The Clash, Book One

Chapter 30: Pretty in Blue, Part F

Hyperion Heights, Present Day

Sabine unlocked the door to she and Jacinda's apartment just as Alena walked up. The blonde greeted, "Hey, Sabine. I hope I'm not too early."

"Of course not. I was just about to check in with J," Sabine assured her with a smile. She then offered, "Did you, uh, maybe want something to drink or eat?"

"Some hot tea would be great if you have it," Alena told her, the exhaustion breaking through her tone.

Sabine furrowed her eyebrows as she concerningly asked, "Is everything okay, Alena?"

Alena took a breath before she reassured her friend, "Of course. Work's just been more stressful since Ivy's now in charge." She couldn't help but wonder how much longer this excuse would work - while it was certainly part of the reason, it wasn't the whole reason.

"That I understand. Just being around Ivy is enough to stress anyone out - I'm never entirely sure what her motives are," Sabine commented, placing her keys back in her purse.

"Destroying lives," Alena angrily thought. She then took a calming breath before she asked, "So that tea? Got any Earl Grey?"

"As it happens, we do," Sabine told her before the two of them headed inside the apartment. As they were walking to the kitchen, she continued, "Before I make your tea, how about we talk about the reason I called you - our new uniforms for the food truck."

"Absolutely. I'd love to see them," Alena responded with a smile.

Sabine nodded before she unfolded one of the shirts in her hand. She then spoke, "I thought you might want to see how your investment is going," with a smile.

Alena smiled once more before she looked at the t-shirt. She then said, "These look great. I can't wait until you guys are ready to open."

"That makes two of us," Sabine replied before folding the shirt. She then said, "Now I just need to show these to Jacinda."

"If you want to go ahead and do that, I can make the tea myself. Just tell me where everything is," Alena offered.

Sabine looked thoughtful for a moment before she responded, "That would be great, actually. Mugs are in the cabinet, and the tea is on the counter."

Alena nodded before the two of them had walked into the open kitchen and living room area. She and Sabine both saw Jacinda trying to zip up a sleek black dress.

Alena tilted her head and wondered where she was going while Sabine whistled and spoke, "I mean, I called Alena here to show off our new uniforms, but clearly wherever you are going is more silk than silk screen."

Jacinda finished adjusting her dress and her hair before she turned around and explained, "Nick and I were supposed to meet in his office, but his friend dropped a last-minute invite, uh, to his new restaurant uh, Walrus and Co."

"Are you kidding?" Sabine began, her face and her tone filled with disbelief.

"Why do you say it like that? Is this restaurant a big deal or something?" Alena questioned as she walked the short distance into the kitchen.

Sabine nodded before she elaborated, "I called for a res and was put on a two-year wait list." She then adopted a knowing look and added, "Nick is really pulling out all the stops. And by the looks of this number, so are you."

Jacinda then defended, "Nick got his life together. I need to at least present myself as a responsible adult - who can take care of my child," gesturing to her dress.

"That's ridiculous," Sabine refuted, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Maybe not," Alena began as she walked back into the living room, mug in hand. She stopped beside Sabine before she continued, "Nick is the one helping to get Lucy back. It'll help if Jacinda can make a good impression."