Page 96 of The Destruction You Desire

"Okay, thank you." I hang up with excitement tingling in my belly at the prospect of doing something as normal as getting my hair done.

I jump from the bed with more energy than I've had in a long time and throw myself in the shower before dressing in clothes that aren't leggings and an oversized hoodie.

I pull my hair up into a messy bun and quickly do my makeup and put Mom's necklace on, holding it between my fingers for a few seconds.

"I'm more than ready to go when my cell buzzes a couple of minutes later letting me know that they're on their way and that they're bringing coffee. Could they be any more awesome?

I grab a cereal bar from the kitchen and head out right as they pull up outside the house.

Letty leaves the engine running but shoves the door open and practically flies at me, tackling me into a bear hug that I was not expecting.

"Whoa."

"I'm so sorry about your sister," she says, finally releasing me. "But I'm so glad you're back."

"Why? What have I missed?"

"Oh, just some stubborn-ass football player who needs you."

I roll my eyes at just how fast she's managed to bring him up.

"He's driving me insane with his pity party."

"Come on you two, I haven’t called in this favor for us to be late."

"Let's go. We've got the perfect morning planned for you."

"You had like thirty minutes notice," I say, following her to the car and climbing in the back.

"Ella is nothing if not resourceful."

"Facts," Ella agrees. "Good to have you back, Peyton. Sorry about your sister."

"Thank you. Everything looks good right now. We'll just have to see if she can stay clean."

"Luc said she's got a rehab place ready for when she gets out."

"She does. Fingers crossed she'll accept the help."

"That little boy deserves it," Letty says with a smile.

"He sure does."

"Luca is dying to meet him but he wanted to wait for you."

"I appreciate that. He doesn't need any more upheaval. So where are we going?" I ask, changing the subject.

"Just wait and see."

They both turn the conversation to things I missed while being away. The parties they've been to and the classes I haven’t attended.

I sit back and listen, beyond grateful that I'm not listening to nurses or doctors talking in medical jargon.

"Whoa, this place looks… expensive," I say when Letty pulls into a parking lot of an exclusive-looking hotel and spa.

"Yep. We're taking our job this morning seriously," Ella says with a wink.

"I'm not sure I can afford anything in this place."