The End of Beginning

Julia couldn't shake her worry about Chloe. It had been days since their last conversation, and the gnawing feeling in her gut only grew stronger.

So, she did what she promised Ryan and reached out to her.

JULIA: Hey, I feel like we haven't caught up in a while. You okay?

CHLOE: Yeah, just busy.

JULIA: Liar. You're avoiding me.

JULIA: Come over tomorrow. We'll do a self-care day. Face masks, comfy clothes, movies. No pressure.

CHLOE: I really have a busy week ahead of me, I don't think I can tomorrow.

JULIA: I'm not taking no for an answer.

CHLOE: Alright, fine. I'll be there.

Julia frowned at her screen. That hesitation wasn't like her. But at least she agreed.

The next evening, Julia set up everything for their girls' night. Plush blankets covered the couch, face masks were laid out on the coffee table, and a bottle of red wine sat open, ready to be poured.

When Chloe knocked, Julia pulled the door open and immediately scanned her friend's face.

She looked... tired. A little paler than usual. Her dark hair was pulled into a low bun, and her oversized sweater swallowed her frame.

Julia forced a warm smile. "Come in. I already opened the wine."

Chloe gave a weak chuckle as she stepped inside. "I don't think I'm in the mood for wine tonight."

Julia blinked. "Since when are you not in the mood for wine?"

Chloe shrugged, avoiding her gaze. "I don't know. Just not feeling it."

Something tugged at Julia's gut, but she let it go for now. Instead, she gestured toward the couch. "Alright, your loss. More for me."

They settled in, sinking into their usual spots on the couch, and after some initial small talk, Chloe shifted the focus off herself.

"So," she said, leaning back against the couch, "catch me up. What's new in your world? How are things going with Joe?"

Julia exhaled, tucking her feet beneath her. "Well... I do have some news. Joe is gonna live here with me when he gets back."

Chloe's brows shot up. "What?!"

"His living arrangement fell through while he's been away, and it just made sense for him to stay with me while he figures things out." Julia bit her lip. "I know, it's big. But things are going so well between us. I hate being so tacky, but it seriously feels like we've known each other for years."

"You are so falling for him, aren't you?" Chloe teased.

Julia's cheeks warmed. "I dunno. Maybe I am." She thought to herself for a moment before adding, "It's just gonna be for a couple weeks to see how it feels. If it ends up being too soon for either of us, he'll get his own place."

"That makes sense," Chloe said with a nod.

A small silence fell between them before Chloe smirked. "Okay, but now what I really wanna know... how's the sex?"

Julia groaned with a laugh, pressing her hands over her face. "Jesus, Chloe."

"What? I need details! Is he as good in bed as he is at brooding in front of a camera?"