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Because right now—I would probably do just that.
A minute later, I was at the bottom of the stairs. I looked up at the darkened apartment and sighed. “Goodbye, home. Thank you for taking good care of me for so long,” I whispered to my tiny apartment. “Please, take care of Stefan while he sleeps. And when he wakes up.” A dry lump formed in my throat as my eyes grew watery. I didn't have time to be all sappy. I had to get out of here.
I hurried as fast as I could to my crappy little brown car and opened the trunk. I stuffed my things inside and shoved it closed. The night was cool and dark. Sirens screamed in the near distance and horns honked. I'd miss this place. A lot.
No, it wasn't perfect. But it was relatively quiet. For a rental place in a not-so-great part of town.
I opened my door and slid behind the wheel. “Please, crappy little brown car. Start for me. Please?” I expected it to give me some trouble. Why wouldn't it?
But—for the first time in forever—it started on the first try. “Good crappy little car. Thank you.” I backed up and slowly rolled out of the parking lot, practically holding my breath. Hoping against hope that Stefan didn't wake up and see me. I managed to get out onto the front street and signaled right. As I crept onto the road, I pulled out my phone, turned it back on, and hit the number I knew I needed to call.
She picked up after two rings. “Hello?” a groggy, beautiful voice answered. Sheesh. Even her voice was gorgeous.
“Hi, Giselle. It's Francesca. I need you to do me a favor and go pick up Stefan.”
Holy COW!!