You almost won!

‘It’s too bad, though,’ you tell her, the words coming easier now. ‘I kicked the first guy’s ass. Close thing, but he was out cold. Just got so caught up in winning that I never thought to check if he had a partner.’

Emma’s brow furrows. ‘Weird,’ she says, slowly. ‘A partner who let you beat up his friend?’

You shrug, head still aching a bit. ‘Maybe he was late to the party. Sorry, anyway… I guess they got your phone.’

‘Oh, Sarah’s already got me a new one.’ Emma shakes her head. ‘And I told her to get you one too, just while you get back on your feet –’ she raises a hand as you open your mouth, ‘so don’t even bother arguing. I want to be able to talk to my brave, wounded boyfriend while he’s in hospital, okay?’

You squirm a little, but Emma’s giving you a look that means business. ‘Okay,’ you concede, finally. ‘Thank you. But you really didn’t have to.’

Emma’s face softens. ‘I wanted to, stupid. And you’re the one whose wallet’s gone. If there’s anything I can do to help with that, by the way…’

You smile, and run a hand over her arm. ‘Thanks, sweetheart, but I’ll be okay.’ Then you think of something. ‘Although…’

Emma smiles. ‘Name it.’