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“Thank you, bestie.” She holds up another pair of heels, her eyebrows raised. “Are you sure you aren’t trying to get a boyfriend? These shoes scream sexy, yet dangerous. A ‘take me home and drill me, but if you disappoint me, I’ll stick my stiletto through your skull’ vibe.”
Howling with laughter, I lean against my closet door. “Where do you come up with this stuff?”
“It’s a gift.” Vanessa’s eyes twinkle mischievously. “But seriously, I hope you find the hottest, sweetest guy who falls head over heels in love with you. Maybe you’ll even find him on campus. Stranger things have happened.” She waggles her brows up and down.
Grinning at her, I shake my head. “It’s best I just focus on my goals.”
I’ve had my heart broken. I’m not in any hurry to have it happen again.
Vanessa stands, one of my brown heeled sandals in her hand. Coming over to me, she wraps one arm around me, giving me a gentle squeeze. “Girl, I’m so sorry Ben hurt you. But I’m convinced the next guy you meet will be amazing.” She waves my shoe at me. “Just don’t let that asshole ruin you from putting yourself out there and taking a chance. Okay?”
I nod, not wanting to argue with her about it. I mean, who wouldn’t want to meet someone amazing? But the likelihood of that happening is slim to none.
“For now, I’m focusing on my goals. And my bestie.” I squeeze her to my side, taking my shoe from her hands, then resume unpacking.
“Speaking of goals, did you hear anything yet from the Counseling program?” She sits on my bed, watching me kneel, lining up my shoes by type and color.
Standing up, I walk over to my bed, lightly swatting her arm. “Get your ass off there. I still need to make it.”
She stands as I head to my sheet and comforter set. Turning back to her, I hand her an end. As we work on putting the sheet on, I say, “Not yet. The automatic reply I received after I submitted it said they are in receipt of my application and fee, and that I should hear something around mid to late October.” Grabbing my comforter, I put it on the bed, busying myself so she can’t see how nervous I am.
MVU has a prestigious and rigorous fully accredited Counseling program, consistently nationally ranked. It’s my first choice of college and program and my father’s alma mater.
I really want to get accepted.
“Don’t sweat it, girl. You’ll get in.” Vanessa winks at me, full of confidence. She believes in me more than I do myself at times.
“How about we head out and get that coffee now? I could use one after all the unpacking you made me do,” Vanessa teases.
Laughing, I link my arm with hers. “Let’s roll. Besides, I can’t wait to ride in your new car.” As we walk out the door of our apartment, my eyes scan enviously over her cherry Mazda Miata.
Vanessa locks eyes with me. “It’s a nice car, Irelynn. But that’s all my parents provide—material things.” She takes a deep breath, turning her wistful eyes to mine. “You have no idea how lucky you are to have such wonderfully loving parents who adore you.”
Staring at my best friend, I realize her family situation is bothering her and is the reason our apartment is so clean. But I don’t bring it up, knowing how volatile she can be when you bring up a topic she isn’t ready to discuss.
She’s wrong, though. I know how lucky I am to have such amazing parents.
But she has one thing that I no longer have.
A brother.
Chapter three
Irelynn
August25,2018,1:30p.m.
“It’s a beauty. I love cruising in it.” Vanessa is back to her normal bubbly self as she opens the driver’s door of the Miata, then slides behind the wheel.
The new car scent hits me when I open the passenger door. Pausing, I inhale deeply, relishing the scent. “What was wrong with your other car?” Sliding onto the plush seat, I reach behind me, pulling the seatbelt across my torso and fastening it.
Vanessa checks her hair and makeup in the rearview mirror, sliding her sunglasses on before she backs out of the parking space. “Nothing. This is the only good thing about the divorce. Dad felt guilty for leaving so I got a brand-new car instead of an apology for vanishing from our lives.”
“So, you haven’t heard from him?” My face is full of sympathy as I study her through my sunglasses. Vanessa shakes her head, checking to make sure it’s clear before pulling onto the road.
“Nope. Not since he announced he filed for divorce and left with the busty model, Tameka, on his arm.” Her head turns toward mine, then back to the road. “Did I tell you she is twenty years younger than him?” Her hands clench around the steering wheel, knuckles turning white. “And only four years older than me.”
“Ugh. I’m so sorry. For all of it.” Reaching over, I gently squeeze her arm, offering my support.
