Stakes

I stood at Noah and Moana's table, arms crossed.

"I'll go get the lane set up," Moana said, sliding out of the booth. "You two better hurry."

"It'll be quick, promise," I said as she walked off.

Noah stayed silent, staring into his empty cup.

"Hey there, tall, brown, and handsome," I drawled in an exaggerated Western accent.

Noah's shoulders shook as he stared into his cup, laughter spilling out silently.

I slid into the seat across from him. "At least you still think I'm funny. If we part ways here, I won't regret every single decision."

Noah finally looked up, his expression shifting. "Part ways?"

I shrugged, looking away. "You must be tired of the girl you call your best friend fraternizing with the enemy."

"Ellie, don't victimize yourself."

"I'm not trying to," I said quietly. "I'm just saying it how it is."