Girl Gear 1: All Tied Up by Alison Kent

never consciously decided to pursue a long-term relationship.”
    “Until now.”
    “No. Ever.”
    Macy wasn’t sure exactly what to say. She’d expected her questions to cause both Lauren and Anton to think about their relationship. But she hadn’t entertained the idea that what the two had together wasn’t a relationship at all.
    That had to be Anton’s male denial. Because Macy knew exactly how Lauren felt about her man.
    Didn’t she? “So, what are you going to do?”
    This time Lauren picked up the remote control and flipped off the television. She scooted forward on the sofa, sitting cross-legged, her knees only inches from Macy’s feet. “I wanted to talk to you about that.”
    Macy felt the first stirrings of uneasiness as Lauren nervously studied her nails.
    “I don’t know Anton as well as I should, after being with him for a year. We never have any quality time, what with both of us working like we do.”
    “That’s not so unusual. It happens that way for a lot of couples.” Enough attacking for one night. “But you’re right. It’s tough when you can’t find the time.”
    “It is. I mean, how are we supposed to make a go ofthis if we can’t even get to know each other? I mean, really know each other, the way a couple should.”
    “Maybe this scavenger hunt will be a good thing for the two of you.” And hadn’t that been Macy’s plan all along? “You can dig a little deeper and win a fab vacation in the process.”
    “Well, that’s only going to happen if we have the time to work on the hunt. Which is why I’ve decided—” Lauren took a deep breath “—I’m going to move in with Anton.”
    “What?” Really, Macy had been meaning to get her hearing checked. There was no way Lauren would leave her living all alone. “I don’t think I heard you right.”
    Lauren nodded. “You heard me right. Anton asked me a few months ago to move in with him. I put him off then. I wasn’t sure I was ready. That we were ready.”
    “And now, because of the scavenger hunt, you’ve changed your mind.” What was the saying? Be careful what you wish for. Oh, this was not at all what Macy had wished for. “Whose idea was it this time? For y’all to move in together?”
    “It was mutual.” When Macy responded with a skeptical look, Lauren added, “Okay. I broached the subject. But Anton agreed. We have to do something. Otherwise how can I trust what we have to be real?”
    “But doesn’t moving in together seem to be drastic? What if you’re there a week and decide you want out?” And who was Macy going to get to take Lauren’s place?
    Oh, good panicked grief.
    Lauren bolted to her feet and paced the length of the sofa. “Oh, thanks for having so much faith in our relationship.”
    “It’s not that—”
    “Maybe not. But try to give me a little credit. If anything feels wrong, I’ll move back out. Even if I have to find a new roommate.”
    A new roommate. Where was Macy going to find a new roommate? “I don’t think I’ll replace you in a week.”
    “I know you better than anyone, Macy. And I’ll bet my entire share of gIRL-gEAR stock that in the last thirty seconds you’ve already made a list of potential replacements.”
    “It’s a blank list, if that makes you feel any better,” Macy admitted, anxiety testing the limits of her antiperspirant.
    “Yes. It does. I like knowing I’m irreplaceable.” Lauren tugged Macy’s legs down flat and sat in her lap, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
    Macy leaned her head into the crook of Lauren’s neck and sighed. “Don’t ever let Anton forget it.”
    “Are you kidding? He’s a guy. I’ll be reminding him constantly.”
    “Good.” Macy whispered the word, closed her tear-filled eyes and swallowed. Oh, she was going to miss her best friend.
    “I know a lot of this for him is physical. Who am I kidding?” Lauren chuckled. “I lot of this for me is physical.”
    “You are such a slut.”
    “And damn proud of