Page 105 of Semantics

“No, I’m just curious. BSG is my favorite show.”

“It is?” Violet asked, surprised.

“I like season one the best.”

“What’s your favorite episode?”

“33,” Stella said.

“That’s my favorite, too. Want to just watch that one in season one and come back to season two?”

“You want to go back to a first-season episode?” Enya asked.

“It’s the first episode after they made the movie that brought the show back,” Stella said.

“I’m sorry. What?” Enya asked. “I don’t want to start all the way over when we haven’t even finished it once, Violet.”

“No, just tonight. We’d watch 33, and then, next time, we can pick up where we left off.”

“Enya, are you joining my veto now?” Sarai asked.

“Enya, please…” Violet said.

“Arlowe?” Sarai asked. “Come on. Join the dark side.”

“Why does everyone always assume I know Star Wars? Enya bought me this collector’s edition box set thing years ago, and I still don’t understand why.”

“You’re a computer nerd. Doesn’t it come with the territory?” Stella asked.

That had all of them laughing but Arlowe, who shoved macaroni and cheese into her mouth and, still chewing, said, “I’m stealing one of those beers Violet made me get for you.”

“I will not veto tonight,” Enya said. “I can hang for one episode. Then, I’m going to bed anyway.”

“You’re just going to be on your phone the whole time, aren’t you?” Sarai asked her.

“Yup.”

“And I don’t care enough, so…” Arlowe said and got up, probably to go to the kitchen and grab that beer, but despite there being a little more space now, Stella didn’t move.

In fact, when they started up the episode, Stella picked up her plate, ate a few bites, and leaned right back against Violet’s arm after she set the plate back down. Stella had her beer in one hand, but once Violet was finished with her own food, Stella’s other hand moved to her thigh, and she kept it there. Violet looked down at it for a minute before she looked over at her friends to see if they’d noticed. Arlowe had. She was smiling at them, but there was something else behind her eyes, too. Violet knew what it was. Enya was still staring at her phone. Sarai was half-asleep but watching the show.

When that episode ended, Violet placed her hand on Stella’s and gave it a squeeze.

“I’m going to the kitchen. Need anything?”

“No, but we can pick up with season two now if your friends want.”

“We don’t,” Sarai replied. “I’m going to my own room, where I can watch what I want.”

“I’m tired,” Enya said. “So, I’ll just see you all tomorrow.”

“I get dibs on the shower,” Sarai stated when she stood.

“I’m going out to the garage to get some work done,” Arlowe said.

“And I guess we’re done hanging out,” Violet replied.

“Good night, everyone,” Sarai said.