Connor and I both look down at the long list of product ideas filling the page.
“This is a cute idea, Auds.” Connor nods. “I’d definitely want to get mom a mug that says ‘Hot Mess Express,’ I think she’d get a kick out of that.”
Audrey laughs. “Right? She was my inspiration.”
I look down at the list wherebaseball?is written.
“Are you going to make Noah Benson stickers?” I ask with a playful smile.
She rolls her eyes. “I was thinking I could name my shop ‘Take Me Out Apparel and Accessories.’ I could have baseball items to fit the theme but I could also lean into my obsession with romance movies and have items for my fellow romance loving friends. A double meaning of ‘take me out to the ball game’ but also ‘take me out on a romantic date’ like in all the movies.”
My face hurts from how big I’m smiling, because the giddiness in her voice and the way her eyes are shining let me know that she’s excited about this new career path.
“Audrey, this is awesome!”
Audrey clasps her hands together, and she’s wearing a determined expression. “Cool. First things first, we need to go to the craft store to get supplies. Then you two will be my unpaid interns while I try to create magic to see if this is even something I can do.”
“Youknowit’s something you can do,” I reassure her. “You used to spend hours crafting and creating. And you know there will be lots of people willing to support this journey. My mom’s friends and even strangers are always asking her where she got the tote bag you made her. I’m sure she’d have customers lined down the block before you even open, wanting their own Audrey Mendez Original.”
She gives me a bashful smile.
“We should go before the store closes! I’ll drive,” I offer.
“Great, but to set some more ground rules: I’m paying at the store, deal?”
“Deal,” Connor and I echo.
Three hours later paper is scattered everywhere while the kitchen table is overflowing with stickers, T-shirts and a few mugs sporting various lines from movies.
“This was fun, but I’ll need to find a way to make money off of it.” Audrey smiles.
Connor hands her a five-dollar bill, before picking up a sticker that says “I’m Kansas Royalty,” and placing it on the back of his phone case. “There, your first sale.”
I lean onto the table picking up one that says, “The problem isn't finding out where you’re gonna go—it's figuring out what you’re gonna do once you get there,” and hand her five dollars as well. “And there’s your best sale.”
Audrey smacks my arm, but pockets the money anyway.
The three of us clean up before Audrey yawns. “Okay dorks, I’m going to bed now. We had a big weekend and have an even bigger week ahead—kicking Noah to the curb and all.”
Connor chuckles. “Yeah, thank God. Worst roommate ever!”
I smirk, wrapping my arm around Audrey’s shoulder. “I think at least one of you two are going to miss the heck out of me.”
“Sure won’t be me,” Connor retorts.
“Might be me then!” Audrey replies playfully.
It’ll definitely be her. Especially since I plan to make out with her until we both fall asleep tonight.
Twenty-Seven: Audrey
Eyes Open - Taylor Swift
Once I’m dressed and ready for bed, I move towards the room Noah has been staying in. He’s topless, with gray sweatpants hanging low on his hips. The lamp on his bedside table illuminates the sharp curves of his abs and hip bones.
My mouth hangs open as I close the door behind me.
“What’s that face for?” he teases me as my eyes stay trained on his lower stomach.
