Page 120 of Company Ink

"Oh no! That's okay!" I let out a nervous laugh. "Once a week is just fine."

"Once every two days?" she asks eagerly.

I roll my eyes. "Okay, sure."

"Alright, kiddo, we better get going if we want to get to Portland before sundown," Dad says, opening the car door. "Make sure you take pictures at Monique's wedding, okay? I know Simone and Will aren't pleased that we're missing their daughter's big day."

"I will," I say, giving my dad a final peck on the cheek. "Drive safe."

"Always," my mom says, hopping into the passenger's side. "Love you, honey."

I wave at them as they drive away. My father looks back at me, smiling, his eyes crinkled as he mouths 'love you.'

And they're gone.

But it's okay. I'll be okay. I have New York. Ness. And that's all I need right now.

I dangle the keys in my hand. They left me the house. This is crazy. Totally unexpected. But this also means I can get Monique a much,muchbigger wedding present.

I pull out my phone and text Kitty.

Cassie: Wanna go shopping on Friday?

Kitty: Oh, are you talking to me? NICE TO HEAR FROM YOU

Cassie: girl...we talked last week

Kitty: pffft...barely. BTW I have tea

I narrow my eyes. What is she talking about?

Cassie: about who?

Kitty: Guess you'll find out fridaaaaaayyyy

Cassie: Omg... well, I have some news too. Meet me at Nordstrom's at 5?

Kitty: 5:15 (some of us work)

Kitty: ok sorry that was salty... <3

I roll my eyes.

Cassie: see you then, you dick

"Ahh!" Kitty screams, running towards me, the coffee in her hand spilling everywhere.

I cringe as the milky liquid splashes all over the white granite tiles of the cosmetic section of Nordstrom's.

"Kitty, slow down!" Jesus, the disrespect is astounding! If Coco were here, she'd cry.

"I can't! I'm so excited to see you!" Kitty exclaims, swinging her arms around me. Oh my God, did she just get coffee on my cardigan?Don't spaz. Don't spaz.

"It's nice to see you too, Kit," I laugh nervously, peering over my shoulder. Okay, no stains. "How're you doing? How's uh—work?"

Kitty blows a raspberry as she browses the Chanel counter. "Work is freaking crazy right now, Cassie! Mr. Pearson hasn't come out of his office in a week, David's popping Advils like Tic-Tacs, and Mr. Cav—" Her head whips towards me. "He gave his two-weeks-notice a few days ago. Care to explain why? He said he's going back to Spain? What the fuck?! I thought you were together? Why's he leaving?"

Oh shit.