Once Abi went upstairs to study, Lauren pulled out her phone to call Lucy; it went straight to voicemail like she expected it to.

"Luce. I know we aren't exactly talking right now, but you're my best friend. And well. Ryan's back. Should I be worried? Just call me please." She sighed as she put her phone down, if he was just back on a flying visit, it would be fine. But she wasn't sure how Joey'd react to meeting one of her ex's; they've never really had that conversation about past relationships, other than to say how different it is with each other. But she knew he had a temper, and wasn't afraid of anyone, she was reminded of that again recently after he fought Tyler in the pub over the Whitney thing, and punched Michael in honour of Alice.

Her phone started vibrating, she answered it.

"What's he back for?"

Lucy.

"Hello to you too Lucy."

"If you're going to be snarky, I'll hang up. I swear Lauren."

"No, no, don't." Lauren sighed down the phone. "And to see Whit apparently."

Lucy scoffed "That's it?"

"Well he told Abs he'd hopefully see me around before he left."

"Shit. Well you're with" there was a pause before Lucy carried on speaking "You're with your boyfriend now, and you have no feelings for Ryan right?"

"God no." Lauren replied.

"Well then, you're fine. It'll be awkward, but it'll be fine." Lucy said, both girls feeling tense at talking to each other again but the awkwardness getting less the longer they talk.

"But what if he bumps in to, you know." Lauren paused before deciding to copy Lucy. "My boyfriend. Can't see that going well."

Lucy laughed, causing Lauren to laugh as well.

"That's an understatement Lauren. Well I guess you have a couple of options." Lucy paused, but Lauren encouraged her to speak.

"Go on Luce, I'm like mind blanking here on what's best."

"Well I just you either a – ignore it. Stay inside all day and just pretend Ryan doesn't exist, and try and keep your boyfriend with you. Option b – Tell Joey that Ryan's here on a visit, give him the heads up. Actually tell him about your past history with guys. Or c – Just wing it."

"Hmm that's a hard one." Lauren said, in a bored voice. "I think I'm gonna go with..."

"Option C" both girls said in unison, before laughing.