“Yeah, sport, it’s me. I’m here. I’m right here.”
He swallowed, throat dry, eyes still trying to focus on me. “Did it work?”
A small, breathy laugh slipped out of me before I could stop it.
“Yeah,” I nodded quickly. “It worked.”
His eyes closed for a second, like relief hit him all at once. Then opened again, slower that time.
“Good,” he murmured. “I was about to be real mad I went through all that for nothing.”
I brushed my thumb lightly over his hand. “But you need to rest, okay? Save your questions… and your jokes.”
A faint hint of a smile tugged at his lips, though weariness clouded his expression. “I… wasn’t joking,” he mumbled weakly.
I shook my head, letting out a soft laugh through tears.
Kyrin blinked slowly, the exhaustion overcoming him as it pulled him downward into the gentle embrace of sleep. But that time, it wasn’t fear or uncertainty pulling him under; it was healing, a clear sign that he was fighting back towards life. And for the first time in three long days, I felt relieved and relaxed.
***
The house felt noticeably different as I stood there with a mix of emotions swirling inside me, knowing that my best friend was preparing to leave. Lainey’s unique blend of energy and chaos, which had brought so much life into the space, was already beginning to fade as she stood in the doorway with me.
She decided to stick around until Kyrin woke up and was set to leave after. It was a short-lived getaway, but one that had transformed both of us in unexpected ways. What was supposed to be a quick five-day trip turned intoweeksof soft forgiveness, rebuilding, and somehow… in the middle of all that chaos, us both finding something that looked a lot likelove.
Well… more like a very enthusiastic, well-fed, and fully satisfiedsituationshipfor Lainey.
With a playful huff, Lainey tossed her bag over one shoulder and took a slow, sweeping glance around the house. It felt less like a goodbye to the walls and furnishings and more like a farewell to the luxury lifestyle.
“Whew!” she exclaimed, dramatically fanning herself. “It wasrealnice while it lasted, but I gotta get back to where the money resides… my own money. My clients are waiting, and bills don’t care about luxury views and emotional breakthroughs.”
I couldn't help but chuckle bitterly at her words, feeling a pang in my chest as the reality of her departure sank in.
I strolled over to Lainey, wrapping her in a quick hug. She hugged me back just as tight.
I pulled back, looking at her. “Thank you for staying as long as you did. I know you didn’t have to.”
Lainey waved me off. “Ajori,please! We’ve been through too much together for me not to be here for you during a time like this. Plus…” She paused for dramatic effect. “I had to make sure you didn’t lose your mind in this big fancy house. If anyone ever asks, you survived because of me."
I chuckled. “If that’s what you want to roll with then okay, friend. So… what’s the deal with you and Marcos?”
Lainey turned fully to face me, a nonchalant shrug escaping her shoulders. “We exchanged numbers. But I mean… I don’t really see it going past that unless he decides to pull up on your girl in our cityorI come back down here.”
“So you’re not feeling him like that?” I probed, a hint of curiosity in my voice.
She tilted her head slightly, her expression thoughtful.
“He’s fine, Jo—we can both agree on that. But my life isn’t here, boo. This?” She gestured around the foyer area. “This is whereyoubelong. You fit in this world whether you realize it or not. My happiness is back in Charlotte, and it took me coming here to really understand that. Now don’t get it twisted. I don’t want to sound unappreciative because Idefinitelyand forever grateful that you chose to bring me along. I enjoyedeverysecond of shopping like I had no sense and no budget.”
I laughed, picturing her trying on clothes, picking out random trinkets, and hyping herself up like every mirror owed her a compliment.
“Not to mention, I was introduced to some Mexican dishes…” she added, grinning wider, “and a little…unexpectedextracurricular activity.”
Lainey’s eyes were slightly unfocused and her lips were pressed together as if she was holding back a smile… or a memory.
“Not you having flashbacks in real time!” I kidded.
“Listen, all I’m saying is, the food wasn’t the only thing seasoned right.”
