I grab my purse off the counter and stoop in front of Peabody, balancing on my three-inch black heels.
“Be a good boy today.” When I pat him, he cocks his head at me before returning to his toy.
It’s weird that Mom isn’t here to send me off to my first internship, but we talked about it. This is my chance to be on my own. She and Roger wanted to take Caitlyn to experience the world and have some time to themselves.
Caitlyn has a big sister and big brother. We both dote on her, but we got all that stuff when we were kids. She needs it too. If I didn’t have my internship though, Mom would have insisted on me coming with.
I open the app on my phone and page my driver to come to the front of the building. After setting the alarm, I walk out onto the stoop in front of the townhouse. The road is quiet for the city, but the noise filters in from the street down the way.
I breathe in the new day. I’m going to kill this internship. My phone dings and I look down.
Madison:
Good luck today!
Hope:
Kick some accounting ass!
Kayla:
Tell Dante if he needs a chick to ravish I’m available
And good luck, but you don’t need it!
Smiling, I reread the texts. This is the best thing to come from the setups my mom always makes me go on. These women. I’m so glad I was honest and upfront with Noah when he showed up for our “date.”
Now I have these three women in my life and we’re stronger than ever.
A black car pulls up in front of my building. I glance at the driver. Seeing Brandon, I wave. He tips his head to me and faces the front.
I walk down the steps and look around the street again. Nothing moves. Nothing has changed but a chill sweeps through me. I shake it off and slide into the car.
“Good morning, Brandon. How’s Gretchen and Jon?” I smile at the rearview mirror.
He meets my eyes. “They’re good, miss. To work?”
I grin. “Yes, Brandon. Thank you.”
Nodding, he pulls off the curb.
I return to my text messages.
Me:
And I’m off! I can’t wait. Lunch this week? Or maybe happy hour tonight?
Kayla:
I’m in for happy hour!
Hope:
Me too!
Madison:
I should be good to go.
