Page 13

Bri

The mirror in the tiny ensuite bathroom is still fogged at the edges as I wipe away the condensation with a towel, so I can scrutinise myself again. “You’re overthinking it,” I mutter, turning to leave. But because my brain refuses to let anything go, I start spiralling again. I have embarrassed myself beyond repair by oversharing and getting upset for no reason, and now I’m hyper fixating on this stupid dress as if it’s the problem. But is it too much?

Groaning softly, I check my reflection for the sixth time. The dress is fine, it’s one of my safe outfits, smart but casual. Royal blue with soft, flowing lines, falling to my knees. Three-quarter-length sleeves that sit comfortably just below my elbow. And fitted enough to skim my figure without feeling like it’s trying to advertise it. It also looks great with the black belt and boots I’ve paired with it.

My curls are behaving unusually well tonight too, which feels suspicious. Like the universe is setting me up for a fall. I tousle them lightly, then swipe on a little mascara and lip gloss.

Grabbing my phone from the bed, I crack open the front door, letting the warm evening air drift inside, before opening the group chat.

Me: Emergency Meeting!!! I overshared and now I’m going to die!

Ava: Whatever you’re wearing will be your eternal ghost outfit, I hope you chose well!! 💀👻

Me: Not helpful….

Lottie: What happened??

Me: I accidentally trauma-dumped and now everyone thinks I’m unhinged. 🤦‍♀️

Ava: You ARE NOT unhinged!!

Lottie: Bri, stop that! You are perfect, other people are arseholes 😉

Me: The people here are nice though and I’ve embarrassed myself already!

Me: Mostly nice one of them is an asshole actually, but that’s not the point!

Ava: If they’re nice they won’t care

Lottie: Exactly, we’re nice and you overshare with us ALL the time and we don’t care… 😂

Ava: The asshole might care! 😂

Me: I regret telling you both!

Ava: Oh, you want us to lie to you, you should have said 😂 💕

Lottie: Who’s the arsehole?!?! 👀

Me: Jackson Shaw.

Ava: THE Jackson Shaw????? 👀

Lottie: Wait... TV Jackson Shaw!!!!?????? 😍

Me: Yes. And before either of you starts, he’s an arrogant, rude, self-important asshole.

Lottie: But… he’s a really hot arrogant, rude, self-important asshole Bri. And single!!! 😍

Ava: I mean... she’s got a point. I still would!! 😉

Me: Nooooo. Ego is not hot. 😒

Lottie: His face is though. 🔥

Ava: and his body 🔥

Me: I refuse to continue this conversation.