Page 19 of Rescuing Kaye

“Out?” My brows scrunch together.

“Yeah, to the pier?” Carmen looks at me, then at Barbi. “Rosalie wants to try San Francisco’s famous clam chowder.”

“Sounds good.” Barbi rocks back and forth in agreement.

“And…” The timbre of Carmen’s voice changes; takes on a tone I know all too well. She’s up to no good.

“And what?”

“Well, there’s the four of us and four Guardians…”

“Oh my God!” Barbi squeals. “You’re playing matchmaker?” She squirms on the bed. “Please tell me you’re playing matchmaker. Alec is too hot for words, and Kaye and Zeb seem to be hitting it off.”

“Really?” Carmen gives me a look. “You and Zeb?”

“Just talking. Although Barbi’s already got us twisting the sheets.”

“You totally want to twist those sheets with Zeb.” Barbi reaches for me, tickling me in the ribs.”

I squirm and leap off the bed.

“And Barbi’s got the hots for Alec.” Carmen isn’t one to miss an opportunity. She pokes Barbi in the ribs, tickling her until Barbi squirms and giggles. They fall back in a pile, teasing, tickling, poking, and generally having fun, while I look on from a distance.

I’ll miss this.

I gaze around the room, taking in the sight of my friends. Their laughter is honest and carefree. When I head to my apartment at UC Davis, these are the things I’m going to miss.

My mother used to tell me the only thing constant in this unpredictable world is that change will always be a part of it. I’ll always have Barbi and Carmen in my life, but I may not always have this.

A soft knock on the door catches my attention. Rosalie stands timidly in the doorway, her eyes wide. She hangs back at the threshold, cautious and unsure. One look at her and I know she feels awkward, like an outsider. I beckon her inside to come and join us.

Barbi and Carmen are too engrossed in their tickle fight to notice Rosalie’s arrival, but I go to her and fold her into a hug.

She nervously looks around the room, like she doesn’t belong. Behind me, Barbi and Carmen playfully shout at each other about all the things a Guardian is good at in bed.

SIX

Kaye

Glancing at Barbi and Carmen,I tug on Rosalie’s arm. The two of them are in rare form. Barbi says something lewd and lascivious about Rafe. Carmen screams.

Not a real scream. It’s more of aI-Can’t-Believe-You-Said-Thatkind of scream.

“This can go on for hours.” I keep my tone light, teasing, and inclusive.

It’s my goal to help make Rosalie feel welcome and a part of our zany crew. That, however, can be hard when trying to break into a friendship as thick as the one between Carmen, Barbi, and me.

Still, I’m hopeful this is the start of something new and special. I love Carmen, and Rosalie is a big piece of what makes Carmen the woman she is. There are cultural barriers between us, but I’m sure time will break all of those down.

“Has Carmen given you the full tour?”

“Two rooms upstairs. Jack-n-Jill bathroom. Living room, kitchen, and dining room down here, and of course, Barbi’s room.” Rosalie blinks and shakes her head. “I mean yours and Barbi’s room.”

I eagerly grab her arm and guide her down the hall.

“Well, let me give you the real tour. Carmen left off the best parts.” I drag her into the hallway. “What happened to the Guardians?”

“They got called in. Left a few minutes ago. Hayes said Forest is going to come by to take watch.”

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