Page 44 of Pretty Savages

He frowns, but doesn't say anything. I go to lift my suitcase but he slaps my hand away, instead lifting it himself and carrying it up the pathway and into the house. I follow suit, smiling as I spot Carmen.

"Hi babe," I say, watching her face turn into a horrified expression.

"I'm not going to ask," she responds, staring at the bruise.

I nod, chuckling. "Probably the best option."

"Is that Rylee?" I hear Jasmine yell from the kitchen. Footsteps follow and she flings herself around the corner. Her face copies my other two roommates, before her mouth drops and she holds up a hand.

"Right. Not even going to ask."

I can't help but laugh. It's a little bit funny. God, I've missed these fuckers.

I stand heading into the kitchen, pleased to find it's not burned down. The three of them follow me in, Jeremy last after putting my stuff in my room.

"So," I say, giving them all a grin. "Pancakes?"

I messaged Tara when I got back and organized some shifts, but I was still keen for a drink and to see them. After spending the afternoon hanging out at home, I decided to head to Febri's in person.

It's packed – one of the usual busy nights, when I enter.

Behind the bar, I spot Mike serving customers. I head towards him, waiting for him to notice me.

"Ayyy. Here's trouble," he says, giving me a wink.

"Miss me?" I ask with a laugh.

He pretends to think, shaking his head, before cracking up laughing. "Of course. How was your trip back home?"

I ignore the comment abouthomeand think of the most simplest answer possible.

"It was fine."

I've borrowed some makeup from Jasmine and managed to hide the bruise on my face. I don't need people asking questions at work, especially customers. My stomach is also bruised, but thankfully it's hidden with my shirt.

Mike starts bopping along to the music, while grinning at me. He's such a vibe and I love it. I can't help but grin at his energy.

"Do you want a drink?" he asks.

I nod eagerly. "God, yes. Whiskey sour. In a bucket, preferably."

He throws his head back with a laugh. "You got it."

I motion to the back. "I'm just going to go see Tara."

Mike gives me the thumbs up as he starts making my drink. I slip behind the bar, heading to the office door. It's closed, but I give a quick knock and start to push it open.

"Whoa!" comes two panicked voices.

Wait… two?

I pull the door back closed, my hand still perched in shock on the door handle. I can hear shuffling and whispering voices from inside the office, and I look around, wandering if I should make a break for it.

Before I can, the door opens, revealing a semi-dishevelled Tara.

"Rylee, it's good to see you, doll. I wasn't expecting you," she says, blocking my view from the room.

I bite my lip, trying to hide a grin. "Sorry. I just came in for a drink and to say hi. I'll, uh, leave you to it?"

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