“Ivy,” Mia says, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I laugh as I bite my pretzel. “Sorry, I guess I didn’t think about saying they were hot.”
“I’m not a jealous person, but I’ll admit I’m jealous of you,” she says, knocking her shoulder into mine.
“Oh stop,” I say, laughing.
We exit the mall and sit on the small benches outside to enjoy the warm sun. I don’t want to go home yet. Before all this it felt a little lonely, but now after having Kace there it feels empty. I’m not ready to face the loneliness yet.
“So, you and Kace are getting back together?” Mia asks, sipping her vanilla milkshake.
“We weren’t together before, but yeah we are together now,” I say, watching all the people exit and enter the mall.
“Did you guys talk about everything?”
“We talked but there is still a lot to learn about each other,” I reply.
We sit quietly for a little bit, laughing occasionally as we people watch. I will miss the peacefulness of being in California and I’ll miss Mia. Going back to Vegas is what I want, but it still scares me. I’m terrified I’ll go back to exactly how I was before I left. That I’ll be sitting in a room filled with Shattered Souls and feel like an outsider. That I’ll end up having to go back to shitty waitressing jobs, having my ass grabbed as I drop off drinks. That I’ll be stuck in a rundown place that I’m paying too much for. The rumors that will start because I’m pregnant will be awful and doing it without any family will be a sad realization. I know Kace has plans, but I’m here and thinking all the worst-case scenarios.
I glance over at Mia and see she’s staring at her phone. She looks kinda shocked, so I reach over and touch her arm. She jumps and looks at me. “Shit, you scared me.”
“Is everything alright?” I ask, lifting an eyebrow.
“Of course,” she says, shoving her phone into her back pocket. “So, what do you want to do now?”
“I guess I need to get back and figure out how to get out of my lease,” I say, standing up.
She wraps her slender arm around my shoulder and smiles. “I’ll help.”
That’s exactly what she does. I’m watching her pace my living room talking to different people, yelling until they agree to do as she’s asked. I’ve never seen this side of her, it reminds me of Harper. She’s in complete control and doesn’t take shit from anyone. Yet, she’s respected and admired.
When she finishes her call, she plops down next to me, letting her head rest against the back of the couch. “I got you out of your lease. You have until the end of the week to pack up and leave.” She turns her head, leaving it resting on the couch and smiles. “I’ll help you pack don’t worry.”
I tilt my head trying to understand what the hell ju
st happened. “Wait, what? Who did you call?”
“I know a lot of powerful people,” she whispers.
“What the hell does that mean?” I ask, sitting up a little straighter.
She tosses her phone next to her and sits up with me. “My family is powerful and wealthy. If something needs to get done, they can get it done.”
“Mia, are you part of a motorcycle club?” I ask, completely taken back.
She laughs and stands up to stretch. “No, they are businessmen.”
I’m not sure if that’s code for something or if they really are just powerful businessmen, but I’m not going to question it. She got me out of my lease and that’s what I was worried about.
“Thank you, Mia. I really do appreciate it,” I say, smiling at her.
“You’re welcome. Unfortunately, I need to head out. I have to meet Rob. I’ll text you later.”
She’s out the door before I can thank her again and the silence of the apartment settles over me. I look around at my little apartment trying to memorize it all. I’m going to miss it, but not as much as I’m missing Kace right now. I’m nervous for this move, but the feelings I’m allowing myself to experience for him overpower the nerves. It’s time for the next chapter, I just hope it goes the way I imagine.
Chapter 9
Kace