Page 61 of Swept Up In You

“Okay, idea. Why don’t we have a roaming dinner. Get a plate to share from a few places and just eat a bunch of things.”

“Yes. Yes. Yes. All things lead to yes. I’m so in.”

“Right. Well, you mentioned meat, and I think I’ve just spotted a big stack of smoking BBQ stuff. Let’s start there.”

Ten minutes later, their table was starting to fill up with all sorts of good morsels. “We’ve got the smoked brisket, the pulled pork burger, the corn ribs with the spicy seasoning… Shall I grab us a chicken dish next?”

“Let’s do it.”

“You stay and save our spot. I’ll be back in a minute.”

It was her lucky day—no line up. She mentally fist-pumped the air as she walked up to the Spanish stall.

She ordered a chicken paella, which smelled so good with the rich spices, chorizo and her favourite—prawns. Then, she couldn’t help herself and ordered some Filipino pork skewers from the stall next door too. Hands well and truly full, she weaved around the throngs of people, trying to remember where their table was. Just as she spotted Sam, she thought she heard her name.

A hand came out of the crowd, whirling her around.

“Taylor? I thought it was you.”

“Liz. Hi.”

Fuck me. Would it be rude to poke her with the skewer and run? Then she noticed the woman holding Liz’s hand. The one from Instagram.Emily. She stood frozen on the spot.

“Didn’t expect to see you here.” Liz gave her the crooked smile she used to love, tucking away her hair behind her ear showing that little row of freckles that trailed down—enough,not going thereeveragain. “How have you been?” Liz continued, either oblivious to or just plain ignoring her anguish and inner turmoil. “Oh, and how rude of me. Taylor, this is Emily. Emily, Taylor.”

“Hi,” Taylor said automatically, still not believing this was actually happening to her. Emily gave off an air of indifference. She looked at Taylor with a tight smile, then found interest in thecrowd instead. Liz kept smiling, like she was actually enjoying this awkward-as-fuck exchange. Taylor wanted to scratch her neck, itch her elbow—something—to ease the discomfort. Stupid full hands overloaded with all their awesome food that was probably getting cold.

“I’ve been good,” she finally said to Liz. “Working on a bunch of boats and vans, keeping busy, getting out on the board. The usual.” She didn’t ask how Liz was, she didn’t want to know.Oh I’m so happy, Emily is the love of my life.Vomit.A few weeks ago, she would’ve been devastated to run into her like this, an absolute bubbling mess. Now? She thought of Sam, which brought a real smile to her face.

Arms wrapped around her middle as Sam appeared over her shoulder.

Speak of the devil.

“There you are! I didn’t want our food getting cold. And who’s this?” she said smiling, completely oblivious.

Taylor tensed. Then she saw Liz’s eyes almost bulge at the display, and stood a little taller, proud to have Sam at her side. Well, technically behind her right now…anyway…

“Sam, this is myex, Liz, and her girlfriend, Emily. This is Sam, my”—she flicked her eyes quickly to Sam, hoping this was okay—“girlfriend.” Sam squeezed her tighter. Taylor was so thankful for the support in this moment.

“Oh?” It was Liz’s turn to look stunned. Finally on the back foot in the conversation, she shuffled on the spot. Even Emily turned back to watch the exchange.

“C’mon babe. Can we please eat before this gets cold?” Sam fluttered her eyelashes at her, and Taylor was loving every second of it.

Taylor gave Liz a half-arsed apologetic smile and a quick shrug. “Sorry, gotta go. See you round.” Sam was on her armpulling her back to their table. She swore she saw Sam throw daggers back at them over her shoulder.

She chuckled quietly to herself.

They sat back at the table, Taylor flopping into the seat in relief as she placed the last two dishes amongst their smorgasbord.

“So, you’ve met my ex.”

“So, I’ve met your ex.” Sam tapped her foot against hers to get her to smile. “Are you okay?”

“Honestly? Better than I’d imagined how that would go down in the past. That’s the first time I’ve seen her since she left.”

“Oh. Wow. That’s a lot.”

“Yeah.” She handed out the cutlery and napkins. “Let’s eat and talk. We’ve waited long enough.”

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