Page 31 of Hot Girl Summer

The silence is almost too much to bear.

“If I knew that Ryan staying over was going to be an issue and cause a rift between us, I would have flat out refused,” I add.

“You don’t know how relieved I am to hear you say that. I had no idea I even had real feelings for Ryan. When I found out that the two of you had...something inside me snapped. I hate that I went off on you like that, and that it’s taken me a week to finally apologise.

“You’ve been there for me through everything, Phi. Stuck up for me when I needed someone strong in my corner, you’ve given me your shoulder countless times because of countless guys...and that’s how I repay you. I don’t even know how to begin to tell you how sorry I am.”

I open my mouth to speak, but no words come out.

“I was jealous, and insecure, and I know that doesn’t justify the way I acted...”

“Come here.”

I extend my arms to my fallen friend. I know exactly how it feels to have irrational levels of insecurity, and those little voices in my head that tell me I’m not good enough. Years of bullying and being teased will do that to a person. April locks into my embrace, and although she’s at least a few inches taller than me, she feels small in my arms, like a child that needs protecting.

“Internalising your feelings doesn’t stop you from getting hurt,” I say.

At this point, I’m quite proud of my own wisdom.

“Says you.”

I hold her at arm’s length.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Oh come on, don’t pretend you don’t want Danny’s D.”

I shoot April a pointed look. Is it that obvious? “Indie guys aren’t my type, and even if they were, I don’t get the impression he’s into me. Not in that way, anyway.”

“Trust me, he likes you.”

“In what fucking world?”

“Why else would he have got you these tickets?”

“He either feels sorry for me, or wants to fuck me. Or both.”

“Well, in that case, you should be thanking me,” April says, a playful smirk spreading across her face. “But seriously, you’re the sweetest person I know, and you’re hot AF, especially in that outfit.”

I smile, flicking my gaze over the Nirvana t-shirt dress and chunky trainers I’m wearing. It’s my go-to cute, casual, don’t-fuck-with-me ensemble, but I have minor reservations about wearing another band’s merch to a Monty James concert.

“Come on, let’s go inside.”

April buys a round of drinks, and I keep a hand over my glass as we slide amongst the crowd back to the sound desk, finally settling beside Stefan and James. The first warm-up act has just finished their set, and we’re waiting on the next band to show up.

“I see you two made up,” James says, with a look of approval.

“We said it wouldn’t take long,” Stefan smirks.

“You two are so smug, it’s nauseating. Maybe I should find some new friends.” I say.

Stefan rolls his eyes.

“Like those four worldies up there?” he asks.

I follow his gaze towards the stage, take a sip of my gin and tonic, and almost spit it right back out when I see Danny up there.

Holy shit.

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