Nova Baker

3.

"Sometimes you don't realize how empty you've been until someone walks in and fills the silence without even trying."
— Nova Baker

Looking down at my phone, I stared at the last message I'd sent Chris.

"Hey, just checking in... everything good? You want company?"

The only response I got was short and cold:

"Not now. I'll text you later."

I whispered it out loud, the words tasting colder than I expected. I wasn't even asking for much — just to know he was okay. But I guess even that was too much.

I had been up early. Today wasn't supposed to be about overthinking or reaching out to people who clearly didn't want to be reached. I had plans. I was meeting Darnell later this afternoon — around three. It was nothing serious. Just a second conversation with someone who'd made the first one feel... easy.

Right now though, I was at Spencer's job — this cozy little café tucked in the heart of Beverly Hills — sitting with him and Olivia while he wiped down the counter and refilled the salt and pepper shakers.

"Wait, Jordan ended practice?" Olivia asked, raising a brow as she stirred her drink.

"Yep," Spencer replied, passing her a fresh lemonade before handing me my usual. "The vibe between him and y'all's pops is wild right now. Coach is clearly goin' soft on him — guilt probably got him in a chokehold."

"And Jordan's pushing it, like always," Olivia said, shaking her head. "Trying to see how far he can go before someone checks him."

"Surprise, surprise," I murmured, sipping slowly, letting their back-and-forth just fade into the background.

Their voices drifted as I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I pulled it out quickly, hoping — just a little — that maybe Chris had responded.

But it wasn't him.

It was Darnell.

Still good for 6?

I blinked at the screen before a small smile crept across my lips.

Yes. I'll see you at 6, Darnell.

I locked the phone just as fast, slipping it back in my pocket before anyone noticed.

Sitting with twins at the kitchen island listening to Jordan and Olivia go back and forth was going to drive me nutts. "Hey Liv and Nova I have something I think would be really good for the both of you" she said setting her tablet in front of the both of "In fact, It has you written all over it." leaning in and looking at her device "Sola Muse?" I asked looking at mom, "What is this?" she asked 

"They help you develop you leadership skills and do philanthropic work in the  community,  and it would look really good on your college applications." she said smiling at the both of us, Looking unsure about this knowing I'm not big on people that much, but look at my mom I wanted to make her happy "Yea, I'll um give it  shot mom" I said nodding  "Great, and the best part is there is a cotillion at the end of the year to celebrate your efforts" 

"Wait, wait, wait. Oh, wait. Nova AND Olivia at a cotillion... maybe Nova but Olivia, you mean like debutantes and gowns and the little white gloves? oh man! this gonna be good" he laughed rolling my eyes at Jordan. "Yea I dont-- I dont know mom. " She said too her "Im still not seeing the part that has me written all over it." 

"Come one. community outreach,  a strong desire to help others in need? Thats both of you. Come on, Honey just give it a shot, And if you dont like it, you can at least say you tried."