Banking on Him

Chapter 28 - Serena

The rest of my week went by pretty much the same, with me spending most of my time either working, working out, or moping around my apartment. 

When Friday finally rolled around, I was immensely grateful for my two days off. I never felt that way towards work, but it seemed like I was learning new things about myself every day.

Erica offered to hang out with me, but knowing I wouldn't be good company, I said no. Really, I just wasn't done with my pity party, and I wanted to be alone.

When I got home Friday night, I let myself into my apartment beyond ready to spend the night watching movies and eating the entire tub of ice cream I had just bought. That's when my phone rang. I fumbled to get it out of my pocket and stuck it to my ear without looking to see who it was.

"Hello?" I said, setting my groceries down on the counter.

"Reenaaaa, guess who is in town?!" said a screeching voice on the other end of the phone. I smiled, reluctantly. "Ray! You're here?? Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

He laughed good-naturedly, "Well, it was kinda last minute. Also, Erica called me and told me a sad story about you. Sadder than the one where you work all the fucking time like a loser."

I chuckled, despite the reminder of my current situation. "So you flew into town for little ol' me?" I asked, fanning myself even though no one could see me.

"Yes, and you know I'm already in a cab on my way over there, so don't even think about trying to get out of going clubbing. Also, I brought you a hot ass dress, bitch!" He practically squealed into the phone.

Ray was my complete opposite. He had been my best friend in college until he dropped out to move to LA and become a beauty guru and style influencer. His words, not mine.

He was easily the most fun person I knew and even though, I was still feeling sorry for myself, I knew this was going to be good for me. I always had the best time when I went out with Ray. It wasn't uncommon for us to end up in some crazy situation we had to talk our way out of, an adventure as he always called it. Plus, being out with him was like being out with a celebrity. He had a ton of followers online, and people all over the world recognized him. Even though he liked to make fun of me for my workaholic tendencies, Ray was a hustler too. He just made his living by going to parties and posting on social media.

By the time I had put away my now unnecessary ice cream, there was a knock at my door. Before I could even get to it, he was bounding down my hallway, sweeping me up into a hug and twirling me around.

"You look a mess, girl." He observed as he put me down. 

I scoffed, this was a normal response from him. "I literally just got home from work... Besides not all of us can be as fabulous as you."

He smiled brightly, "Touche, bitch!"

He set down two bags, and I already knew one was just for his makeup. "So, we better start getting ready to go out. It's going to take me forever to get you in order." I laughed out loud. "Alright then, get your ass in my bedroom and work your magic."

We rolled his bags into my room and started setting everything up. In typical Ray fashion, he packed way too much but still managed to slip in a few outfits for me. He was the most thoughtful person I knew, and I was already grateful Erica had called him. I decided to text her since I knew we'd be meeting up with her later.

S: Thank you for calling Ray. This is exactly what I needed.

Her response was almost immediate.

E: Anytime, babe. I'm on my way over with the booze ;)

Erica had done it. Instead of feeling sad, I was feeling incredibly blessed for the amazing friends I had. Yes, I was still single, but I had gotten used to it that way.