Figured.
Sorry if he doesn’t let you keep the responsibilities you’ve earned.
Not on you. This is between him and me.
He’s right. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting to fix it. Even though I think he should just quit and go where he’ll truly be appreciated. Like New York. But we’ve been down that road before—when I left and he stayed.
What’s on tap for 2nite?
Laundry. Dinner at Mom’s. Packing. Rayne’s still taking me to the airport, but Queenie and I will swing by later to say a proper goodbye. No peeling. Just tryna get it all done.
I got you. Why don’t I come by after work? Bring your things and save you the trip.
You don’t mind?
I want to do whatever works for you.
This man…
You already got me in my feels.
Same. I’ll prbly go off worse than Queenie when you leave.
I laugh through the ache, knowing he’s joking. But still…
Later, Jones.
Later, Web.
I manage to trick Queenie into the carrier, then leave the clothes drying while I make my rounds. First to the Vargases’, then C’s.
Sophia answers the door with her usual bubbly energy, dimples on display, talking a mile a minute, buzzing about her big move to Chicago next week. She drags me to her room to show off a lineup of new outfits. They’re fun and colorful and suit her style, while still being professional for her first advertising job.
I can’t imagine myself doing nine-to-five in an office, but more power to the people who do it.
“I feel so grown up,” she says, twirling in an orange blazer.
“You are. But keep your free spirit. Don’t let any job or anyone squash that.”
“I won’t. I’m going to take your advice and use this time to learn more about myself. Explore. What about you?”
“What about me?”
“You going back to playing the field?”
“Going back to work. And now I got a damn cat. Tinder boys gonna have to wait.”
“Is that the only reason?”
“Girl, stop. Dice and I were a limited-time deal. We’re cool.”
“Okay,” she says, but her dubious look conveys she doesn’t buy it. Neither do I.
“Keep in touch. I want to hear all about your job and adventures.”
“I will.” She pulls me into a Sophia hug. The kind that wraps youin warmth and sunshine. One that’s impossible not to smile in—even for a non-hugger.
I leave her bedroom and find Lexie and Chaz in the kitchen, working on dinner. The air smells like good home cooking. Lex hands me a glass of wine, and I lean against the counter.
