The awkwardness I would've assumed was in the air completely disappeared as we sat to eat. Josh was on my right and Jeremy on my left, Hugh and the brunette — whose name I'd learnt to be Ava — sitting opposite.
"This is lovely." I spoke, smiling at them. Josh nodded,
"Ava is a brilliant cook." Josh complimented her, a smile wide across his face.
She went somewhat pink but smiled back, softly.
"Thank you." Her voice was soft, gentle. It unhinged me a little, though I knew there was no need for it.
"I was surprised to find that you live here, Ava. Josh never mentioned you."
Josh glared at me, raising an eyebrow at my comment. I shrugged, focusing on my plate. I wasn't intending to be rude, I just sounded it.
"It was a last minute arrangement." She nodded, somewhat unnerved by my comment.
"I'm sure." I smiled, nodding. It was clear I was coming off as somewhat passive aggressive and I hadn't fully decided whether I intended to be.
"How are things at home?" Jeremy spoke up to break the tension, earning a grateful smile from Josh.
"Apart from a reputation in tatters?" I chuckled. "Edward has agreed to consider renunciation but, well, anything could happen in six months."
Jeremy nodded, acknowledging it.
"I'll take your plate." Josh said, noticing I had finished eating. "Mind helping me put them away?"
I clearly didn't have a choice in the matter. He picked up the plates in his right hand and with his left he grabbed my hand, practically pulling me into the kitchen, out of earshot of the other three.
"Why are you being so bloody rude to Ava?!" He snapped, putting the plates down on the bench with a clash.
"I guess her sudden arrival has unnerved me, Josh. It's not as if you told me you were living with a woman." I responded. He shook his head,
"Don't you trust me?"
I chuckled sarcastically, "Asked by the man who wanted to pack condoms."
"It was a fucking joke!" He yelled, throwing his hands up in frustration.
"It became a joke once you regretted saying it, Josh!" I raised my voice to match his, both of us only growing more frustrated with the other.
He paused, looking around at the kitchen bench if only to avoid making eye contact with me.
"I need time to think." Josh spoke, grabbing a beer from the fridge.
"Think?" I scoffed. "You've had three months to think, Josh."
"Fine. Then to be away from you." He snapped back. "Enjoy the party, Matilda. I'm sure you'll find a good friend in someone that isn't me."
It was but a few hours later before we were both piss drunk and, still, not talking to each other. There was, thankfully, a party in the flat — though this seemed to be the running theme of our relationship. Arguments and parties.
"Jeremy!" I squealed, running up to him and bear hugging him. If he hadn't obliged, I would've likely fallen on the floor.
"How much have you had to drink?" He chuckled, holding me up.
"More than you." I grinned, nuzzling my head in his shoulder. "You look like you need one."
"I think I'll get one when I've finished with you," He responded, looking around the room. The lights were all blurring, the room spinning from the alcohol.
