Page 98 of Palm South University: Season 2

“Not today. Let’s just shop, okay?”

Sighing, I nod. “Okay. Deal.”

The same yellow taxi cab pulls in and we climb inside, the leather seats sticking to the back of my thighs just a bit. Folding my hands in my lap, I shake my head, still unable to stop smiling. The last eight months of my life have been ruled by monsters, and now, finally, I’m free of their claws. Finally, I can be me again—Ashlei Daniels—sister, friend, girlfriend.

My smile falters at that last thought.Hopefullygirlfriend. Now that Xavier is behind me, I can focus on Bo and what comes next for us. As much as I’ve been through this semester, I’ve dragged Bo through the gutter with me. I convinced her to have that threesome when it was clear she was only doing it for me, and now, the consequences of my selfishness have stolen her smile that I loved so much.

Jess helped me rid myself of one demon, but now it’s up to me to chase away the other one still lurking around. I’m going to make it right. I have to.

“Ready?” Jess asks me when the cab comes to a stop in front of the food court. She reaches a few twenties over the seat into the cabbie’s hand before turning to me with a reassuring smile.

Taking a deep breath, I nod. “Ready.”