“Do you guys know where Journey is?” I ask, glancing toward the hallway that leads to the chapel.
Roxy slides the freshly poured coffee across the bar to me. “He’s in church with the rest of the boys.”
I reach for the bottle of creamer and pour until the color is just right. Don’t judge. I like a little coffee with my creamer.
Stella pulls apart a piece of bacon. “He might be in there a while.”
I sigh. I really need to film some more content. My streak isn’t going to maintain itself, and every day I don’t post is a day closer to losing my shot at the Trend Setter Award. The five thousand dollars I desperately need is slipping further and further away.
Although… “Hey, Roxy?” I take a sip and set the mug down. “Is the lockdown over now?”
Roxy pulls a cup from the drying rack and fills it for herself, considering me over the rim. “Yes, honey. It’s over.”
Whoop!A wave of relief washes over me. Thank you sweet baby Jesus.
Don’t get me wrong, the women here have been amazing and I’m beyond grateful for everything the club has done for me, but I need to get back to my apartment. There is a disaster to clean up, and I’m ready to get back to normal. I’ve never been one for change. And if I’m being honest, I could use a little bit of space to process the last few days. Things have been moving at warp speed.
A plan forms in my head, and I spin on the stool to face my best friend, plastering on my sweetest smile. “My favorite beautiful bestie.”
Stella’s lips twitch. “Layin’ it on thick there, aren’t ya?” She giggles, popping a piece of bacon in her mouth. “What do you want?”
“Would you be alamband drop me off at my apartment on your way to class?”
“A lamb?” She blinks. “Okay, Sheldon.” She rolls her eyes so hard I’m surprised they don’t get stuck.
I stick my tongue out at her. “You know you love it when I go allBig Bang Theoryon you.”
Stella snorts into her coffee. “I do love Sheldon and the gang.”
“So...” I clasp my hands together under my chin. “Will you drop me off?”
She sighs, but I can see the smile she’s fighting. “Yeah. Come on.” She slides off her stool and grabs her bag from the bar.
I hop off mine and turn back to Roxy. “Have a good day, Roxy.”
Roxy waves a dishrag at us. “Have a good day, girls.”
“You too!” Stella calls over her shoulder as we push through the kitchen door and out into the common room.
The Florida heat hits like a hammer the second we step outside. The air is thick with humidity, and the scent of sea and salt from the coast is heavy in the air.
My eyes close for a split second as I breathe it in. After last night, I’m starting to realize I need to be more grateful for the gift the Gods have given me.
“You coming?”
My eyes pop open to Stella smiling at me.
“Yeah,” I nod, matching her smile.
I slide into the passenger seat and pull the door shut. Stella cranks the engine, and we roll toward the gate where Noble waves us through.
I wave back.
“You’re a goof.” Stella laughs.
“What?” I glance over, raising my brows. “I’m a good Southern girl. I mind my manners.”
Stella snorts and says in a deep southern drawl. “Andbless their hearts, too, huh?”
