"I am really enjoying all these cafes." Rory looks up from her phone and gazes around thoughtfully.

"They are pretty nice."

"And the food is good." She grins.

"Way better than Almondwood, that's for sure."

"Oh gosh, don't get me started!" I laugh, memories of the small cafe near my house resurfacing. Almondwood Cafe had been the number one hang out spot for Rory, Sammy, Camille and I. Not because it was good, but because it was the only cafe near us. The cafe was always cramped because the whole down went there. The back had a bar and club, so it almost always smelled of alcohol. The wait staff that got stuck working there were always tired and annoyed, and the manager was completely useless. He did nothing but sit there. Despite all this, it was still our favorite place to hang out.

"Camille and Sammy will be jealous." She grins as she scrolls through her photos, figuring out which ones she wants to post.

"They're in the Bahamas with Chris and Chad" (their boyfriends) "so I think they are having a good time."

"Ha, you're right. To be honest, I am really glad I said no when Camille asked if we wanted to go. They are great and all, but their boyfriends really really bother me." She hesitates, meeting my steady gaze with hers. "And I am glad I get to spend time with you."

My heart skips a beat. She hurriedly looks back to her phone. Her blush shows that she most likely meant more by that remark. I just want to know what she meant.

"Oh, and also, I have been meaning to ask you," I say, hesitantly, "Those pictures with both of us that that person took, uh," my words tangle on my tongue. "Um, what I mean is did you choose those poses on purpose?"

"What do you mean?" She asks, her eyes almost smiling.

"Well, it's just that they felt oddly couple-like, and I know you are not comfortable with being like a couple, I mean, I don't know. I was just surprised, that's all. And I am wondering if you meant it that way, or if it is just a normal pose and doesn't mean anything."

My cheeks burn, and I am convinced I have made a fool of myself. "You know what, forget it. I don't know what I meant and it's not important." Rory fixes me with a measured stare as I choke on my words. My language arts teacher would be impressed.

"I hope it was okay. I did not intend on crossing any boundaries, I just thought we were at that point, in whatever this is." She says, gesturing between us. I jerk my gaze back to her.

"No, I am happy with it! I was just surprised, and wasn't sure if you had meant it that way, because I didn't think that we were at that point yet."

"Oh." I smile warmly to match her. "I'm glad! So is it okay if I post these?" She asks, showing me the pictures she selected. Two that I took of her, three that she took of me, and all of the ones we took together.

"I love those! Yeah, it's totally fine. Also, can you send those to me?"

"Great, and of course." I gaze lovingly at her, thankful the tension is gone.