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“Now that’s attractive,” Rebel barks and we all laugh.
“Great cookies, Ace,” I compliment.
“Thanks.” He grins.
“So what’s the plan?” I ask.
“Takeout. Movies?”
“Perfect. Please.” I nod. That’s exactly what I want. What I need. “In the lounge? Is there room?”
“Absolutely. We planned for sleepovers like the good old days,” Rebel tells me. “Not that I’m inviting myself to stay over!” he hastily adds.
“A-hem!” Baxter’s throat clears.
“With hang-ons,” Rebel adds.
“Fuck you,” Baxter snaps good-humouredly, whipping Rebel with the tea towel. It feels pretty natural actually.
“Don’t let Thorn pick the film,” Jax warns. It’s the first time he’s spoken since I came back and it causes me to pause. I ask myself if I want him here, then instantly realise it wouldn’t be right without him. But that doesn’t mean I forgive him. I don’t want tonight to be awkward. How will we make this work?
Actually, with them all here, tonight is the perfect time to tell them how I’m feeling. Not about the house and stuff, but about them. Besides confused as fuck I mean.
Yeah, I’m going to do that.
“What food are we wanting?”
Oooh food! Yeah, food before feelings. That shit can come later. A girl’s got to have her priorities in order.
“I want Thai!” I yell, to multiple groans around the room. “What?” I pout.
“You always want Thai,” Baxter moans.
“Some things never change.” Rebel winks at me.
“Never change, Thai good,” Ace adds. I blow him a kiss and announce to the room that he’s my favourite. There’s a shocked silence for a beat, but then good natured banter and ribbing starts up. Ace beams like a supernova. I missed that; seeing the easy joy light up his face.
“Anyway, I’m ordering pizza,” Thorn declares to the room.
“Chinese!”
“Indian!”
“Let’s just get everything and share,” Jax suggests.
“Raven doesn’t share food!”
“You pinch mine all the time!” Baxter shouts at me.
“Raven doesn’t share her food,” I clarify. “Yours is fair game.”
He laughs and Rebel reaches for the menus, spreading them out across the countertop for people to make their choices.
“Bax? Grab me my usual?” I ask, comfortably falling into an easy routine with him.
“Absolutely, babe,” he responds. Rebel pulls a face. “What? What’s the problem?”
“We call her Princess,” Rebel says.
