I hover for a second.
“Thanks?” he says for me.
“Yeah, that,” I nod. “And um…”
Solace smirks. “Want me to ask my connect about a car?”
This is rock bottom.
I blow out a breath. “And a spot. Love my mum, but if she wakes me up for Bible study one more time…”
He winces sympathetically. “Say less. Gimme a week, I’ll get it sorted. And you can just return the toolbox whenever.”
I nod. “Good.”
He smirks, “Is that considered a nicety?”
I slam the door in his face before he gets another joke off. But I’m smiling as he drives off; just a little.
When I get to the entrance, I text Za again.
Me: You sure she’s expecting me?
Big head lil’ sis: Probably not. Just knock a bit.
Me: cba.
Big head lil’ sis: Pleasee.. I’m sure she’s awake. At least I hope so.
By the timeI reach 3C, I can hear music faintly through the door. Something old-school and soulful. I hope that meant Francine is up.
I knock.
Nothing.
I knock again, louder this time, then lean my shoulder against the doorframe.
Three minutes of this and nothing.
I’m about to leave when I hear slow, dragging footsteps from inside, followed by a muffled voice.
The lock clicks, the door swings open, and there she is.
Frankie blinks at me, squinting against the light, half-asleep.
Who the hell could sleep with all this noise?
Her scarf’s crooked, her oversized moomoo is slipping off one shoulder, and there’s a pillow crease stamped across her cheek.
For a second, I forget how to speak.
“Morning,” she says, voice rough, not even pretending to be polite.
“It’s four in the afternoon.”
She yawns. “So? It’s morning somewhere.”
I can’t help it, I laugh. “You really just gonna let me stand out here forever?”
