Surviving the Teenage Dream Teaser

“Miss Bella, would you mind if I go to Starbucks next door to get some coffee?” Steve asked. “I didn’t get much sleep last night.”

“Is everything okay? It’s not Jacob, is it?” I replied, panicking slightly. I gripped his arm, my fear coursing through me and causing my stomach to turn.

“No, Miss Bella,” Steve replied, putting his hand on my shoulder. “I was just late talking to a friend. She needed some advice.”

“A girlfriend?” I asked, shooting him a look. He shook his head, blushing slightly. Based off his reaction, his friend was a girl who he did have feelings for. I smiled encouragingly, reaching for my purse. “Well, I should be fine. Here, get me a caramel macchiato and a blueberry scone.” I handed him some money. He waved me off, getting up from his seat and leaving the waiting room. I turned back to the document, skimming what I had written previously, hoping to get some inspiration. Unfortunately, I was just as uninspired as I was before.

Steve came back with our coffees and my scone. He settled down next to me. “Here you go, Miss Bella,” he said, handing me my drink. He took a hefty swig of his drink, sighing deeply. “Mana from heaven, I tell you.”

“How late were you up?” I asked, teasing him slightly.

“I went to bed around three in the morning,” he grimaced. “My friend was freaking out about classes that they’re taking in the fall. It’s a heavy course load. Not to mention, they’re transferring to a new school.”

“That sounds exciting,” I chuckled.

“It is,” he smiled. “And I spent most of the night telling my friend the same thing, but they were still freaking out.”

“Perhaps you could share some of your good advice to Kyra,” I said. “She’s been a hot mess since her high school graduation. She’s growing up and she’s in denial that she’s growing up.”

“She’s getting a gift that most college freshman would dream of,” Steve said. “I lived in the dorms with two guys who hated to shower and would leave pizzas on the ground until they could walk away on their own. I scrounged up as much money as I could and moved out when I was junior. I lived in a tiny studio apartment in a really shitty part of town, but it was mine and I was able to be as anal as I wanted.”

“That sounds so disgusting,” I shuddered. “I was lucky in the roommate department during college. Ugh, not showering?”

“It was foul,” he grimaced. “Now, with Kyra and her apartment, how is she going to afford the bills and such?”

“Kyra is going to still be my personal assistant when she’s home for breaks and work at Whitlock when she’s able. She’ll still get paid. Additionally, we’re going to help her, too. With Jacob still being on the loose, having her in a secured apartment with a doorman is the best option.”

“What happens if Jacob gets caught?” Steve asked. “Will Kyra still live in the apartment?”

“Yes. And it’s not an apartment. It’s a condo. Real estate is a good investment,” I snickered. “Besides, when she moves out, we can rent it out.”