My boy / Drew Starkey

40

Mila

Once Madison came back, we ordered one last round of margaritas, letting the ice melt slightly as we sat back and let the night settle around us. The bar had started to empty out, the energy shifting from loud and chaotic to something softer, calmer.

"We should probably call it," Madison said, stretching her arms above her head. "Big day tomorrow."

I nodded, but my mind was already on my day off after that. One day of freedom. One day to breathe. One day to spend with Corey, to shake off everything that had been weighing me down. Maybe we could do something with everyone—go out, have fun, make it feel normal again. But then my stomach twisted. Did that mean I had to invite Drew? Would it be weird if I didn't? Would it be worse if I did?

I pushed the thought away. I didn't want to think about him right now.

After settling the bill, Madison and I stepped outside, the cool Charleston air sobering me up just enough to remind me that I still had something to do before I could call it a night.

Milo was already waiting by my car, leaning against it with his arms crossed, a knowing smirk on his face. He extended his hand toward me without a word, silently asking for my keys.

"Hi, Milo," I greeted, grinning as I handed them over.

"Would you prefer your car or the big one?" he asked, tilting his head.

I rolled my eyes. "My car is fine," I muttered, making my way toward his.

He chuckled, pocketing my keys before falling into step beside me. "Suit yourself."

The ride to the airport was filled with our usual back-and-forth—me trying to tease Milo, him throwing it right back. It was easy, effortless, and exactly what I needed to take the edge off. Somewhere between his sarcastic remarks and my half-drunken giggles, I felt a little lighter.

Corey texted just as we were pulling onto the tarmac. Just landed. See you in a sec.

Perfect timing.

Milo pulled up right in front of the private jet, and before he could even put the car in park, I was already reaching for the door handle.

"Jesus, Mila," he muttered. "At least let the thing stop moving."

I ignored him, jumping out just as Corey appeared at the top of the stairs. The second he spotted me, his face broke into the biggest grin.

I didn't care that I was probably breaking some kind of airport protocol. I didn't care that Milo was groaning behind me. I ran straight for him, and Corey didn't hesitate, hurrying down the stairs to meet me halfway.

The second I reached him, I jumped into his arms, and he caught me effortlessly, holding me tight.

"Finally," I breathed, my face buried in his shoulder.

"Finally," he echoed, squeezing me before setting me down. His hands stayed on my arms as he looked at me, eyes scanning my face. "You look tired."

I groaned, pulling back. "First thing you say to me? Really?"

He laughed. "You know what I mean."

I sighed. "Yeah. Long week."

"Well, good thing I'm here now," he said, throwing an arm around my shoulders. "Time to fix whatever mess you've gotten yourself into."

I smiled, leaning into him. "You're in for it."

Corey tossed his bag into the back of Milo's car before sliding in beside me. As soon as the door shut, he turned to me, one eyebrow raised.