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Chapter 10: Down Bad

Y/N POV

They say that time flies when you're having fun. And I suppose there's some truth to that. Time has been flying. But no fun is being had. Especially not considering the current conversation being held.

"I'm really sorry, baby. I tried. Really, I did. I talked to everyone I could think to talk to about sparing me just a couple of days to come home and spend your birthday with you. But we're already behind schedule. And for having a freakishly small amount of screen time, they sure do seem to demand my presence on a daily basis." Florence says, her voice sounding every bit as sad as her expression looks over the FaceTime call.

"It's....fine. It sucks, but I get it. You're a big fancy movie star. I'm just y/n. And my birthday means nothing. It's not a big deal. I've never really been into the whole thing anyways." I say, trying my best not to let my face fall. Admittedly, it's easier to do when I remember the conversation I had with Taylor about her sending me to Florence for my birthday if Florence couldn't make it to me. But I'll keep that bit of information to myself for now.

Florence sighs, rubbing her fingers into her temples. "I feel like the worst person ever. You're turning thirty! I wanted to make it special for you and I can't even fucking be there..."

"Hey...no. None of that. No feeling like a bad person. It's just another day. I promise. And hey, if it makes you feel better, we can still celebrate it whenever you do get to come home. You can cook for me and we'll have a bottle of good wine and I'll try to pretend like I'm happy about officially being old!" I say with a small laugh, trying to lighten the mood.

Florence narrows her eyes at me. "You are not old, y/n. And celebrating your birthday on any other day after the fact won't be the same! I'm supposed to be your best friend! I'm supposed to be there!"

She's adorable when she gets huffy.

"You are my best friend, Florence. And you missing a birthday or two just comes with the territory of having an obnoxiously popular celebrity as said best friend. I'll get over it. I knew what I was signing up for." I say with a small smile, trying my best to comfort her.

"No. This is a one time thing, y/n. I will never miss another one of your birthdays. I miss you enough as is. But knowing I miss you AND I won't get to bake for you and bring you a cookie with a candle at midnight? I'm gutted. Truly." She says.

"Wait. A cookie?" I question with a quirked brow.

Florence just looks at me through the phone like it's the dumbest question I've ever asked. "Well yea, darling. Last time I checked, you hate cake."

I can't help but laugh. She's not wrong. "I do hate cake. But I'd eat it if you baked it for me."

"Do you want me to bake you a cake?" She asks.

I shake my head. "No. A cookie will be just fine. Or maybe a brownie. I really like brownies...."

Florence smiles. "I can do that. Cookies and brownies it is."

Before I have the chance to say anything, the doorbell rings. I stand from the couch, taking Florence with me to the door. "Taylor's there. Have you really not downloaded the camera app to your phone yet? I sent it weeks ago!" She scolds.

"Why do I even need it? I get all my notifications from you!" I argue right back as I open the door.

Florence rolls her eyes. "You're an insufferable brat."

I can't help but smirk. "Guess that means you'll have to punish me again then, huh?" I say, right as Taylor walks through the door.

"You two are fucking disgusting! Get a room, for the love of god!" Taylor exclaims loudly. Loud enough for Florence to hear apparently, seeing as she's now laughing.