“They are good Christian people and they’re raising their daughter well. I admire them. They have values and beliefs they are instilling in Azzy and they are probably the nicest family I’veever met. It’s refreshing after discovering the true nature of the monsters I grew up with.”
“I wasn’t knocking them. Not at all.”
“I know.” Our heels clack off the asphalt as we walk toward the bar.
“It was just funny. Poor Martha would probably pass out if she knew the shenanigans we have planned for tonight.”
We dart to the right as a kid on a scooter comes charging at us on the sidewalk.
“Which is why we’ll never tell her. What she doesn’t know can’t hurt her.”
“She’d think I corrupted you.”
“As if. We’re partners in crime,chica.” I grin at my best friend. “Have I told you how happy I am you’re here and that we’re going to school together?”
Uma was lucky the group home where she lived let her stay the extra two months after she aged out so she could graduate. But she had to pack her bags the next day. I drove four hours to The Big Apple to pick her up. After loading her belongings in my SUV, we drove straight to our new two-bedroom apartment in the center of Rydeville and wasted no time celebrating our independence. Our place is only a ten-minute walk to the RU campus and only five minutes to our respective workplaces, so it’s perfect.
It’s been three weeks and we’re living our best lives now.
“Only a time or one thousand.” She squeezes my arm. “I can’t thank you enough.”
“Stop it, and it’s not like I did anything. It’s my aunt and uncle’s apartment, and you got your scholarship and your job at the auto repair shop on your own merit.”
“I’ve never had a friend like you, Emery.” She stops on the sidewalk, pulling me over to the wall. “It finally feels like I’m living my life, and I wouldn’t be here without you.” Tears wellin her eyes, and it’s contagious as I feel moisture pooling in my own.
“I wouldn’t be here without you either. When all the shit went down, you were the only one who stood by me.”
She loops her arm in mine again. “Told ya you needed better friends.”
“You weren’t wrong.” Not one of my childhood friends did anything to help when my parents abandoned me with nothing but my clothes, my car, and five hundred bucks in my bank account. All of them denounced me when it came out about the home and Lindsay and my father’s criminal enterprise. I literally lost everything overnight, and it’s true what they say—you find out who your real friends are in a crisis.
Uma Addison is the most loyal friend I’ve ever had, and we’re going to be besties forever.
“Come on.” She drags me through the door of the noisy bar. “It’s time to get our dance on!”
Chapter Twelve
Emery
“Ineed a break,” I tell Uma, pushing damp strands of wavy hair back off my face. We’ve been dancing up a storm, and I need water, the toilet, and a chance to catch my breath. “Stay,” I add, grinning and waggling my brows as I eyeball the tall, tatted hottie circling my bestie. He’s had his eye on her for ages, and I figure he’ll make his move when she’s alone.
Uma shakes her head. “We stick together. I’ll come with.”
After grabbing bottles of water from the bar, we join the line for the ladies’ restroom. Uma fans her face with her free hand. “It’s hot as Hades in here tonight.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen it this crowded before.” I used to come here with Myles and his friends most Friday nights, so I’m pretty much a regular.
“Spotted anyone you like?” she asks, shuffling forward as the line moves a little.
I shrug. “No one has really caught my eye.” There are plenty of good-looking guys on the prowl tonight, and a few have made it clear they’re interested, but none of them are doing it for me.
“You need to get back in the saddle, girl. I doubt Myles is going to bed solo.”
“I hope he’s having fun,” I truthfully reply. “I will too when I find someone who ignites my interest. I’m not going to hook up with someone just for the sake of moving on. I’ve got to be feeling it too, and so far, I’m not.”
“Fair,” she says before swigging from her bottle.
“What about you and that guy from the dance floor? It seemed like you liked him.” We pass through the doorway of the bathroom as the line moves forward some more. Cloying, sweat-laden heat blasts me in the face, mixing with the scent of perfume, hairspray, and deodorant. Girls are vying for space at the counter, pushing and crowding one another, while those in the line ahead of us bang on stall doors, urging the occupants to hurry the fuck up.
