Page 109 of More Than Just Friends

‘Likewise.’ Jake leant forward and gave me two cheek kisses.

This holiday really had been a surprise on every level.

If someone would’ve told me a few months ago that not only would I get to go to the Love Hotel in Santorini, but that I’d also end up sleeping with my best friend, plus meet a rock star and make a load of cool new female friends, I would’ve laughed in their face.

This really was a dream holiday and I was gutted that I’d be going back to London tomorrow.

We chatted to Halle and Jake for a good ten minutes, before we bumped into Romeo.

‘Sorry, guys,’ I said, ‘but I’m bursting for the loo. I’ll be back in a sec.’

I gave Noah a quick kiss then raced to the nearest toilet.

When I came out, I spotted Trish and Brian down one of the hotel’s walkways that was away from the main terrace. Their voices were raised and she was gesticulating angrily. Seconds later he stormed off.

Trish’s head dropped in her hands and I couldn’t be sure from this distance, but it looked like she was crying.

What the hell was going on?

36

ALICIA

I sprinted over to Trish to check on her.

‘Trish? Are you okay?’ I asked.

This was the first time I’d got to speak to her all day and I wasn’t expecting to find her in tears.

She wiped her eyes then straightened her shoulders.

‘Truthfully?’ she said.

‘Of course,’ I replied.

‘Not really. I knew it was a bad idea to come, but I didn’t want to let Stella and Max down.’

‘What’s wrong?’

‘Take my advice. Never get involved with your best friend. It’ll save you a whole lot of heartache down the line.’

My stomach twisted.

‘What? Why?’ My brows pinched together. ‘I don’t understand. You and Brian are the perfect couple! You’re the friends-to-lovers role models! You always said that getting together was the best thing you ever did.’

‘Ha. Well, I was wrong!’ She sniffed. ‘I should’ve listened to my gut. I never should’ve risked it. We were so much better as friends. I could talk to him about anything. We never argued. Everything was great. Now we’re breaking up and I’m left with nothing. No boyfriend and most importantly, no best friend.’

None of this was making sense.

Trish and Brian couldn’t break up. It was against the laws of love.

They were the gold standard.

They were always so in love.

Maybe this was just a blip though.

‘Sorry to hear you’re having problems. But that’s normal, right? No couple is perfect. There’s always going to be bumps in the road and disagreements. Whatever it is, you’ll get through it,’ I said, trying to sound positive.