Fireworks 1 and 2

Chapter Twenty-One

    "Welcome to YOLO estate," a deep, husky voice greeted over the intercom.

    Mia and Bri exchanged looks.

    Bri could barely contain her excitement. "Have I told you lately what an amazing friend you are?" she asked as Mia changed gears from Park to Drive. Mia drove the car rental through the tall, ornate gates as they opened. The driveway was long and winding, flanked by trees and a well-manicured lawn.

    Bri had both of her hands pressed on the passenger side window as she gazed at the property. "Oh my God," she breathed.

    Mia knew what she meant. That mantra of dying and going to heaven? They were living it right here and now. She'd never seen grass this green, or cut this perfectly. She pulled the car in front of the front doors of the large Tudor-style manor that loomed over them. A thick bodied, dark skinned man stood at the foot of the steps in front of the large house. He had his hands clasped in front of him.

    "That's the guy who's going to make sure we don't steal anything," Bri predicted.

    Mia rolled her eyes and swatted her friend on the arm.

    The man walked around their car and stopped at Mia's window. As soon as she rolled down the window, he asked, "Are you Mia?"

    She nodded.

    "I go by the name of Spoons. You can leave your car parked here. One of the boys will park it in the garage. You both can come with me."

    Mia hooked a thumb over her shoulder. "I have bags in the back..."

    "We'll bring them in for you," Spoons informed her.

    "All right," she said, unbuckling her seatbelt and glancing warily over at Bri.

    Bri took out her cell phone.

    "What are you doing?" Mia asked her.

    "Texting my mama in case we're never heard from again," Bri muttered as she typed out a text message.

    Mia laughed and opened the driver side door. She stepped out of the car and breathed in the warm, California air. The sun blazed brightly off in the distance, looking larger than life. "I don't know if I've ever seen land look as beautiful as this," she said with a shake of her head. "It's...inspiring."

    "I hope you enjoy your stay here," Spoons said, closing the door for her.

    She jumped at the sound of the slamming car door.

    Bri stood out of the car and stretched her long legs. "For me to enjoy my stay, all I need is a bed. And maybe a churro. Yeah, definitely a churro."

    Mia nervously smoothed down her hair as she followed Spoons around the front of the car. He escorted them into the front foyer of the house, which could have fit a few living rooms in it. She kept reminding herself not to look impressed, but she couldn't help it. The interior decorating in this area alone was tastefully rich with color and accents.

    Spoons turned to face them suddenly, making them stop in their tracks. He gestured as he spoke. His thick arms bulged beneath the short sleeves of his black t-shirt. "May I please have your cell phones?"

    Bri frowned and held her cell phone to her chest. "Excuse me?"

    "It's a precaution," he explained. "We can't have unauthorized video of Drake's house, Drake, or any of his associates floating around out there."

    Bri shot a glance at her friend. "Drake expects me to give up my phone? Bish, whet?"

    "Over time, your phones will be returned," Spoons informed them. "You have to remember that we are still getting to know you. Work with me and after a while, you'll get your phones back."