I explain the events of the past hour as Jesse drives us back to Twisted Sister. Once we arrive, we stand around as the police take photos, brush for fingerprints and I give them access to the security footage. It turns out that whoever broke in decided they needed a stress release. They smashed every wine glass from the racks above the bar, but other than that nothing was taken or touched.

After the police get what they need, I email our cleaning crew to come through in the morning so we can open as normal again tomorrow evening. Jesse guides me back to the passenger side of his ute with his arm draped around me. This is us. These moments are so normal for us; do I need to change my relationship with my best friend because of what is progressing with Tanner? The thought makes me uneasy; Jesse is the only family I have.

The drive back to my apartment is quiet; something feels off, other than the emotional fallout from the break in. I’m too exhausted to question him right now though. Once we get inside, he disappears up the stairs. I’m double checking the lock, hanging up my coat and slipping off my heels when I hear a distant grumble come from my bathroom over the sound of running water. ‘Shit, why is that so hot?!’ I can’t help but laugh; he’s so damn clumsy.

He’s going to make a woman so happy one day. I think to myself as I silently watch him running me a bath from the doorway of my ensuite.

What if she feels uncomfortable with how close we are? Will I still be able to call on him, to confide in him? There is a tightness in my chest as he notices me standing there and the burn behind my eyes threatens to take over.

“Whoa, Kins, way to sneak up on me.” He laughs, before he realises that I’m balancing on the brink of tears. “Hey, talk to me.” Jesse sits down on the toilet and drags me onto his lap.

“Do you think things will ever have to change between us?” I ask. “Like, if either of us gets into a serious relationship?” I can’t bring myself to look up at him; all these emotions have honestly come out of nowhere and I’m just word vomiting on him.

Jesse rests his chin on top of my head as he speaks, “Did Tanner say something?”