"But I mean...It’s a big house, why not sleep in one of the other bedrooms?"

His scent slowly surrounded my senses, and I tried to resist inhaling deeply. I kept reminding myself it was because his scent was associated with so many memories, it had nothing to do with those old feelings I used to have for him.

"Because it doesn't feel right sleeping in a bed alone is all. I'd much rather crash the couch."

"It’s good to know you can sleep just about anywhere...except a—“

A gangly hand popped out unexpectedly, and I screamed, covering my face with the blanket. I heard him laugh at me and uncovered my face enough to glare at him.

”You scaredy cat." He casually put his arm around my shoulder and I felt my body tense. “Are you always gonna get scared at the wittle scawry movies?" He teased me as he turned his attention back to the TV.

"Um, yes...I have good survival instincts, that's all. I'll be right back."

I got up off the couch and went to the bathroom. I took the next few minutes to splash some water on my face and try to figure out why I was feeling so weird. It was Kent, he was just being Kent. He was being casual and friendly. There was nothing behind it, never would be.

I looked at myself in the mirror, pointed at my nose and whispered, “Stop being ridiculous! Stop conjuring up fiction in your silly head, Elly. Be. A. Good. Friend.”

I exhaled quickly, smoothed out my dress and then left the bathroom. I was only gone for a few minutes before coming back. I pulled the blanket around myself again and stared at the TV as the zombie with the gnarly hand chased a half-naked, big-boobed girl down the street.

The movie was half over and I whispered, pulling the blanket up to my nose, “They’re all gonna die…”

"You know how these movies generally work. Most of the time yes, they do." Kent covered a yawn with his fist.

"I always hope they live,” I whispered again. I grabbed the blanket from my shoulders and tucked it around him. He looked so tired and so sad. My heart was hurting for him and his marriage woes. “Looks like it’s getting close to your bedtime."

"I got enough to finish the movie! I’m not passing out yet, Elly. Don’t forget who usually won those late night gaming sessions! It was me because you always passed out.”

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. "Yeah, but you're getting old. You don't party long into the night like I do." I grinned as I tucked my hands into the crooks of my elbows and snuggled back against the couch.

"Yeah, whatever. I can run laps around you any day of the week." He chuckled and pushed part of the blanket onto me. "Just try to finish the movie without screaming again and then we'll call it a night. Alright?”