Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
“He’ll do anything to protect me.”
The doorbell rings before he can say another word. I’m starving and more than happy the food has arrived. I’m glad when he brings it right over for us to tear into it. Digging in, I bank my questions for later.
“Hey, do you know any hot girls or someplace to hang to meet some?”
I chuckle. “Yeah, I’ve got you. My friend owns a bar. We can head over tonight.”
“Cool. Cool. It’s been a while since I’ve had a good fuck buddy.”
Chapter 14
Dreams
Shawna
Two months later…
Darn it, I need to find a job. If I don’t, my mother is going to drive me crazy. I don’t want to work for her. I love my mom, but that’s not what I want.
I’ve applied for a few traveling jobs, then called the contacts Joshua gave me and have been holding my breath since. I rush to the basket at the front of the house and grab my stack of mail before I head out the front door. This job thing has been a huge topic of interest for my parents.
Personally, I’m tired of talking about it. My mother thinks I’m too shy to land a job and my father wants to call in favors to keep me from having to work for what I want. I want to do this on my own.
“I’m tired of being babied,” I murmur to myself as I place my car in drive.
My dream job would be to go on safari and take photos of the lands and wildlife. One of Josh’s connections had a gig where I’d get to live with a tribe and do just that.
It’s been a month. I don’t think I’ll hear from them. Since I’m going to Cancun with Ven and her assholes, I can at least avoid my parents for a week while I figure something out.
“Hello,” I say as I answer the call coming in as I drive.
“Hey,” Ven sings back. “Where are you? What are you up to?”
“I’m on my way to the mall to pick some things up for the trip. What’s up?”
“Wait, you’re going shopping without me?”
“I figured you were busy. I didn’t want to be a bother.”
“You’re kidding, right? Where are you going to shop? I’ll meet you there.”
I laugh. My cousin can shut a store down with her shopping. I should have known she’d want to shop with me.
“I’m pulling into Vander Mall now.”
“Cool, I’ll be there in ten.”
“Okay, I’ll wait in my car. I’m in aisle C.”
“Got it. See you soon.”
She hangs up as I place my car in park. I reach for my mail to sift through. My hands start to shake when I get to the big navy-blue envelope with silver writing on it. The name of the company for the job in Africa is printed boldly in the top left-hand corner.
I toss all the other mail aside and open this one. Pulling the folder from inside and opening it, I squeal. It’s a job offer. They want me to be one of their photographers. I look at the salary offer and nearly pass out.
“Oh my God,” I breathe.
I pick up my phone, ready to call Josh to thank him. I wouldn’t have had this opportunity without him. I go to dial but jump out of my skin when a tap comes at the window.
“What’s up with you, scaredy-cat?” Ven says as she opens my driver’s side door.
I place a hand over my chest as I look back at her. I guess it’s better if I don’t call Josh. I promised myself not to get in my head about having his number.
Nothing will ever happen between us. He’s way out of my league. He’s nice to me because of Ven. That’s all.
“I got a job,” I squeal.
“Yes, I knew you would,” she says and does a little dance for me.
I laugh and step out of the car. She wraps her arms around my waist. I embrace her to squeeze her back. I wouldn’t have had this opportunity without her friend’s help. It was only a phone number, but a phone number I wouldn’t have had.
“Let’s get you some new work outfits.”
“Oh, wait,” I say and pout.
“What?”
“This means I can’t go to Cancun. I’ll be in Africa.”
“Girl, forget about me and my crazy friends. You take your butt to Africa and get your bag. We’re good.”
“I love you, Ven.”
“I adore you, Shawnnie. I’m so freaking proud of you.”
Kelex
“This is the house you want to buy? In this neighborhood? Come on, you can’t be serious. I have shoes from better zip codes. Why are you looking at this place?” Jeff gripes as he looks around like he sees something nasty.
“Dude.” I laugh. “It’s not as bad as you’re making it. It’s nothing like the estate I grew up in, but it’s a nice place for now.”