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Sam left after about an hour. She gave me one last hug and wished me a happy birthday again before heading off to her own family celebration for her dad.

After our early dinner, the group naturally shifted to the living room. Plates had been cleared, laughter still lingering in the air, and everyone held a drink in their hand, my mother included. Even more surprising—she handed me one, too.

“It’s your birthday.” She said with a shrug, placing the glass in my hand. “Also, you won’t be driving anywhere, so.”

Emma chuckled from beside me as she sipped her own drink. “Iconic,” she said under her breath, clearly amused by my mom’s nonchalance.

We were perched at the island counter, our backs facing the others who had settled on the couches behind us. Their chatter rose and fell, mostly led by Kate, whose voice never seemed to tire.

I glanced at Emma. She was quiet, but I could tell her mind was elsewhere. Then she asked gently, “You still haven’t chosen a school yet?”

I shook my head and looked down. “I haven’t even decided what to take.”

There was a moment of silence before she reached across the counter and took my hand. Her fingers were warm as they slid between mine, and she laced them together. I stared at our hands for a long second.

She gave my hand a light squeeze and began to gently trace circles over my skin with her thumb. I smiled a little at that. It was a small thing, but it grounded me.

Our eyes met, and for a second I lost all sense of everything else. My gaze fell from her eyes to her lips. I didn’t mean for it to happen, but it did. I leaned in a little, my voice low. “If only we were at your place right now, I would’ve kissed those beautiful lips.”

Her face turned pink instantly. She reached for her drink and took a huge gulp, emptying the glass.

I laughed softly. “Did I make you nervous?”

She cleared her throat. “You’re getting bold.” She said teasingly, but she couldn’t quite meet my eyes just yet.

Then her tone shifted again—soft, serious. “Jen, really... I’m here, okay? If you want to talk about college, we can. I mean, I finished one, believe it or not.” She grinned, trying to lighten the mood.

“I can even suggest some schools to apply to... unless you’d rather use Kim’s list?” She added, her voice dripping with mock and fake sincerity.

That did it—I burst out laughing. And not just a giggle. A full-on, gut-clenching, snorting laugh.

“Oh my god.” I wheezed, covering my face with one hand. “Stop, you’re going to make me spit my drink.”

Emma started laughing too, clearly proud of herself.

From behind us, my dad called out, “What’s so funny over there?”

I just waved a hand in his direction without turning around, still trying to catch my breath.

I looked back at Emma, who was now watching me intently, her smile soft and affectionate. Her expression made something twist in my chest.

How could I tell her that I was stuck choosing between following her and chasing a dream that might take me far away from her?

My voice came out smaller than I intended. “I love you, Em.”

Her eyes widened just a little, and she didn’t hesitate. “I love you too, Jen.”

She reached out and brushed her fingers against my cheek.

“But seriously,” she added, “we can talk about this when we’re alone. I know something’s bothering you... and I think I know what it is.”

I didn’t respond right away. I just looked into her eyes, seeing the empathy there. She got it. Of course she did—she’d already been through college. She knew what it meant to make a choice that could change everything.

I looked away, back down at the counter.

Emma didn’t push. She just gently bumped her forehead against mine. “Let’s talk about it later, okay? When we’re alone.”

I gave her a small, grateful smile.

We were pulled from our quiet corner when Anne appeared behind us, cracking open a beer from the fridge. “That seemed deep.” She commented, raising an eyebrow.

Emma and I both turned toward her, startled.

Anne leaned against the counter, her eyes flitting between the two of us.

“Your ex over there is a real chatterbox.” She said, nodding toward Kate, who was still going strong in the background.

“She’s not my ex.” I snapped a little too quickly.

Emma let out a soft laugh, clearly amused.

“She’s not?” Anne said, her voice full of mock curiosity. “Hmm…”

“What?” I asked, frowning.

“Well…” Anne drawled, “The way she talks about you? The way her eyes light up when she brings up stuff you used to do together? I mean, I know you two were best friends, but... it sounds more than that. Like, she’s still into you or something.”

I furrowed my brows deeper.

“She talks like you were some epic romance she’s never gotten over,” Anne added. “I’m just saying.”

I groaned and rolled my eyes. “Ignore her.” I muttered, half to Emma, half to myself.

They both laughed, clearly enjoying my visible annoyance.

Once Anne left to rejoin the others, Emma leaned closer.

“You think we can go to my place tonight?” She asked in a low voice.

I nodded. “Yeah, why not.”

“I have your birthday present over there.”

My eyes narrowed with interest. “What did you get me?”

Emma smirked. “Didn’t you say it’s not a present anymore if you already know what it is?”

Ugh. I didn’t expect that to come back and bite me.

“Touché,” I muttered.

Emma grinned.

“Come on,” I said, grabbing her hand. We both stood up from the stools, and I led her toward the living room.

“Umm... guys?” I started awkwardly, feeling eyes land on us. “We’ll just step out for a while.”

I still had Emma’s hand in mine when I caught sight of Kate watching us. Her gaze was unreadable, but intense.

“Where are you going?” My mom asked.

“Just out, Mom. We’ll be back,” I said quickly before she could ask more questions.

Emma waved apologetically to everyone as I pulled her toward the front door.

“We could’ve told them we were going out to get something...” Emma whispered once we were outside.

“Tsk. We’re already out. Just open your door,” I said, my voice impatient.

She unlocked it, and as soon as it closed behind us, I turned to her, my heart hammering in my chest.

I pushed her gently against the door and kissed her hungrily. Her lips parted in surprise, and she let out a soft moan that sent heat rushing through me.

But then—

“Wait! Wait—” She gasped, pushing at my shoulder. “Doorknob!”

“Huh?”

“The doorknob!!!”

“Oh—ohhhh!” I jumped back. “Oh my god, I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”

She winced as she moved away from the door, her hand pressed to her lower back where the doorknob had clearly dug in.

My face turned red as I bit my lip. “I thought you were moaning out of... you know... not pain.”

Emma looked up and laughed through her grimace. “You’re unbelievable.”

“I feel horrible.” I muttered, hovering over her as she walked to the couch and sat down.

She leaned back carefully and then turned to look at me with a playful smile. She kissed me softly on the lips. “I’m fine. Come here.”

I sank onto the couch beside her, still feeling guilty.

Then she reached behind her back and pulled out a small square box, pink with a silver ribbon.

“Where did that come from?” I asked, genuinely surprised.

She smirked. “I took it from the drawer when you were too busy feeling guilty.”

I let out a soft laugh and took the box from her.

“Thank you.” I whispered, leaning in to hug her. I buried my face in her neck and breathed her in, feeling completely and utterly overwhelmed by emotion.

“Open it.” She whispered.

Carefully, I undid the ribbon and lifted the lid.

Inside was a delicate gold necklace with a simple yet elegant J pendant. My initial.

I gasped.

Emma took it from the box. “Let me.” She said.

I turned around and moved my hair aside. She gently clasped it behind my neck, her fingers brushing my skin.

When I turned back to face her, she smiled.

“Just like I imagined. It looks good on you.”

Tears welled in my eyes, blurring my vision.

Before they could fall, I pulled her into another hug, tighter this time.

Everything about this moment felt perfect. My stomach still fluttered when she looked at me. My heart melted with every smile she gave. I felt full—of love, of joy, of her.

How did I get so lucky to have Emma in my life?
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