I laugh. I mean, what more can I do?
I check my email quickly to see if I’ve received anything from my professors. I hope this semester will go more smoothly than the last, and maybe I’ll actually enjoy what I’m learning.
I get to work on my latest work assignment, sorting through records to summarize a report for a long-standing custody case where neglect and addiction are involved. It’s only a small peek into the mental toll this job would take.
There’s a rush of air, and Robyn and Marcie squeeze into my office, wearing contagious smiles.
“Hey,” I say, turning and giving them my full attention.
Marcie drops down into the chair beside my desk. “We’ve been dying to ask.” She glances at Robyn. “You’ve got to tell us everything about winning Miss USA.”
“We’re talking reality TV level detail on all of the backstabbing, bitch-slapping, hairspray-on-your-butt-cheeks goods.” Robyn inches closer, her eyes growing wide.
I laugh. “I love you guys.”
“Was it filled with as much drama as the girls on The Bachelor but with a crown?” Marcie asks.
“Anytime you have women vying for the same thing, there’s drama,” I say.
“Tell us everything. We need all the beauty hacks, too,” Robyn clarifies, inching closer.
I lean back in my chair, my mind returning to that time in my life and all of the things I did to make myself stand out—to be exceptional amongst others. I learned a lot about presenting myself and what I stood for.
I realize it wasn’t all a waste. I worked my ass off to make it happen, and no matter what anyone else thinks, I earned it. That is something to be proud of.
I cross my legs and rest back in my chair. “Well, as with most things, it all starts with training.”
Chapter 48
SLADE
“This is not acceptable. She’s denying all calls, and we have nothing to do with this.” Trig cuts a hand through the air. “We’re guilty by association.”
“Yeah, and we like her better. If we have to choose sides, we pick hers.” Wind puts his hands on his hips.
I roll my neck, not needing thisagain. It’s constant with these idiots. They’re worried about Krissy, and I appreciate that, but I can’t handle their drama on top of my own feelings.
“I’m renting one of those planes with the banner that says, ‘We choose you, Krissy.’” Trig moves his hand through the air.
I groan.
“I went by her townhouse this morning and waited for her until she got home. She told me to get lost.” Carson tosses a rag on the workbench.
I shake my head. “Thanks for checking on her.”
“She’s talking to Millie. At least that’s good,” Wind offers.
“Maybe she’ll talk to me,” Luke says.
We all turn to look at him.
He shrugs. “I’m new. I don’t have anything to do with whatever is going on.”
Carson glares at him. “She won’t talk to you. You’re just a kid.”
“Thanks,” I tell Luke. “I’m the one who needs to talk to her.”
“Yeah. We see how well that worked out,” Trig grumbles.
