I laughed. “Money management skills?”
“Yes,” she said seriously. “Because love is cute, but bills still exist. But back to the matter at hand. If you go missing, I’ma put ‘Find My iPhone’ on repeat and roll up with a frying pan.”
“I’ll keep my location on for you,” I promised, appreciating her commitment to my safety.
“You better! And send me the address, too! As a matter of fact, send me a picture of him when you get there. Actually, no—send me three pictures. One of him, one of the place, and one of you holding a newspaper so I know it’s current,” she added, her desire for caution unfolding in her wild suggestions.
I shook my head, chuckling despite the knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. “Lainey, you’re ridiculous.”
“I’m prepared!” she shot back with a laugh. “If you're still nervous when you go, lead with this advice. If it smells crazy when you get there… you leave. If it feels illegal… youdefinitelyleave. If somebody pulls out a gun—”
“I’m running before they even finish pulling it out!” I finished, our shared laughter creating a momentary bubble of normalcy.
As the laughter faded, her tone softened again, and the sincerity returned.
“All jokes aside, just follow your heart, boo. You’ve been carrying a lot by yourself,” she said, squeezing my hand gently. “And if this is a real opportunity, you at least owe it to yourself to hear it out.”
I exhaled slowly. “That’swhat scares me.”
Why?” she asked, her brow furrowing slightly.
“Because if it actually works, my life could change overnight,” I confessed, the weight of possibility looming large. Lainey nodded slowly, her eyes thoughtful.
“Sometimes that’s exactly how it happens. Just remember who you’re doing this for. It’s for Kyrin… not for any man, not for any fast money just to blow it. You stay focused.”
“I will,” I assured her.
“And wear something cute but practical,” she added, a grin creeping onto her face. “You never know… this could be your last day of freedom; you might as well look good in the mugshot.”
I laughed. “You’re not helping.”
“Girl, I’m keeping you sane,” she declared, giving my hand a final squeeze. “Just… be careful.”
I will.