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‘I’m an adult. I need my own space, and I’m moving out,’ I say, pretty much repeating myself. ‘You’ll just have to make peace with it.’

They all stare at me, a mixture of shock and worry in their eyes. I’m sure they mean well but come on. I’m doing this. This is my chance to take control of my life, and I’m not going to let them stop me.

16

I really feel like I’ve landed on my feet here.

I sit at the breakfast table, savouring the smell of sausages, bacon, eggs and beans cooking on the hob.

There’s something ridiculously comforting about a cooked breakfast on a grey morning, especially when it’s cooked by someone who isn’t going to grill me on my life choices.

It’s my first morning in my new home and Si is making breakfast.

‘Don’t get used to this,’ he says with a laugh. ‘It’s just a welcome breakfast.’

‘Don’t worry, I won’t,’ I reply with a smile.

I moved in yesterday evening and Adam was nowhere to be seen. I keep having these mini panics, thinking this is a terrible idea, but I’m so desperate to have my own space again. It’s just… was moving in with two brothers who I both kinda fancy the best way to get that?

As Si serves up the plates, Adam walks in, looking effortlessly cool for first thing in the morning. His presence rattles me, just a little, but I keep calm.

‘Good morning,’ Adam says casually.

‘Good morning,’ Si and I echo in unison.

Si gestures to an empty chair.

‘I’ve made you some too,’ he tells Adam. ‘I thought you could join us, get to know our new housemate a bit better.’

Adam smirks slightly.

‘That’s a good idea,’ he says, sitting down at the table.

Oh, so it’s like that, is it? He’s committed to acting like he doesn’t know me? Well, fine. Two can play at that game.

‘So, what do you do, Adam?’ I ask, mirroring his smirk.

Si jumps in before Adam can answer.

‘He’s a local celebrity,’ he practically sings. ‘He’s a DJ on the local radio.’

I raise my eyebrows.

‘Wow, that’s cool,’ I say genuinely.

So that’s why people know him.

Adam leans back, looking at me with something in his eyes… Mischief maybe? Surely he’s not enjoying this?

‘And what about you, Lia? What do you do?’ he asks.

‘I used to plan tours for musicians and festivals, before I left London,’ I explain. ‘Now that I’m back home, I’m looking for a job where my skills might transfer. If not, then any job will do.’

‘Are you single?’ he asks next, which briefly stuns me into silence.

Even Si looks taken aback by the question.

‘Yes, I am,’ I reply simply. ‘Are you?’