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“Too bad,” Brynn said, making her voice deliberately light. “I would’ve liked being sisters with you for real.”

“Take it up with Britty’s boyfriend,” Amy muttered.

“Do you want me to?”

“Oh, Jesus no,” Amy blurted out. “I waskidding.”

“Because I will,” Brynn offered. “Just say the word.”

“I’d kill you,” Amy declared. “Right before I died of humiliation.”

“Well, at least we could have a double funeral,” Brynn said, smiling. “You think they give a two-for-one discount on burials?”

“No,” Amy said. “Please, Brynn, don’t say anything.”

“I won’t,” Brynn promised. “I just wish…well, you know.”

“I know. Me, too.” There was a moment of silence, then Amy cleared her throat. “Okay, that’s enough about my pitiful love life. Change the subject, please.”

“I’m going with Jude to his workout tomorrow,” Brynn said, obliging. “To take pictures for his social media.”

“Self-torture fetish,” Amy muttered.

“Then he’s skating with some teammates, and I’m going to film that, too.”

“For social media, right?”

“Of course.”

“Uh-huh. Fifty bucks says you’re fucking by the weekend.”

“I have more willpower thanthat,” Brynn bluffed.

“And a hundred says you’re out of a job by October first.”

“Amy!” Brynn gasped, genuinely shocked. “That is aterriblebet to make.”

“That’s smart money,” Amy countered. “But fine, let’s pretend this lust train isn’t headed for a head-on collision with the brick wall of reality.”

“Can we go back to you being jealous? I liked that better.”

“I’m still jealous. It’s called multi-tasking.”

“I’m done talking to you now,” Brynn declared.

“Okay,” Amy said, unoffended. “Call me tomorrow after you’re done filming. You know, if you’re not riding dick.”

“I hate you.”

“Love you, too. Hey, Bee?”

“What?”

“All kidding aside, you know you can call me, right? Anytime, about anything.”

“I know.” Mollified, and knowing she was loved, Brynn blinked back tears. “I love you.”

“I love you, too. Bye.”

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