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A/N: Highly recommended to read collab chapters part 1 & 2 on Natural Disaster / Aura by inhalingindigo 💜
part 3 of collab 🩵
| Day 83 out of 3652 |
After what felt like forever, I was finally back with Raelle and Dominic in Atlanta. I'd arrived on Friday and was heading back Monday night. Today was Sunday, meaning we had just one more day to live it up before returning to reality. Since we've been here, Dominic and Raelle have gone above and beyond to care for Carlos and me, ensuring we didn't lift a finger. We were in the presidential suite, a sweet reminder of what life used to be. I didn't even have to ask; they always offered to help. It felt strange, almost too much, but I couldn't deny the warmth that came with their generosity. I'd probably apologized for saying thank you every five minutes, but I couldn't help it. The gratitude was real.
After my morning shower, I wrapped myself in the hotel robe, the fabric soft against my skin. As soon as I stepped out, my phone started to ring, and I already knew it was Chris. I nearly slipped on the slick marble floor in my hurry to grab my phone, the excitement bubbling inside me. I couldn't wait to hear his voice.
We spoke for a bit, and I updated him on the trip so far and everything that went down at the club. The memories were still fresh, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the chaos of it all. I know Raelle was getting her back blown last night.
"Atlanta is so beautiful, babe. I can't wait until we can experience it together," I say, my voice laced with excitement. "We visited the Coca-Cola Factory, checked out the CNN building, and had some of the best soul food I've ever tasted. Oh, and we went to the Black History Museum, it was amazing. I just kept thinking how much better it would've been if you were here with me."
"Me too, baby." Chris' voice was warm, filled with that comforting familiarity that made my heart ache. I could almost see his smile through the phone, the one I desperately wanted to get lost in. "But I'm glad you're having fun," He added, and I could hear the genuine happiness in his tone, even if we were miles apart.
"I'm having a lot of fun," I say, nibbling on my lip. "Except I don't think Rae's best friend Dreka likes me." I admit with a hint of frustration. Since I've arrived, Dreka has thrown nothing but subliminal shots my way. It feels like she's crafted this narrative in her head that I'm using Raelle and Dominic, which is the last thing I want or would ever do.
"You don't need her ass to like you," Chris replies, his defensive tone coming through. "Rae likes you, and that's all that matters. You're there for her, not her little friend. That's what y'all be saying, right?" He chuckles at the last part, clearly trying to lighten the mood.
"I mean, I don't need her to like me, but I don't want her to dislike me," I say honestly. "She had the audacity to say you were locked up for fraud, almost implying I was using them. It took everything in me not to punch her in the lip."
