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Taylor ignored the heat crawling up her neck and took a long sip of her water.

Paige jumped in next. “Y’all on couple time, or should I get my own ticket?”

“No, we’ll get them all together,” Blake said quickly. “I’ll be in charge of the itinerary as usual.”

Everyone groaned in unison. They already knew what that meant, color-coordinated outfits, matching wristbands, a rented Sprinter, and an overly detailed group chat with daily agendas. Blake didn’t know how to not do the most. They continued to laugh and bullshit about different things when the vibe shifted instantly.

One minute they were eating, laughing, settling into the comfort of family and the next, Emon’s phone rang, and tension snapped through the room like a rubber band.

Taylor remembered the way he stepped away from the table, the quiet urgency in his voice, the way Blake stood up fast and sharp, demanding answers.

They all sat up straighter, forks stilled halfway plates. The tension between Blake and Emon was sudden, tangible. They all had front row seats to a conversation they shouldn’t have.

The argument bubbled up quick. Blake throwing accusations, Emon holding his tongue but lookingready to snap. Brooks stepped in, whispering to his sister to chill, but the air had already shifted.

Taylor leaned into Brooks. “This night turned quick,” she whispered.

Brooks exhaled hard. “Shit, you telling me.”

After Blake and Emon left, Taylor and Paige cleaned up. Brooks offered to help, but Taylor waved him off. She needed a minute to herself. Needed to process.

Paige leaned against the counter, sipping her wine like it was tea.

“Whew, child… y’all over there acting like y’all ain’t in love and I don’t understand it. My cousin ain’t good enough for you?”

Taylor tried to play dumb. “What’re you talking about?”

“Girl, don’t do that. You know exactly what I’m talking about. You and Brooks still tryna keep it low? Or is it you? Miss Perfect?”

Taylor choked on a laugh. “You’re so dramatic.”

“I’m observant,” Paige said, setting down her glass. “You don’t gotta explain it to me, Tay. But don’t let your fears write a story your heart’s been begging you to live. That man is ready. And from the way you looked at him tonight? You are too. Just say that.”

She kissed her teeth and added, “Now pass me that foil before I start sounding like a TED Talk. Y’all gotta pay me for that.”

Later, in the car, Brooks was quiet. She hated that.

“You mad?” She asked gently.

He shook his head. “Not mad. Just thinking.”

“About Blake?”

A dry laugh slipped out. “Nah. This ain’t aboutBlake. It’s about you.”

Taylor turned to him, heart rate ticking up.

“I asked you to move in. You said you needed time, and I gave it to you. But I still feel like I’m standing on the porch waiting for an invite.”

Her chest tightened. “You know damn well that’s a reach.”

“Is it?” He asked. “I love you. I show up for you. I’ve never asked you to shrink, just build with me. But every time we get close, you act like I’m asking you to lose something.”

“That house is mine,” she whispered. “I earned it, worked hard for it. Sacrificed for it.”

“I know. But I’m trying to be yours too.”

When they pulled up to her place, the silence felt heavier than before.