Bryce leaned in, peering into the engine bay. After a moment of studying the situation, he turned back toward the cabin, his brow furrowed in concentration. A minute later, he returned with a gallon of antifreeze, its bright green fluid sloshing slightly with each step.
“Lucky for you, I’malwaysprepared.”
Isis had gotten out of the car, and we stood off to the side, arms crossed, watching him work while the wind gusted untamed, tugging at her tight curls and my colorful bonnet.
Isis huffed silently, visibly irritated. “See? This is why I’ll forever be high-maintenance! My cars come with heated seats, remote start, and roadside assistance that actuallyassists! Meanwhile, Adrian thinks being dependable means charging his phone before noon.”
“And yet you let that same man rearrange your uterus on a twin bed,” I quipped, raising an eyebrow and unable to resist a jab.
She grinned, completely unbothered. “There’s that shade.”
I nudged her playfully. “I’m honest; there’s a difference.”
Isis cocked her head, a smirk dancing on her lips. “Oh, and need I remind you, you let him hitfirst.Don’t try to act brand new now!”
I rolled my eyes, waving a dismissive hand as if to shoo away the memory. “Yeah, well, that was before I discovered all thecrap I know now. Had I known he was an emotional terrorist with a penchant for carpentry lies, he wouldn’t have took apeekat this coochie. Adrian would’ve been lucky to get a handshake and a God bless. But hey... you live, and you learn.” Then I let a smirk slip, lowering my voice. “I can’t lie and say the dick wasn’t good, though… but keep that between us.”
Isis zipped her lips dramatically and tucked away the imaginary key in her bra, her expression a mixture of serious and playful. “Girl, I got you. I’m bougie, not messy.”
The engine finally gave a reluctant rumble, and the headlights eased on with the relief of a long-held breath released. They were back in business.
Bryce patted the hood with a sense of accomplishment. “Y’all should be good now. Just make sure you get the truck checked out when you get back in town. An antifreeze fairy might not show up next time.” His tone was both teasing and serious, a friendly reminder of what could happen on the road.
Adrian nodded, stepping forward to dap him up. “’Preciate you, bruh,” he expressed, his tone grateful. “And please, whatever you do, don’t let the truck catch a cold again!” Isis grumbled with mock concern, then she diverted her attention to me, her face lighting up. “Bye, beautiful! Don’t be a stranger!”
We exchanged heartfelt goodbyes, and as their vehicle pulled away, Bryce and I stood together in the quiet aftermath.
Bryce slid his arm around my shoulders, pulling me in close, enchanting warmth radiating between us.
“Finally,” he whispered, his voice low and intimate. “Just us.”
“Just us” felt exactly like enough, as the world around us faded, leaving only the lingering warmth of shared moments and the promise of what lay ahead.
Chapter thirty-one
Chesteria
Love, Lecture Halls & a Little Plus One”
Three Weeks Later
Iadjusted the camera angle on my phone, tilting it toward the mirror as I stepped back for a better view.
“Alright,” I said, smoothing my skirt. “What about this one?”
Bryce popped into view on FaceTime, already dressed in his usual crisp pilot uniform—white shirt with shoulder stripes, black slacks, and tie slightly loosened.
Since we’d left the cabin, life had somehow folded back into something that felt both familiar and brand-new. We didn’t justreconnect; we recommitted.
Officially.
There were mornings when I made coffee in his T-shirts, and late nights that we watched movie marathons and had heated debates over who made the best fried fish. It was laughter,healing and love all in one. Our love story wasn’t perfect, but it wasours.
Bryce glanced at the screen, then paused. “That’s what you wearing to work?”
I turned sideways, giving him the full look. My attire for that day was a long-sleeve, black knit sweater tucked into a high-waisted plaid pencil skirt that hit mid-calf, thick tights, and knee-high boots. My hair was pinned half-up, half-down… cozy but cute… professional, but flattering. The boots with heels were unnecessary, but there was something about returning to campus that made me want to show uploud.
“Yes,” I replied, brushing a curl behind my ear. “You like it? Is it too much?” I asked innocently, twirling slowly.
