Page 53 of Love Is…?

“Just checking.”

“Dylan…”

“Jayde…”

They stared at each other, until Luce broke the moment with a bark of laughter. “Not subtle, mate,” she said to Dylan.

He rolled his wrists so his palms faced up. “What?”

Hayley sighed. “Mate, you said yourself that Jayde reckons you gave her the profile on purpose.”

“I don’t think—” Jayde began.

“I didn’t give her anything.” Dylan spoke over the top of her. “Jayde earned it, but I’m checking up on her topic terror.”

“My what?” Jayde spluttered as everyone laughed into their various drinks.

“Topic terror. The one that rules them all as if forged within Mount Doom.” He raised his hand as if preaching.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake.”

Luce patted her on the back. “There are support groups.”

“You’re all unbelievable. I’m fine.”

“Doesn’t hurt to have a woman like Abigail bloody Taylor let you in on the secret to it all. To love,” Luce added.

Jayde glared, the look encompassing the entire group. They were tight-knit, supportive, and meddlesome. It warmed her heart and annoyed her no end that they felt the need to assist her stunted development with relationships. But Luce was right. It turned out that Jayde’s heart, for the first time ever, was standing still long enough to listen. For the first time in her adult life, Jayde’s heart wanted to learn what love was, and it looked like Abigail Taylor’s insight might just help.

Julian flicked across a new cardboard coaster because Jayde’s had become waterlogged and limp. “We’re looking out for you.”

“Bullshit.”

“It’s caring bullshit,” Luce said. “You know the only reason I’m maintaining this friendship is because I really want to be present when love hits you in the face like a lemon meringue pie and you lick it off, then decide that lemon meringue pie is your favourite dessert forever. It’ll be epic.”

Jayde gaped. “That’s way too specific and please don’t have thoughts about me licking anything.”

Another round of laughter filled the space.

“You’re insufferable, mate. Will you please let your shit go?” Hayley growled.

“That sounds like medical advice,” Jayde said, around the rim of her glass before she took a sip.

“Come on. How many times have we said to you that you need to move on? We know your history, just as much as you know ours.”

Jayde recalled their many nights and liquid lunches at theBlack Fox.

“Well, besides listening to Abigail Taylor, I’m learning a lot while on this assignment, okay? I’m… I’ve…” Jayde had no idea how to explain the curriculum exchange with Tessa. Particularly not after last night’s kiss which wasn’t at all pretend. Nope. No pretence there.

Her expression must have been priceless, because Luce turned square on so quickly that her ponytail swished dramatically. Hayley leaned forward, Dylan and Julian leaned back into their seats with their arms folded, and all four raised their eyebrows.

“How specific is this learning?” Dylan unfolded his arms, laced his fingers together and rested them on the table.

Jayde grumbled. Journalists never, ever let anything go. Like dogs with bones.

“I’m becoming open to the idea since visiting Abigail’s home. It’s been illuminating having so many people to interview, particularly for my book, which is coming along nicely, thanks for asking, by the way.”

She was blathering. Oh, shit.

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