= Chris POV =

"OMG~! Sorry I—I thought you left with the others," Sarah stammered, stepping around gingerly to avoid the wine puddle.

"Oh, sorry for startling you," I apologized, already heading to the kitchen to grab some paper towels. I returned quickly, kneeling to mop up the spill before handing her a few napkins for her dripping hands.

“Thank you,” she murmured, dabbing at her skin. “I’m so sorry. I’ve just been a bit jumpy these days. Work, you know? So much stress piled up.”

“Happy 25th birthday,” I said with a soft smile, taking the soiled napkins from her. Sarah’s responding smile was thin, almost tired, and as I walked back to toss the mess in the trash, I couldn’t help but hear her heavy sigh.

“I can’t believe you told Lavender you were in love with her girlfriend. She looked like she was going to kill you!” she said, clearly trying to lighten the mood as I returned, wine bottle and my own glass in hand.

I grinned. “Anything to avoid kissing that slob.”

Sarah laughed lightly and held out her glass for a refill. “Yeah, well, it’s good you didn’t. I hear Lily has a mean temper. Ugh, I’m beat. I’m not dealing with what’s out there. Are you sleeping over again? Sorry about the couch.” She took a hefty gulp.

“Well... that’s what I wanted to talk about.” I pulled out the eviction notice from my pocket and held it out to her.

Sarah froze. Her eyes locked on the paper, and a slight twitch overtook the corner of her lip.

I recognized that twitch.

Anger.