My Last And My Only

Chapter 161: Before Everything Changes

Christine lasted exactly five minutes before she started asking questions.

Aiah figured as much.

Everyone knew it.

The moment Christine got that look on her face, there was no escaping.

"So," Christine said, picking up her glass.

Aiah immediately pointed at her.

"No."

"I haven't even said anything."

"You were about to."

"That is unfair," Yves said.

"It is accurate," Aiah said.

Christine ignored her.

"I was simply going to ask how work is."

Aiah narrowed her eyes.

"That sounded suspiciously innocent."

"It was innocent."

"Christine."

"Fine."

Christine smiled.

"I was also going to ask if you missed us."

Aiah relaxed slightly.

"That's a normal question."

"And?"

Aiah looked around the table.

At everyone.

At the familiar faces she had missed seeing all together.

"Yeah."

She smiled.

"I did."

That answer softened the teasing immediately.

Because everyone understood.

Summer had been different this time.

Everyone had their own things happening.

Aiah had work.

Lindtsey and Khae were busy with Mezzo.

Even the girls had their own schedules.

The days when everyone could meet without checking their calendars were slowly becoming memories.

And Aiah and Khae had been especially busy, always passing each other in the middle of something, always stealing time where they could. It had made every quiet moment between them feel even more precious.

Dinner continued the way their gatherings always did.

Loud.

Messy.

Comfortable.

Christine argued with Yves about whether they should already start preparing for classes.

"We still have weeks left."

"Which means we should prepare."

"Which means you are ruining summer."

"I am protecting our future."

"That sounds like something a villain would say."

Gwen laughed.

"You two never change."

"No," Nica agreed.

"And somehow that's comforting."