Sit with Jasmine and Chrissie

As much as it made my stomach squirm at the thought, I knew that avoiding Chrissie wouldn't do either of us any favors. Steeling myself, I walked over and planted my tray next to Jasmine.

"Hey."

Chrissie barely looked up. "Hey."

I sat down and began tucking into my food, trying to fill the awkward silence with the sound of eating. It wasn't exactly very pleasant.

"Guys?" Jasmine said. "Kiss and make up already."

Chrissie coughed on some mashed potato. I looked up, feeling like a deer caught in headlights.

"Come on. You both fucked up, so get over it and make it up to each other. Go fuck in the bathroom if you need to."

"What?" I said.

"Ok, how did I fuck up?" Chrissie asked indignantly. "She's the one who slept with my -"

"Yeah, Emily fucked up by fucking Nick, but you're the idiot who decided to date him in the first place," Jasmine interrupted. There was the slightest hint of anger in her voice, which was a first. "You knew he was a shithead, and you're way too good for him, but you did it anyway."

"She's got a point," I muttered.

Jasmine's gaze snapped onto me. "Don't start, Em."

"What? I was agreeing with you, she's too good for him."

"Which is why it was okay for you to fuck him?" Chrissie scowled.

I stared intently at my plate.

"As I said, you both fucked up. But ... Em fucked up more. That's just fact." Jasmine said.

I shrugged. She had a point, but it still hurt to admit it.

"Besides, I want to talk about my date, but I can't do that with you guys sulking so shut up and make up already," Jasmine smirked, and I couldn't help but crack a smile.

"Go on then," I said.

jasmine quickly launched into regaling us with her tremendous tale of going to the cinema with Ryan. As usual, the whole thing was told in such a dramatic tone that I couldn't help laughing, and by the end Chrissie was giggling along just as much as I was. My mood was only slightly soured when my gaze strayed to where Liam was sitting.

"So it went well then?" I grinned.

"Nah, it was clearly a disaster," Chrissie smirked. "By the way, where did you sleep last night, Em?"

"Got a room at the motel on the edge of town," I shrugged.

"Do you need somewhere to stay?" Jasmine asked. "I'm sure my parents will let you if you're ****." I knew what Jasmine's parents were like - I'd never even met them, because they were apparently so strict. Not risking that.

"At the rate I'm going I'll be kicked out within an hour," I said. "Thanks, though. Seriously."

Chrissie was noticeably quiet, and a guilty expression flashed briefly across her face.

After a moment of silence, I automatically glanced over at Liam, and our eyes met. My heart leapt into my mouth, but almost instantly he looked away. Fucking asshole, I thought to myself.

"Hey!" Jasmine clicked her fingers in front of my face. "What's up with you? You're usually the queen of breakup advice, snap out of it."

"What? We haven't ... we haven't broken up," I said, hesitating slightly.

"Not the point," Jasmine said quickly. "If you want him back, you stop chasing him and show him what he's missing. Take your own advice for once."

"Jas, it's not that simple," I muttered. "It's not like he's just another boyfriend, he's my brother as well."

Chrissie put her head in her hands. "Jeez, this is so fucked."

Jasmine thought for a second. "Shit. Okay, so jealousy tactics are off the table, but ... just act like you don't care. That's your best option."

"Easier said than done," I muttered.

While Chrissie and Jasmine chatted, I finished my lunch in silence, turning everything over in my mind. Rationally, I knew that I'd already tried to apologize - trying any more would just be wasted breath. Jasmine's probably right, but ... I can't just act like I don't give a shit, can I?