Lora’s beautiful features show signs of restlessness as she embraces me. Kristoff gives me a genuine nod, and we sit.
“It was so unexpected,” she says, glaring at Kristoff. “This is your fault, you dipshit!”
“Don’t worry,” I say. “I’d already talked to Mr. Melnard. He’ll find me a place, and Mr. Pitch insisted on paying for the rent.”
Lora’s face glows with relief. “Thank God! But where will you stay in the meantime?”
I give Kristoff a quick glance as he waits for my response. “So, um... My boyfriend offered, so I’ll ask if I can stay for a day or two.”
“This is your fault!” Lora smacks Kristoff on the arm.
Kristoff yelps, rubbing his arm. “What was that for?”
“This wouldn’t have happened if you told my parents you and Candice had broken up.”
“He couldn’t,” I tell Lora. “They didn’t break up.”
“What? You better fix this right away, Kristoff.” Lora points her finger at him and then looks at me. “I’ll just transfer the rent you paid this month. I hope you find it useful. Have you told your boyfriend about this?”
I shook my head.
“You know your boyfriend is very rich, right? I don’t think it’ll be a problem if you tell him.”
“So, your boyfriend is rich, and Lora knows who he is,” Kristoff observes. “Interesting.”
I roll my eyes at him. “That isn’t important right now. I can’t tell him because I don’t want to bother him.”
“I understand you want to be independent,” Lora says, “but it’s okay to have others look after you.”
“I know that.” I move closer to lower my voice. “But you know the situation. I can’t live with him. Not right now.”
“What situation? Is he giving you a hard time?” Kristoff investigates.
“Of course not! I know how he feels about me, and he’ll let me stay, but it’s not easy... with his job and... you know...”
“His job?” Kristoff’s voice rises. “How old is he? Are you dating someone older than you? I thought he was a classmate!”
“For crying out loud, Kristoff. This isn’t the time,” Lora exclaims. “Yes, she’s dating someone older than her, but he’s thoughtful, hot, and responsible. His mother likes Anya. So, can you please shut the hell up?”
“Why are you so mad at me?”
“You know why!”
I exhale a long sigh and hide my face. Everyone around us is staring. “Guys, please don’t fight.”
“Sorry,” Lora mumbles, looking away. “He started it.”
“I’m just making sure she’s okay,” Kristoff reasons. “And don’t worry. I’ll talk to Candice and see what she’s up to.”
“She’s moving here for good. It’s ridiculous. She won’t say her plans, but she does want to talk with you first.”
“Alright!” I hit the table with my palms. “Everything is settled, so I’ll keep you updated. Now, can we talk about something else?”
“Where should we write the lyrics?” Kristoff inquires.
Oh, that. “We can go to one of the practice rooms tomorrow. What do you think, Lors?”
“I have a few things to change, but I can’t tomorrow. I’ve got a date.”
I grin at her. “That seems serious now.”
“This is our fourth date. Is that serious?” she asks.
“Do you like him?” I ask.
She shrugs. “I like it when he gets down on me.”
Kristoff grimaces. “God, I don’t want to hear that.”
I finally laughed. I guess some things are still the same as they were before.
***
Julian texted me his new door code later that afternoon, and I told him I’d be there soon. Then a man in a black suit suddenly approaches me as we leave the coffee shop. He’s standing next to a gleaming blue Volvo.
“Excuse me, miss. Are you Ms. Anya Scott?”
“Yes, sir. Can I help you?”
“Whoa. Cool ride,” Kristoff murmurs from behind me. “It’s the V40 T5.”
“Do you know who that is?” Lora muses aloud.
I shake my head.
“My name is Gomez, miss. I’m your chauffeur for the day, and I was sent here to bring you this car.”
My friends and I exchange a puzzled look. “Why would you bring this to me, Mr. Err... Gomez?”
“Because this is yours, Ms. Scott,” he clarifies.
“What?!” I exclaim. No way! Who would send something so grand as this?
Mr. Melnard? No, that’s impossible. He wasn’t going to...
Oh my God. It’s Julian! I remember he mentioned it once. I didn’t think he’d do it. I told him I was fine.
“Oh, yes. I remember. Thank you very much, Mr. Gomez. Could you please give me a second? I’ll just talk to my friends.” I keep him quiet to prevent him from saying Julian’s name.
“No worries, ma’am.” He returns to the Volvo and stands there like a statue.
I turn to face my friends. “So, I gotta go. My boyfriend’s waiting for me.”
“Why did he say the car is yours?” Kristoff asks again.
“Because it is“How?”
“It’s from my boyfriend, okay?” I groan under my breath. His series of questions are starting to irritate me.
“Impressive,” Lora mutters with admiration.
“Yeah, except this is too much,” I say.
Lora crosses her arms. “How much is too much? He’s got money.”
“I guess I’ll never be able to compete to that.” Kristoff shakes his head, disappointed. “Now I don’t have to wonder why—”
“Stop talking!” Lora screams directly at him. “Anya isn’t like that. Instead, consider why she broke up with you. You’re a rude, overreacting jerk.”
“You know what? Don’t ask me to come here again. I’m out!” When the light turns green, he crosses to the pedestrian.
Lora tightens her fist. “See? He thinks he’s so great!”
“Yes, but Kristoff and I talked about being just... friends. I guess I haven’t told you yet.”
“I’m not sure why you’re still so nice to him when he was about to say you’re dating Professor Hotness for his money.”
“I’m sure he didn’t mean that, and I get you are still mad at Kristoff. Candice is your sister, and you love her. But we’re friends. We all are. That’s how it’s always been. Besides, he promised to try to work things out with your sister.” I envelop her in my arms. “Oh, I love you, Lors. I’m sorry we can’t live together anymore.”
She sniffles and strokes my back. “That’s what I’m saying! You were forced to leave because of their issues. I hope Mr. Melnard can find a two-room apartment. I still want to spend time with you. You’re my one and only best friend.”
I let her go. “Me, too. But this is the perfect time for you and your sister to talk.”
“You’re right.” She sneezes back her tears. “So I guess I’ll just see you at school?”
“Yeah. Nothing will change.”
We hug again until it’s time to part ways.