My job was to listen to people talk and edit out every “um” or “ah” from a two-hour-long podcast, so by the end of the day, I was sick of hearing anyone speak. I looked forward to the silence, but with Finn, I wanted to listen to his warm, honey-rich voice until I fell asleep.

The front door opened, and I didn’t have to look to know Sarah and Logan had joined us. Everyone stiffened and Finn’s voice slowly died down. I turned around, and they were both staring at me. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, thankful when Mom spoke up.

“Matt, Finn, Logan. You boys go help Tom flip the mattress in my room please.”

Matt scrunched up his face. “Flip your mattress?”

“Just go.” She spoke firmly and waved her hand in that direction. The boys shrugged and did as she asked. When they were gone Mom tapped Taylor on the shoulder. “I need your help fixing up snacks for the movie.” Taylor didn’t hesitate, hopping up to follow her in the kitchen.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. Sarah quietly said, “She was always good at clearing the room.”

I gave her a tight-lipped smile but didn’t respond.

Then, guilt over running away from her last night settled over me.

“Look, Sarah,” I said. “I didn’t mean to make things all weird last night, but you have to know how hard this is for me to be here.”

She nodded down at her shoes. “I know,” she said. “I don’t know how to fix this, Liv.” Her old nickname made my skin crawl. “Tell me how to make it right between us, and I will.”

I shook my head. “You can’t just fix it overnight, Sarah. You broke my heart. I’m just not sure I can forgive you right now.”

She leaned closer to me. “But could you one day?”

I let out a breath, unsure how to answer. “No. Yes. Maybe, I don’t know. Look, let’s just talk tonight after everyone is gone. I might want to yell at you before I let you speak.”

She laughed and nodded. “I would love for you to yell at me. Anything is better than silence.”

I smiled, a small tilt of my lips, stood, and headed for my parents’ bedroom to get the boys. When I opened the door, I was shocked to find the four of them sitting in a circle on the floor with a deck of cards passed between them. They didn’t even look up when I busted through.

“All in.” Finn pushed three quarters into the pot, which consisted of random loose change.

“Ahh, come on, man,” Matt complained.

Dad folded and Logan said, “I got nothing,” then threw his stack down.

I cleared my throat, and the boys looked up. “What’s going on?” I crossed my arms and eyed the circle.