LIANA
The warmth of laughter filled the massive living room, the kind of sound that wrapped around you like a favorite blanket on a cold night. I sat on the far end of the plush sectional, curled up with a cushion in my lap, watching the scene unfold before me. Malcolm, ever the center of attention, was dramatically recounting some story from their childhood, complete with exaggerated gestures and sound effects.
“...and then Callum—oh, this is the best part—Callum tripped over his own feet while trying to look cool in front of Sadie White!” Malcolm’s voice boomed, sending the others into another round of roaring laughter.
Callum, seated near the fireplace, rolled his eyes and muttered, “You’re such an i***t, Malcolm. That wasn’t even how it happened.”
“Oh really?” Asher shot at him, a
