Page 107 of Chasing Hope

Cindy is the girl that walks into a room and lights it up. She’s bubbly, vivacious, and has such sass that you know you’re always going to be in for a night of entertainment, but I’ve never seen such despair before. The saying, the ones who smile the most are the ones who hide their feelings, rings through my mind. But what could have made her that sad?

Cindy’s eyes widen, her free hand snapping out to grip Layla’s wrist. “Oh my fucking god, please tell me you finished the book.”

And that’s my cue to tune them out.

The girls are already roping me into this whole book club thing, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to finish the one they assigned themselves this month with only a week left until they meet to discuss it. I opted to read the next book, which apparently is a cowboy romance. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited, though. The way the girls talk about their books is so entertaining, I know I’m in for a good ride.

I lift my glass and take a sip, the alcohol going down smoothly and settling the lingering nerves from earlier. Is drinking the best idea for me right now? Probably not, but here I am.

My phone buzzes in my purse, the vibration felt along my hip. As Cindy fans herself while Layla recounts the spicy scenes, I quickly scan my notifications, an excited thrill shooting through me once I see I’ve been added to another group chat.

CALLING FOR A HOT DISPATCHER

ANGEL

congratulations bitch

you passed our tests

welcome to the best group chat in Denver

fair warning, sexual content and foul language ahead

TRISTAN

you fucking kill me

KALANI

can’t wait to meet the Evie Ellington

thank you for smashing his car. was well overdue in my opinion

EVIE

happy to be of service ;)

TRISTAN

drinks next week?

I have tea on Elevator Man

EVIE

count me in, I need to know who Elevator Man is

ANGEL

get ready for the story of a lifetime

Elevator Man even had my jaw on the floor

and that’s hard to do

TRISTAN

true