Lauren

“The way Emily describes it: when I meet someone I love, I become an octopus and wind my tentacles around their heart, tighter and tighter until they can't deny they love me just the same.”
― Christina Lauren, Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating

“Dave hands me the bread. Josh takes some chicken onto his plate.

The silence is homicidal.

Emily finishes her wine and Dave pours her more. For such a small thing, Emily can really pack it away.

“Winnie has worms,” I tell the table, and spread some butter on my bread. “Took her to the vet earlier. I was so worried I was going to have to treat it with some ointment in her butt, but—nope—just a pill.”

I take a sip of wine and grin at them. Josh puts his fork down and cups his forehead. But in a few beats they all break into laughter, and Emily looks over at me with my favorite kind of fondness.

“She doesn’t really have worms. I was just kidding.”

I am nothing if not a decent icebreaker.”
― Christina Lauren, Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating

“Do you know how many guys like to date the cute wild girl for a few weeks before expecting me to chill a little and become more Regular Girlfriend? [..] But at the end of the day, [..] being myself is enough. I’m enough.”

She’s not saying it to convince me, or even herself; she’s already there.”
― Christina Lauren, Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating

“Are you listening?”
“Barely.”
“You are perfect for me.”
― Christina Lauren, Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating