EUPHORIA | B. SAKA

• 22 •

Helping out Lily once, quickly turns in helping her out whenever she isn't at school or studying. Lianne actually quite enjoys it, which surprises her. She always thought of herself as socially awkward, so it's weird that she likes interacting with people so much.

"Li," Lily says suddenly while rearranging some plants. "I've been thinking. You've been helping out a lot recently and I want to offer you a contract. Not full-time though, just a student job."

Lianne's eyes widen. "Oh you really don't have to," she replies.

"I do. If someone walks in and they find out you're working here without a contract, I'll have to close the whole shop." Lily walks towards the counter and pulls out some papers. "So please will you sign?" she begs.

"Of course, don't want you getting in trouble because of me," Lianne smiles.

Lily pulls her in a hug. "Thank you, you're the best!" She lets go of Lianne and hands her the papers and a biro.

Lianne reads over the contract. The moment she puts her pen down to sign everything, someone enters the shop. It's Emile.

"Babes we're having drinks tonight," Lily says once Emile has approached and greeted the two girls.

"Really? What's the occasion?" Emile asks smiling while throwing an arm around his girlfriend.

"We're celebrating my first ever employee!" The older girl replies excitedly, clapping her hands together.

Emile turns his head towards Lianne with a smile on his face. "Congrats Lianne," he says. "And thank you for doing this, Lily really needs a helping hand."

"It's a pleasure Emz, I love spending time here," Lianne smiles. "But I don't remember agreeing to go out. Definetly not when it's only you two, I do not enjoy thirdwheeling."

"I can always invite Bukayo," Emile grins, making Lianne's cheeks heat up.

"Oh do it sunny. It's already been way too long since I've seen my best friend," Lily begs. "He promised to visit more, but he always finds a way out."

"I wonder why," Emile mumbles while glancing at the curly haired girl in front of him.

He takes out his phone and messages Bukayo, telling him they're going for drinks tonight, leaving out the fact that Lianne's tagging along. If he would tell his teammate she's going to be there, he'll most definetly chicken out.