Page 63 of Quake

“You’re kind of to blame for that, though, Lark. Your dad would gladly hire several other veterinarians and staff, but youchooseto work wild hours. I know you love it, but have you ever considered taking a step back now that things are running smoothly?” Madison asks me.

“I have, but the clinic is my baby. I don’t think I’m ready to part with it.”

Kira rolls her big brown eyes. “No one’s asking you to part with anything. We’re just suggesting you maybe work a normal fucking schedule.”

“That’s fair,” Jade chimes in.

“I’ll consider it, but I like to stay busy.”

“Speaking of staying busy. How are things with Gianni going?” Kira asks, her ashen brows dancing across her forehead.

“Well, we’ve um…” I nervously pick at my nails, not looking forward to the attention I’m about to get.

“Youwhat?” Kira’s shrill, eager tone fills the small space.

“We’ve had sex, actually. Twice. Well, twice, plus he ate me out the other day too.”

“And you’re just now telling us this?” Madison nearly screeches with excitement.

As usual, Jade is the peacekeeper. “She’s an adult and is not obligated to share the details of her relationships with us.” Then she turns to me. “I’m really happy for you, though, Lark. Even ifthis isn’t a long-term thing, you deserve someone who makes you feel good.”

“Thanks, Jade,” I whisper. Feeling good isn’t something I’ve felt for a very long time, especially not while I was with Tyler. With Gianni, though? It seems his only purpose in life is just that.To make me feel good.

“Okay, now that you’ve made her sad, let’s talk about me,” Kira pipes in, sounding narcissistic, but I know what she’s doing. Steering the attention off me.

“Ah, yes, queen bee. How’s the salon?” Madison asks her.

“Mon Cheri is doing really well! I’ve officially gotten all seats rented out to stylists, and my client list is growing,” she tells us excitedly.

She’s been working on opening her own salon for the last two years and finally opened hers last month.

“Proud of you, babe,” Madison tells her affectionately.

“I’ll have to come by soon to get a trim. I haven’t had my hair cut in over a year.”

“Any time you want, you know my chair is always open to you,” she tells me.

“Can I actually book a color appointment with you for the first week of April? My roots are long as hell. Someone really should’ve warned me about how frequently I’d need to get this shit done to keep up with bleach-blonde hair for someone with natural black hair,” Jade grumbles, twisting a lock of her hair. The roots have grown out about three inches.

Kira swats her shoulder playfully. “Ididtell you that, dumbass.”

“Okay, no more attacking Jade. She’s delicate.” I chuckle, joking because she’s the least fragile person I’ve ever known. She’s beenthrough hell and back and still maintains a candid humor and positive outlook that I could only hope to have an ounce of.

***

“Alright, I’ve got my alarms set, so none of us sleeps through them. I don’t want a repeat of the last time we decided to throw our grown selves a slumber party on a work night.” Madison groans.

“It won’t happen again. Now get some sleep. Love you guys.”

Kira follows me to bed, Madison and Jade taking the air mattress in the guest room.

After using the restroom and climbing in with the dogs, she turns on her side to face me. Her voice is soft as she asks, “How are youreallyfeeling about things with Gianni? It seemed like there was more there than just sex.”

While Kira may come across as a harsh asshole with a dirty sense of humor and a complete lack of a filter, deep down, she’s the most caring person you’ll ever meet. And I feel blessed to have her as my best friend. Especially in moments like this.

“Honestly? I’ve become strangely attached to him over the last month. He opens up to me more than I think he does anyone else, but at the same time, it still feels surface-level. Does that make sense?”

“Almost as if hewantsto tell you more but isn’t quite sure how?” she asks.

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