Residuals (COMPLETED)

Chapter 52: Positive

Detroit, MI: 

"Bitch, how you gonna rush me, and you not even ready?" Ellie teased, slipping into her sleek black heels with a practiced ease. She tossed a playful glare in Lilah's direction, who was still at the vanity, meticulously applying the last touches of her makeup. Lilah, as usual, wasn't one to rush perfection.

Lilah shot her a middle finger, eyes fixed on the mirror. "Looking this good takes time."

Ellie scoffed, smoothing out her skirt as she stood. "And you think looking this good don't take time? Please." She flipped her hair over her shoulder and gave herself an approving look before grabbing her briefcase. Lilah finally stood up, admiring her reflection one last time before following Ellie out of the bedroom.

The morning sun streamed through the half-drawn blinds, casting long shadows across the hardwood floors. The apartment was quiet save for the faint hum of traffic outside. Lilah grabbed her car keys from the counter, her movements purposeful yet slow, like she was buying herself just a few more seconds before the day took full control.

Ellie paused at the door, turning her head slightly as something outside caught her attention. "Girl, is he still here?" Ellie's voice dropped into a whisper, a mix of surprise and disbelief coating her words.

Lilah sighed, her eyes following Ellie's gaze. There, behind her car, was Justin's silver sedan, parked at a slight angle, as if he had pulled in hastily and never really planned to leave. He was slumped in the driver's seat, his head resting against the window.

"Yep. Apparently," Lilah muttered, the heaviness in her chest returning. She knew he'd be there, just like he always was. Lingering, hoping for another chance, another moment where she might let her guard down long enough to let him back in.

Ellie shook her head, her brow furrowed in confusion. "What kinda pussy you give him? 'Cause I ain't sleeping in no car if I don't have to."

Lilah couldn't help but smile despite the tension bubbling inside her. "Shut up," she mumbled, though there was no heat in her voice. The situation was far too complicated for Ellie's flippant remarks to land the way they used to.

"Unlock the door. We got shit to do," Ellie said, already moving toward the passenger side of Lilah's car. Her heels clicked against the pavement, and the sound echoed through the otherwise quiet morning.

Lilah pressed the button on her key fob, unlocking the car doors with a muted beep. She hesitated for a moment, her gaze still fixed on Justin's car. She could see him now, his chest rising and falling in slow, steady breaths, his face softened by sleep. He looked peaceful, but that was a lie. Nothing about this situation was peaceful.

With a heavy sigh, Lilah made her way over to his car, her steps measured, deliberate. She reached his window and tapped lightly on the glass, her fingers leaving small smudges on the surface. Justin stirred at the sound, his eyes fluttering open. He blinked, disoriented for a moment before his gaze settled on her.

For a second, neither of them said anything. The silence stretched between them like an invisible barrier. Then Justin sat up, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. He looked at her, his expression soft, almost boyish in his exhaustion.