Page 151 of When Hearts Collide

Millie, did you hear about the new exotic plant exhibit at Central Park? Want to go? I’m not that much of a plant girl, but I want to cheer you up. I can text the other girls. We can make a girls’ day out of it?

I smile. I had heard about a new exhibit being built somewhere in Central Park. The grand opening isn’t for another week, but I plan to pay a visit once the crowds have thinned out after the initial excitement.

Millie

Sounds good. Maybe in a few weeks when things ease up? Don’t worry about me. I’m doing well.

I hit send, then reread my words. My fingers hover over the keyboard and I type another message.

Millie

I lied. I’m not doing well, but I will be. One foot in front of the other. I’ll get through this. Thank you for thinking of me.

I won’t hide anymore. Not to the people I love and the people who love me back.

Chloe

Love you, Millie. I’m a call away if you ever want to chat.

Another message comes through, and I smile, seeing the name of my roommate from ULA.

Joss

Long time no chat! I’m coming to NYC next month, let’s hang out?

Millie

Definitely! Keep me posted.

Clicking shut my phone, I set it to the side and stare at the light blue sky again. I close my eyes and let the warmth of the early afternoon sun wash over my face. Moments later, I hear the faint sounds of the front door opening.

“Is she asleep?”

“I don’t know, but if she is, we’re waking her up.”

Giggling and furtive whispers reach my ears. My eyes snap open.

The sounds of footsteps echo in the hallway, and three heads pop through my opened bedroom doorway. Belle, looking as trendy as ever in her sleek white sundress, is beaming. Grace, in a colorful getup only she can pull off, is bouncing on her feet, her violet eyes barely containing her excitement. Taylor, dressed in black leggings and a crop top, purses her lips and waggles her brows.

Something is up with these three.

“What’s going on, girls?”

Grace prances over and hauls me off the window seat. “Get dressed, we are going out, and we aren’t taking no for an answer.”

She looks at Belle and issues a command like she’s a general in the throes of a war. “Go through her closet and pick out something appropriate for her to wear.”

“Aye, aye, madam.” Belle mock salutes and dashes to my walk-in closet.

“What’s going on?” My brows hike up to my forehead.

“That’s for us to know and you to find out.” Grace eyes me from top to bottom. “Okay, at least you’ve taken a shower in the last day or so. I can work with this. I’ll do your makeup and hair.”

She ushers me to my chair, takes out my makeup, and gets to work. I catch Taylor’s sly grin in my mirror.

Rolling my eyes, I ask, “And what are you going to do, Tay?”

Tay winks and takes out a bag of carrots from her bag and munches on one. I don’t know why she’s so obsessed with them. “Emotional support animal. That’s me.”

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