Page 123 of Fish out of Water
Grant pulled into an open spot at the front of my building, Sylvia immediately got out. I made myself do the same.
But it was hard.
Collette slowly worked her way out of the backseat, holding onto the door as she straightened.
I went to her side. I needed to focus on my friend. On taking care of her.
Making sure she was okay.
Grant came around the car and offered his arm to Collette. She took it with a little smile. “Sorry I’m messing up your night.”
“Don’t be sorry.” Grant sounded like he really meant it.
“Girls’ night.” Sylvia followed behind Grant and Collette as they went up the stairs. “Do you have anything to drink, Julia?”
“Not really.” My feet dragged as I went up the steps. “Chocolate milk.”
I fished out my keys.
A twist of excitement pulled at my belly.
Maybe she’d changed the locks and forgot to tell me. Maybe I wouldn’t be able to get in and we’d all just have to go to Grant’s house.
I held my breath as I pushed the key into the lock.
The bastard went straight in.
“Yoo-hoo.” Mrs. Sherling power-walked our way, waving one hand in front of her. “You’re back.” Her eyes widened as she saw the group with me. “Are you having a party?”
Sylvia didn’t miss a beat. “Yup. You comin’?”
Mrs. Sherling smiled. “I’m always up for a good time.”
Grant leaned into my side as we all went in. “Looks like you’re going to have a full house.”
It did look that way. “It’ll be fine.” I managed a smile I didn’t feel at all. “Two of them will entertain themselves and one of them will sleep the whole time.” Collette was already stretched across my sofa, her lids drooping enough it was clear she’d be out in a few minutes.
“Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out.”
“Yup.” It was the biggest lie I’d ever told.
“Get out of here, Granty.” Sylvia shooed at him with her hands. “Girls only.”
“Calling you a girl is a stretch.”
Sylvia pointed at him as she turned my way. “See? What did I say?” She pushed the door closed on him. “You can have her back first thing in the morning.”
I didn’t get a kiss.
Didn’t get to say goodbye.
Didn’t even get to wave at him.
And he was gone. Pushed out into the night by the white-haired tornado currently questioning Mrs. Sherling about the number of parties that happened here every month.
“There are no parties here.” I went to the kitchen and pulled out the chocolate milk I’d mentioned earlier. I wasn’t much of a drinker, but I loved a tall glass of ice-cold chocolaty sweetness.
“You should put Kahlua in that.” Mrs. Sherling’s eyes widened. “I’ll go get some.”
