Page 64 of Foul Territory

I shake my head. “We haven’t talked since last night.” I doubt he sent me a private message today but I pick up my phone to check anyway. “Oh my God,” I say, looking at my notifications.

“What?” Lauren asks and comes to stand beside me. “Did he write you?”

“No. I have an email from that company I was telling you about in North Carolina.” I scan over the email. My excitement level is rising as the enormity of this moment begins to sink in. “Not only did they answer all my questions but they want me to come out there after graduation.”

“They offered you a job?”

“Yes. A paid internship. I can learn everything I need to start my own beauty line from one of the best brands in the business.”

“That’s good, right?”

“I think so. They want to have a meeting next week.”

“Can we jump on the bed and scream in excitement now?” she asks.

I grab her hand and haul her up onto Hart’s bed. It’s been months since we’ve had a reason to do our celebration ritual of jumping on the bed and screaming.

Not since we had our first thousand dollar night at Ray’s and then again a few months later when Lauren lost her virginity. That was mainly me because I was so excited for Lauren and Hart to finally be together.

Suddenly, in the middle of our shouting, the door flies open, slamming against the wall. Nash, Hart, and a shirtless Koa come barreling into the room. I know this is his house but clothing should be a requirement not a suggestion.

“Is everything okay in here? We heard you screaming,” Nash says, concern etching his brow.

“Why are you jumping on the bed?” Koa asks, through a clenched jaw. His stare is so severe I almost fall over. I have to lean on Lauren to keep my balance.

Lauren and I keep hopping around but save them from our screaming. “Celebrating,” Lauren answers.

“The party is downstairs,” Hart says.

“We aren’t celebrating Nash.” I stop jumping and hop off the bed. Lauren followsbehind me.

“Hey,” Nash exclaims, mocking offense.

“I heard back from Blooming Beauty Co.,” I tell Nash.

“And…” he says, encouraging me to spill my news.

“They want me to come work for them. They said they loved all my ideas and can’t wait to hear more. We’re meeting next week. Well, we will be once I write them back, which I’ll do before I go downstairs.”

Nash pulls me into his arms. “I’m really proud of you. I’m going to miss you next year,” he says, releasing me. “It’s not going to be the same here without you.”

“Nothing is official yet,” I remind him.

“I don’t know, that email looked pretty official to me,” Lauren claims.

“Don’t sell yourself short, Syd. You’ve worked your ass off for this. We’ll have to celebrate both of us tonight. I’m going to go downstairs but I’m saving my first shot for you,” Nash says, giving me one last hug. “You coming?” he asks Koa as he passes him.

“In a minute. I need to grab a shirt.”

“We’re going too. See you down there.” Lauren grabs Hart’s hand and leads him toward the door.

“Why don’t we make them leave and we stay? It’s my room,” Hart says, as he walks into the hallway.

Koa hasn’t said much since he stormed through the door. I’m not entirely sure why he’s still here. I let out a sigh when he turns toward the door to leave. Except he doesn’t walk out. He closes it instead.

“Where are you going?” he asks with his head resting against the wood door.

“What do you mean?”