I stare at her as she consumes her double double burger done animal style. Her eyes closed as she took another bite, the hamburger spread and ketchup dropping onto her tray.

"God, this is soooo good !!" She says savoring each bite. " How did I live without you for so long?" She continued looking at the half-eaten burger.

"Do you two need to be alone?" I ask chuckling at my friend.

" Shut it woman!" She snaps pointing a finger at me " You try spending seven months in the African jungle! Don’t get me wrong I love my job, but after eating chicken and grain everyday, I think I deserve a little luxury"

She smiles and we continue to look at each other. She holds my gaze, and there’s so much feeling behind her eyes I don’t know what to make of it. I swallowed hard,clearing the lump in my throat.

"Ss…." I’m interrupted by a sudden vibration in my pocket. Grabbing my phone I look at the screen.

" It’s Jessica." I say, and I notice her smile fade. She averts her eyes, and begins to mess around with the left over fries on her tray.

"Give me a second kay." I say softly. She looks up momentarily and nods her head.

" Hello baby." Jessica’s voice filters through the reciever " Can you hear me?"

" Ya, I’m right here, Jess"

"I just landed. The flight was horrendous, we had a blah blah blah blah" I zone her out for a second, finding myself staring at my best friend. She was looking off into space, and there was a small streak of hamburger spread on her left cheek. I reach out with my free hand, and wipe it away gently. She turns to me, and mouths a silent "thank you", before gracing me with one of her trademark smiles.

" Ashley…..HELLLOOOOO!!! ASHLEY!!!" Jessica screams on the other line.

"Sorry Jess, couldn’t hear you for a second." I reply smiling at Spencer. She looks at me shaking her head in dissapproval.

" You’re sooo bad!!" She whispers.

"Ashley, baby what are you doing? "

I forget myself for a second. Although Jessica and Spencer acted civil , they never particularly warmed to each other. The last time the three of us got together, it was like a scene from a silent film. After a few more moments of silence, I urge myself to speak.