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“Why not?”

“Because!”

“That’s not a reason.”

Taylor threw up her hands. “I don’t know! What’s wrong with me? I never want to see her again and yet I feel like I can’t just block her.”

Jess lunged for the phone before Taylor could stop her, holding it high and?—

“Done.”

The phone was back in Taylor’s hand before she’d even blinked.

“You can thank me later.”

“I hate you.”

“Love you too, loser.” Jess smirked.

Taylor hung her head and groaned, defeated. “I guess it’s for the best. But no more relationships for me.” She put the phone back on the table. “I’m done with all these thoughts and feelings and shit. It’s Taylor Time!” she said as she fist-pumped the air.

“That’s the spirit.” Jess leaned over and grabbed a controller. “Now,Borderlands?”

“Hell yeah!” Taylor picked up the other controller and switched on the PlayStation. There was shootin’ and lootin’ to be had, and Taylor was grateful just to sit back and play for a while.

“Hey Jess?” she asked after a minute.

“Yeah?”

“Thanks.”

Jess smiled. “Anytime.” Taylor knew when she was being a shit, and she really was thankful for Jess having her back when it came to Liz and her inability to just let go. When would it get easier?

As they ran through a few missions in the game, Jess filled Taylor in on her day. She worked at a local restaurant as a waitress—a bonus for them, as it meant they’d usually end up with leftovers from her shift, which was perfect since neither of them enjoyed cooking. Each of them also had random workinghours, so when the stars aligned, like today and they were both home early, gaming on the couch was a given.

Taylor knew she’d be best friends with Jess the first time she’d invited Taylor over after school to play Nintendo 64 back when they were ten. It was crazy to think that was almost two decades ago now, and here they were, still shooting things on a screen. She loved having Jess as a housemate and as a friend, especially in these last few weeks. It’d been a little easier since Liz had been living with them both, as she was the one who had to move out. Even though there were still little reminders of her around the house, Taylor hated the thought of how messy it could’ve been if they’d bought a house together. At least Belle was a non-negotiable; she was Taylor’s dog through and through. She wasn’t even sure Liz had said goodbye to the pup on her way out the door. That alone should’ve been a red flag.

She forced herself to concentrate back on the game, having already been revived twice from not paying attention, earning daggers from Jess needing to swoop in and save her each time. Huh, just like in real life.

“We still on for board game night next Friday?” Taylor flicked her eyes over to Jess, who was sticking her tongue out in concentration and mashing the controller to take out the last of the bad guys.

“Yep, Marie and Hayley confirmed they’re all good to have it at their place. Adam said he should be there, but he’ll be a little bit late, as he’s not sure what time he’s getting off work. He’s picking up Heath on the way.”

Their game night was once a month, and they’d take turns hosting it at different houses each time. Marie and Hayley were a couple, Adam was Jess’ boyfriend and Heath was Adam’s younger brother who tagged along to most catch ups and usually wiped the floor with his strategy skills. There also used to be Liz… but, well, definitelynotanymore.

“Yes! I love it when the girls host; their place is always so nice,” Taylor replied thoughtfully. They were the friends who had their shit together—nice house, nice jobs, married for years and still swooned around each other like they were still in the honeymoon phase. Absolute couple goals.

“Agreed. Shotgun getting a seat on the blue velvet sofa this time; that thing is insanely comfy.”

“All yours. You know I love sitting on the floor anyway.”

“Yeah, I don’t get you, you weirdo, but no complaints over here. We’re on snack duty by the way, so maybe pick up a few things when you do our weekly shop on Friday?” Jess asked.

“On it. Want your cheese and onion chips again?”

“But of course. Grab the big box of Maltesers while you’re there. You know how much the girls love them.”

If there was one thing that could be said about their game nights, it was that there were always good snacks, competitive banter and Marie going into crazy host mode, no matter whose house they were at.