“You’re one of those badass women,” China said. “You just have to believe in yourself.”
Azelie glanced down at her watch. “I have to catch the bus. I don’t want to be late for class. I have a very tight schedule today.”
“Promise you’ll talk to us later,” Blanc said. “We want to know you’re safe. And happy.”
“We mostly want you to know we’re here for you,” Penny said.
Azelie shrugged into her backpack and caught up the latte. “Thank you all. I’ll see you later.” She didn’t have too much time before the bus would show up. Hurrying along the street toward the bus stop, to her dismay, she spotted Alan Billows in his sporty little BMW. He was parked directly across from the bus stop, talking on his cell phone.
As Azelie approached the corner, Billows looked up and beckoned to her. She shook her head and indicated her watch and then the bus stop.
Billows scowled darkly at her. “Get in the damn car, Azelie. I don’t have all fucking day to wait around for you. I’ll drive you to school.”
“I have to take the bus.” That sounded lame even to her own ears. She tried to look calm and all smiles as she waved to him.
“Azelie?” A woman’s voice had her spinning around. The woman was tall and curvy, absolutely gorgeous with her sleek, shining black hair, perfect skin, dark eyes and lush lips. “I’m sorry I was late.” She winked at her. “We have time to study on the bus together.”
She came close. “I’ve seen you around the campus. Is that man bothering you?” She whispered the question, her back to Billows.
The last thing Azelie wanted to do was to have this woman who was trying to help get on Billows’ radar. He could be ugly and vindictive when he didn’t get his way.
Azelie hastily texted Billows that her study partner was there, and they’d planned to ride the bus together to work on their project. Billows didn’t answer, but roared off, his expression a mask of fury.
“Thanks,” Azelie said, meaning it. “I’m Azelie Vargas.”
“Lana Popov,” the woman introduced herself. “I have seen you around a couple of times, although I don’t think we have any classes together.”
Azelie would have remembered her. The woman was gorgeous. Perfect hair, skin, teeth, figure. Azelie couldn’t find a single flaw in her. Lana made her feel a little mousy. The bus drove up and the door opened. Both women climbed on, Lana following Azelie to one of the middle-row seats.
“Should you have called the police?” Lana asked. “Is he some kind of stalker?”
Azelie considered how best to answer. The woman had been kind to a stranger. She had deliberately pretended they were friends because she thought Azelie was in danger. She didn’t want to lie to Lana, but she didn’t want her probing any deeper. It was never a good thing to get on Alan Billows’ radar.
“No, he’s just the most annoying boss in the world.”Azelie kept her tone light, as if Billows amused her. “He doesn’t understand the concept of days off.”
Lana laughed. “I know a few people like that. Obsessed with work.”
“I keep telling him the days I have school. He agreed to let me have those days off, but now he wants me to come work whenever it suits him.” Azelie heaved an exaggerated sigh. “Really, thanks again for rescuing me. It was quick thinking.”
“I sent up a prayer to the universe that you wouldn’t ask me who the hell I was. You’re quick on the uptake.”
“You threw a lifeline, and I caught it. He would have made me late for my class, and I have an important test first thing. I don’t want to miss taking it. The policy is that if you fail, no makeup unless by prearrangement.”
“Harsh,” Lana said. “I’m glad I’m not in that class.”
Ordinarily, Azelie would have smiled at her and turned away, content to be quiet and turn inward, fearful of having friends in her life. But Lana’s laughter, the cool confidence she exuded as well as what appeared to be genuine friendliness had Azelie wanting to follow the merry widows’ advice. She wanted friends. She wanted to be connected to others. Now was the time; all the signs seemed to point in that direction.
“What are you majoring in?” That seemed a safe enough question. If Lana asked her, she could talk about how her brain was always so conflicted.
“Fashion design. I particularly enjoy designing unique articles of clothing for young teens, ones that are misfits in school and don’t have much. My goal would be to sell high-end to those who can afford it and make clothes to give to teens at a nominal fee or be able to waive the money altogether.”
Azelie was impressed. “That’s amazing. Really amazing. I swear, if you ever get your business off the ground and need backers, I’ll find a way to help you, even if I have to take out a personal loan. That’s a very worthwhile ambition.I’m good with numbers; I could do your books for free or something just to help you out.”
She meant it too. Every single word. She wrote down her name and cell phone number. “Stay in touch with me and hopefully you achieve exactly what you envision.”
Lana accepted the Post-it Note and put it in her backpack. “Thank you. I intend to make my business a success. It’s nice to hear that someone else thinks it’s a good idea.”
“It’s agreatidea,” Azelie enthused.
