight. And I’m def keen to try paddleboarding, I’ve never been! But only on two conditions…

1. You have to bring Belle so I can see her skills.

2. Would you be keen to try mini-golf with me and some friends?

Taylor 8:59pm:

Wow. And I thought my shirt was bad. You should frame it. Pretty sure I have an IOU for one clean shirt, so yell out if I need to make a mercy dash.

Taylor 9:00pm:

As for your conditions - yes and hell yes! I LOVE mini-golf.

Sam 9:01pm:

Ha thank you for the kind offer, I am however about to be on my merry way home and I’ll be out of these clothes in no time!

Taylor 9:01pm:

Okay then . Someone have a fun night planned?

Huh? Her eyes bulged as she realised what she’d just sent.

Sam 9:02pm:

TO PUT ON PJS! Sorry, should’ve finished with that.

Also, yay, looks like we have a lot to plan then. I’m off, enjoy the rest of your night. X

Taylor 9:03pm:

Night! Enjoy your no clothes PJs. Xx

Sam 9:03pm:

Chapter Nine