"Youβre safe, chica. Go let the afternoon be kind to you."
Maryann stepped forward on impulse and hugged him, quick and careful not to crease his tie. "Thank you," she whispered. "Like, for real."
He patted her shoulder. "For real," he echoed. "Now go."
Skye hooked her arm through Maryannβs and steered them toward the elevators with the brisk joy of a girl who has a mission and an unlimited credit line.
"Whatβs on your mind, Skye?"
"Emilio must love you a whole lot."
Maryann laughed at it. "Love?"
The elevator dinged. They stepped in. Skye pulled out her phone. "First photo check-in." Maryann straightened and lifted her chin. Skye snapped the pic. "There she is."
The doors slid open into the lobby. Air, sunlightβthe world felt a shade friendlier. Skye squeezed Maryannβs arm.
"Ready?"
"Like, so ready!"
Enjoy! πXoxoπ
Lara Lynn
WasJoenowImAlexandra
2025-08-30 21:37:59 +0000 UTC