Page 71 of Make No Mistake

“I must be more exhausted than I thought.”

“You’ve had a rough few days. I’ll let it slide.” Aubrey winked and went back to the kitchen. “I’m making ramen. Want some?”

My stomach growled, and I realized I’d skipped breakfast and lunch. “Yes, please.”

I sat my bag down on the floor and sank into the couch while lifting my feet up to rest of the coffee table. They thudded to the floor, shocking me.

The table was moved up about six inches from its normal spot. “Hey, Bree. Why’d you move the table?”

She poked her head around the wall and scowled. “I didn’t.”

“Huh.” I pulled it back and resumed my relaxed position with my legs kicked up and my eyes closed.

“How was practice?” I called out, knowing she’d understand my inability to move.

“It went well. Things are looking good for the performance.”

“I can’t wait to see it all together.”

“I can’t wait for it to be over.”

I smiled and silently agreed. This year had been a rough one, and I couldn’t wait to be done. This time though, we’d be done for good.

“Here you go.”

I opened my eyes to a steaming bowl held in front of me, so I accepted it and sat up while she got situated.

“Thanks.”

“No problem. What do you want to watch?”

“No news.”

She laughed. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say that.”

I shook my head while blowing on the hot noodles. “I’ve just had too much lately. Let’s watch something funny.”

Without missing a beat, she grabbed the remote and searched for our favorite show. It was a silly comedy about a twenty-something girl trying to make it in New York. The guys hated watching it, but we loved it.

After the second episode, I grabbed our bowls and went to the kitchen to rinse them. The empty sink reminded me that Aubrey had done them for me. I grabbed her a chocolate from my secret stash and returned to the living room. When I was sure her attention was on the TV I tossed it and hit her on the side of the head.

She scowled until she looked down and saw the treat. “Oh! Thanks!”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Dinner and doing the dishes.”

She cocked her head. “What dishes? You just did them.”

“I meant the ones in the dishwasher this morning.”

“What?” She looked as confused as I was feeling.

“The dishwasher was full, but you emptied it.”

“No, I didn’t. I thought you did.”