nathan couldn’t help but lightly laugh at her comment about the single life.  what could he say? she had a point, the single life did have its perks. “well, maybe i’ll meet someone at this party, and i won’t be single after it. with my disastrous luck, the relationship will last like two weeks, and then it’s break up city. but at least this time, i’ll get a killer party out of it, and halsey on full blast.” he softly chuckled, scrunching his nose at her when she stuck her tongue out. “oh, do you? well, look no further, miss. your knight in shining armor has come to help thee carry thy wine safely to its destination. i’ve also been told i’m an excellent wine taster,  just throwing that out there.”

Ella clicked her fingers before squeezing Nathan’s arm. “I have taught you so well, see the man doesn’t really matter... the break up does. You get to be a hot mess and no one can question you.” She laughed, very aware that none of this was a joke. But you did what you did to get through it. Ella shook her head, clicking her car key to open the boot. “You know what? I’ve been told the same thing and I could do with some company. It’s going to be a real hard afternoon... I may have to call in sick tomorrow at this rate.” 

Belle smiled back at her, rubbing Ella’s arm. “Of course I would. Always. You call and I am there, bestie.” She nudged her. “And I can’t help myself if food is involved. I get bossy and I want to do it.”

Ella smiled, knowing that Belle was a good friend and that she knew that she wasn’t quite as okay as she was putting on. “Now i just want to get a caterer to see you freak out about it. Yes, I am an evil genius.” 

“You are so mean to me, the 1980s were my childhood. Let me relive those years,” he joked, nudging her gently. “Old people? The hits keep coming. And I do not sway,” he said, putting his hand to his chest. “Are you really stalking her?” he asked, raising a brow. “But I am, yeah, I am happy with her.”

“No one needs to relive those years Park, let them go.” She rolled her eyes. “You are old and you sway. Didn’t you want me to be honest with you?” Her deadly serious face was starting to creep into a warm smile. “Then I am happy for you and insist you both come to my party. In fact i’m more bothered about her being there then you.”

“Oh is that what you want to call it? Not tearing me down?” he laughed, shaking his head at her. “Oh?” His laugh faded just slightly, eyes catching hers. “Uh, well, congrats on that? Consider me there, yeah. Single… and good sex?”

“Constructive.” She grinned, watching him laugh. He was a good friend to her and at times he was a little bit more. “I appreciate it, i’m just out here living my best life and not giving the men i’m sleeping with the details of my past relationship to weird them out.” She half laughed, eye rolling. “How badly do you just want me to admit it’s good sex?”

Hads couldn’t help but laugh at the woman’s statement. “Ah, so you’re trying to play matchmaker?”

Ella pulled a face “Oh god no, i was in a relationship for a decade that’s just ended. I am 100% not doing that. If people choose to be jailed by monogamy that is their own choice. But it’s just some cool people, getting together, having some fun.”

Watching the woman’s face, Hadley recognized the smile all too well. It was one she herself had become a pro at. The younger blonde felt bad for a moment, knowing all too well how hard a breakup could be. “So it’s going to be like a singles party?”

Ella pulled herself together, not wanting to show too much weakness. She shrugged. “Oh no couples can come but you know... singles just might have more fun if you get what i mean.” She winked, grinning at the other girl. 

alex’s   throat   worked   as   he   thought   about   that   question   .   “   things   are   .   .   .   yeah   just   put   me   down   as   single   ,   ”   alex   told   the   other   ,   nodding   at   her   .   “   he   started   nodding   ,   but   not   sure   if   its   more   towards   her   or   himself   .  

Ella understood as soon as the other stuttered. She had been through the question many times to herself. “If the word complicated was about to come out of you mouth, single for sure.” She types some notes on her phone. “Will the complication be at the party? Should i invite them?”

Ella had lived there since she was a teenager and smiled gently. “It’s easier with roomates, I have a few.” She glanced around, almost looking for nature as he spoke about it. “They’re impressive, it’s nice being able to go have a coffee by the water and think. It would also be wrong not to share such a beautiful place with friends.”

“To make me perform? Oh am I that bad? I am sure you didn’t complain,” he said, sticking his tongue back out at her. “Ew, that sounds so gross.” He laughed lightly, looking up at her. “You’re having a party? I’m invited.”

“I just like to help.” She wiggled her brows, almost challenging him “Oh you love it. Yeah i’m celebrating... a year being single.” She glanced down and then back up to meet Kai’s eyes. She didn’t know what she’d told him about her relationship. Or what she was going to say. 

“Aw, babe,” she said, hugging her side. “You’ve had a badass strong year and I am definitely going to celebrate that with you. I am in. I’ll make food,” she laughed gently before biting her lip. “Hmm, I’m not sure.”

Ella smiled, tilting her head. “I knew you would.” She squeezed Belle’s shoulders. “If there is food involved, i’m in. See, i have the whole thing catered for and i’m totally fine.”

Parker rubbed the girl’s arm gently, he cared for her greatly and he always hoped she knew that. “Be cool? People like me. I am… old guy cool. So nothing before 1990? I was a kid in the 80s, that is mean. Classics.” He smiled. “When do I ever dance?” He laughed at her reaction. “She’s a smart woman. A professor. Petite, dark hair, perfect lips. Astrid?”

Ella shook her head. “Park.... no.” She clicked her tongue. “They aren’t classics... they’re old people songs and I will hear none of it.” She shuddered at the thought. “That includes swaying. Don’t sway.” She paused for a moment. “I don’t know her... but i’ll stalk her.” She took out her phone. “But you look happy when you talk about her... that’s nice. I’m happy.”

There was a little part of her that was curious about the party. “What’s it celebrating anyways?”

“Oh I was dumped about a year ago, it’s going to be a tough day...” She faltered for a moment, before putting back on a smile. “What better way to get through a tough day then with friends?”

“Pretty much”, the younger blonde said shoving her hands in her mom’s old leather jacket. “It’s just not really something that makes me comfortable, standing around, forcing small talk. Besides I don’t drink really, and people are always making comments or trying to talk me into being their DD if I do go.”

Ella smiled, doing her best to be polite although she wasn’t quite sure what to say. “I wish you’d reconsider, but i can’t force you and I wouldn’t make you do anything you’re uncomfortable doing.” She shrugged her shoulders. 

“I’m sure that’s not true, but okay. I won’t try to twist your arm.” She smiled gently at the man. “oh! Pass on the invite, they’re more then welcome... the more the merrier. I live over at the lakehouses.”

“If it’s what i need to do to make you perform, i’m willing to risk it.” She stuck her tongue out, nudging him. “Nobody likes a soggy cucumber.” She took a breath. “But... you should come to my party.”

“A whole year, huh? That felt like a long day,” he rubbed her arm gently. “I mean, am I invited to this party? I feel too old. Or are you just telling me about it. Also… I am kind of seeing someone. I am seeing someone.”

Ella nodded, not letting emotion cross her features. She didn’t want to think about what that meant, she just wanted the party. “You can come, but be cool... no music from before I was born and no dancing... not just at this party. Ever.” She gasped. “Who are they? Do i know them? Are they hot? Bring them.” 

“you can definitely mark me down as single,” he chuckled, giving a crooked smile, “i can’t remember the last time someone wanted to be my plus one to anything. but, hey, maybe i’ll have luck at your party. then again,” his crooked smile widens a bit, “do i want someone because i want someone or do i just like the idea of having a break-up party too? hm.” he was teasing, partially.  “do you need any help setting up for it?”

Ella lit up with the news that someone was finally as excited about a party as she was. She bounced gently, her hair moving with her. “Single is the best way to go to parties anyway, you have more fun that way.” She raised a brow. “I would recommend it. Once the initial dumpster fire wears off you get sympathy, wine, Halsey on full blast. There are worse things in life.” She stuck her tongue out. “Weird you should mention that, because i require someone to help me carry the wine from my car.”