We stayed locked in that hug way longer than two people who were just friends should.
My arms were still around Riley’s waist, hers around my back and her face pressed to my chest.
Neither of us moved. The only sound was Emily’s soft, steady breathing coming from the open bedroom door down the hall.
Finally Riley pulled back first. She looked embarrassed, tucks her hair behind her ear, and says something like “Sorry… I didn’t mean to hold on so long. I’m just really worried about her.”
We both tried to laugh it off, small awkward chuckles that died in the quiet living room. But the air felt different now like something had shifted and we both knew it.
We sat back down on the couch, a little closer than before.
For the next twenty minutes we talked about safe things - how long Emi
