Page 48 of Shattered Mind

OLIVIA

Ifall back against the sofa and release a long, exhausted breath. Bella is officially moved into Savannahs old bedroom, and I officially have a roommate again. It was odd seeing her things in the place of Savannahs. Guilt had consumed me as I helped her unload her boxes. It felt as though I was replacing my best friend.

I’ve lived with Savannah since I was fifteen, excluding the brief period of time she lived with Ryan, and although she’s only a short drive away and I see her most days, it’s still a bittersweet feeling.

She’s off starting her new life with her new fiancé and their children, and as much as I’m over the moon for them, I can’t help feeling a little sad for myself. There will be no more late-nightFriendsmarathons. No more pulling the mattress into the living room for our movie nights.

In a way, it feels like the end of an era.

Okay, I’m probably being a little dramatic but let me grieve.

Bella flops down next to me and blows a tendril of hair from her face. “Thank God that’s over.”

I roll my head towards her. “Not a fan of moving, huh?”

“Hate it.” She lifts a bottle of tequila I didn’t realise she’d been holding to her lips and swigs it straight from the bottle.

My eyes widen with shocked surprise. “What the fuck? You weren’t gonna share?” I ask before snatching the bottle from her hands and taking my own shot. The cool liquid burns as I swallow, and I hold back a cough at the harshness against my throat. Bella lets out a contagious laugh and we both dissolve into a fit of giggles as we pass the bottle between us.

I may no longer have my familiar traditions with my best friend, but as I sit in my living room drinking tequila from the bottle with my newest friend, I realise that I’m okay with that.

***

It’s been exactly a week since Grayson and I came to our stupid, juvenile agreement of being – I cringe – fuck buddies.

He’s been radio silent since he left my house later that night after following me into the shower and sealing the deal on our arrangement. If I had to take a wild guess at what happened in the time between now and then, I’d say he’s probably changed his mind on the whole thing.

And that’s fine. I meant it when I told him I can keep sex and feelings separate. I’ve been doing it for years. It’s a blessing and a curse. I’m twenty-four-years old and never been in love. Never had a relationship that’s lasted longer than six months.

The last guy I dated had been a walking, talking green flag. He was prepared to give me the world. But something inside of me held me back. I liked him. Enough to spend sixmonths of my life trying to make our relationship work. But I just didn’t love him.

I’m hopeful that I’ll eventually find the kind of all consuming love that Savannah found in Hunter, but I’m also okay with it if I don’t.

Shaking off my thoughts, I park my car in the back lot of Bella’s and climb out. There’s a slight chill in the air today, so I grab my jacket from the back seat and pull it on before I round the building.

The overhead bell chimes as I push through the doors and my senses are instantly hit with the smell of freshly ground coffee and Bella’s infamous baked goods. A smile touches my lips as I inhale deeply. There’s just something about this place that reminds me of my mum. She’d love it here. The way everyone here is so close knit and supportive of the others’ small businesses. The unique stores, and the town events. All the little things that make this town feel like home.

“Hey, roomie,” Bella calls from behind the cash register as she rings up a customer.

“Hey, busy day?” I move past her towards the small storage cupboard at the entrance of the hallway. I drop my coat and bag off in there before joining Bella behind the counter.

“Meh, about the usual amount. Seems the old biddies have found a new topic to whisper about this week.” She nods her head towards the back corner where Mrs Stirling and her usual cronies sit with their heads together as they natter on about some poor soul.

I roll my eyes. “Of course they have.”

The front door opens and a familiar brunette waltzes in. Bella freezes, her eyes trained on the woman before a child-like squeal pierces the air. Bella practically jumps across the desk and into the arms of her best friend.

“Hey, Bells.” Daisy laughs, wrapping her arms around her. The pair draw the attention of patrons as they hold on to each other.

“What are you doing here? I didn’t think you were coming back until Christmas.” Bella asks as she pulls back.

Daisy shrugs. “I thought it was time to come home.”

“Like for good?” Bella asks, her eyes hopeful.

Daisy gives her a watery nod. “Yeah, for good. I was hoping I could crash with you for a while,” she asks on a wince and Bellas eyes shoot to mine.

“Oh,” Bella squeaks, “well, my contract was up on my apartment, so I live with Olivia now.”

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