Page 100 of Property of Yak

How are we friends again?

Me

I’ve wondered for a long time. Doesn’t change the fact I love you, though.

Liz

Back at you.

For a moment, I contemplate telling her to ditch out of work early and to come hang out with me, but I decide against it. I know it would take zero convincing to do it, but I don’t want to encourage her to do something she shouldn’t.

No, I can spend the day by myself. Doing…something.

“You out of here early, Julie?” Simone asks, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“I am. Do you have time to walk me to my car?”

She nods. “Let’s go.”

I step outside and take a deep breath. The cold air cuts right through me, and I can’t help but wrap my jacket around me tighter as I make my way to my car.

Simone follows me, keeping her eye out for any danger. Once I’m at my car, she waves to me. “Have a good day.”

“You too.”

When I get inside and turn it on, I shiver.

“It’s brutal out there,” I mumble to myself.

Pulling up the forecast, I see that we are in for a doozy later this week, and an idea starts to form.

Since I’ve been with Yak, I haven’t taken any time for myself to do some of the things I love. Like cooking and baking.

Putting my car in drive, I head to the store to grab all the supplies I need. I grab things for cookies, brownies, breakfast bites, and soup. Once I have everything, I head home and unload the groceries.

After changing, I start to put things away when my phone buzzes.

Yak

Everything okay? You’re home early.

Me

I’m fine. Mr. VanDuran let me have the day off while he’s in court.

Yak

Damn, if I would have known, I wouldn’t have agreed to work.

I laugh softly at the word “work.” Sure he’s working, just not in the traditional sense.

Me

It’s fine. Just make sure you’re safe.

Yak

Always. Let me know if you need me.