Page 74 of Full Court Crush

“I…don’t know.”

“Ask her. And ask to meet up. You want to see her, right?”

“More than anything.”

Amelia typed a message and then put the phone down between them, so they could both see.

Where are you living now? Can we meet up?

It didn’t take long for the three dots to appear. It seemed like Clara was hanging off her phone the same way Amelia was.

Bristol. And yes, I would love that. Why don’t you come over sometime? Here’s my address.

Amelia’s sister sent a map location to a house in Bristol.

“Ask her if she’s free today!” Keira encouraged, invested in the interaction.

“Won’t that sound desperate or needy?”

“Does that matter?”

Amelia took a shuddering breath and typed the message.

I’m free today?

The reply came almost instantly.

So am I. Let me know when you’re on your way :)

Amelia almost threw her phone on the table. She stared at it like it was an alien object.

“I — she — I can see her—” Amelia’s voice caught. Then her eyes glazed over, chest rising and falling much faster than it should considering they were sat down.

“Hey.” Keira gently took her hand. “Hey, look at me,” she said.

Amelia took a few seconds, but eventually met her gaze. Keira smiled gently at her.

“It’ll be okay. You’ve got this.” She tried to reassure her, tracing small circles on the back of Amelia’s hand. Amelia still looked panicked. She kept going with her ministrations, overtly regulating her own breathing to help Amelia regulate hers. Eventually, Amelia’s breathing slowed, and she relaxed back into the sofa.

“Do you want me to come with you?” Keira asked.

Amelia looked contemplative for a moment.

“No, thank you. I think — I think this is something I need to do on my own,” Amelia said, sounding calm.

“Well, let’s finish our drinks and get you on your way.” Keira smiled, feeling such genuine happiness for her…friend. Because that’s what they were, wasn't it?

You keep telling yourself that.

Keira ignored the parts of her that urged her to kiss Amelia in celebration. To hug her and never let her go.

Unhooking her shoulders from her ears, Amelia picked up her drink, drinking half of it in one go.

“Hey, slow down. You don’t want to rock up to your sister’s buzzing off caffeine. Let me get you something savoury to mop up some of that sugar, hey?” Keira chuckled, getting to her feet. “Ham and cheese toastie okay?”

For a split second, as their eyes met, Keira’s resolve almost crumbled. She wondered exactly how much they were leaving unspoken. She'd wanted to show Amelia what she was giving up by losing Keira, but wasn't she giving it up, too? Wasn't she playing it just as safe?

Just friends. Just friends.