“You okay, there, Chlo?” asked Jules, eyeing her suspiciously.

“Yep.” She blinked deliberately and fluttered her eyelashes—her I’m-so-innocent look.

Jules plonked down on the couch next to her. “What?”

“Nothing. Just that you guys are sweet together. It’s nice.”

Jules rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, it’s still early days yet. We’re a long way from ‘I love you’, just so we’re clear.”

“Why do you have to do that?”

“Do what?”

“Pretend it’s all just …” She waved her hand in the air and looked to Lucy for backup. A little help, here, Luce, she pleaded with her eyes.

“I think what Chloe’s saying is that we’re happy for you.” Not quite, Lucy.

“Good, ’cause I’m happy for me too,” replied Jules.

“So why play it down?” demanded Chloe.

“I’m not!” Jules hissed, “Geez.” Jules glanced furtively at the doorway.

“Sorry,” Chloe whispered. “Look, the guys are going out. Maybe we should wait ’til they’ve gone to talk properly.”

Jules groaned out a sigh. “Why do we have to talk everything to death?”

“Hey, that’s not fair. I don’t do that. And besides, I still haven’t told Lucy my news yet.”

“Oooh, that’s right,” said Lucy, her anticipation obvious.

Will stuck his head around the doorway. “Hey, we’re heading out. Wanna come see us off?”

“I’m not going outside,” said Chloe. Her hands were only just starting to return to their normal colour. “Will a goodbye from the door do?”

Will grinned at her. “Sure.” He jerked his head. “Come on.”

They sent the guys off on their outing—Will mentioned they’d only be gone a couple of hours—as though they were about to climb Everest or something. They’re only going outside to play in the snow! Chloe thought.

*

The door had been closed approximately three seconds before Lucy blurted out. “Right, Chloe, your news—now.” She marched off towards the living room and when she turned to see that Jules and Chloe were both standing still and staring at her, seemingly dumbstruck, she added, “Well, come on!”

Lucy perched on one end of the sofa and watched the doorway expectantly. It didn’t take long before her best friends joined her, their expressions still bearing the stamp of surprise.

“So, Luce, this is new,” said Jules.

Lucy lifted her chin. “I’m being more assertive and asking for what I want.” Her bravado slipped a little and she nibbled on a thumb nail.

“I like it,” declared Chloe. “It looks good on you.” Chloe’s eyes narrowed. “You don’t believe that, do you?”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Don’t worry, it’s only because I know you so well. And, hey, you can practise on us.” Chloe looked at Jules, as if for agreement.

“Oh, yeah, whenever we’re being massive pains in the ass, feel free to rein us in.”

“You mean like when you bicker all the time?”

Chloe and Jules shared a guilty look and burst out laughing. “Yeah, like that, Luce,” said Jules through her laughter. “Does it drive you crazy?” she added, her eyebrows waggling.