The Boys of Blueberries

13

Sabina is sitting at her desk on Thursday, staring at Tristan's empty seat across the glass. Last year, it wasn't this evident—this quietness, this missing.

Disgusting. She wrinkles her nose and sends him a message. You've done this to me. This annoying missing you feeling. Tf

Tristan doesn't respond. She groans to herself. At least her work hours will be done in ten minutes, and then she's meeting her best friends for a much-needed girls' night.

Except her cellphone rings just as she's about to go back to work. She frowns and picks up. It's Adrian. "Yes, imbecile?"

"Hello, gremlin," says MJ's boyfriend in return, an annoying smile in his voice. "What do you say we slack off work today? It's an emergency, apparently."

Sabina sits up straight. "I'm listening. Where's the body?"

A chuckle. "No body."

"And now I'm not listening." She leans back and inspects her nails. "You do know I'm busy, right? Do I look like someone who has time to put up with your shit, Flynn?"

"I should actually be the one asking you that. MJ asked me to go shopping with you today instead because something came up for her at the hotel."

"She's bailing on me?" Sabina scowls. "She said she was free!"

"And now she's not, she sacrificed me." Adrian is still smiling. "And I heard you were sad. So let's go shopping and get drinks afterward. I need to talk to you, too."

Sabina groans. "If this is about a proposal, pass. Harton did that shit with me already."

Adrian's silence is enough of an answer.

"Ugh." She rolls her eyes. "Fine. I'll see you in ten. Bring your brain because I'll need opinions."

"Oh, you're such a pleasure to talk to, Sabina. As always."

"I'll talk to idiots the way I want to, Flynn, thank you very much." She hangs up.

Blows up her group chat with her best friends. Why am I hanging out with your servant instead of you!!! I need ur opinion bitch i'm gonna boil ur teeth

Three dots appear next to MJ's contact picture. Sorry, darling! 65th Anniversary for CH Suites is coming up so i gotta stay back longer. We can reschedule for tomorrow if you want?

Sabina scowls. I'm sad today, not tomorrow. and i'm packed with work shit tomorrow i rlly hate u rn :)

Andy's chat bubble appears. Actually, Sab...i'm so sorry but i can't do it today either, i have a PTA thing at the school and i forgot to tell you im so sorry :(( <///3

SERIOUSLY texts Sabina, her nails making clicking sounds on her keyboard. I HATE YOU BTOTH

Andy is quick to apologize. BUT rhys is available!!! he'll stand in for me :D i love u sab im so sorry :(( i'll make it up to you, food & drinks on me the next time, just rlly busy this week. School back on and all :(

MJ responds. love u bitch

Sabina sneers at her phone. fine. icb i'm spending the day with males. YOUR males. while mine is out doing god knows fucking what. i'll fill ur sinuses with urine the next time i see both of you

Andy sends her a string of kiss and heart emojis. have fun sab!! i told rhys to be nice so if he's not tell me and no sex for him today

Sorry, says MJ. but I can't promise that. besides, adrian's always nice he's the sweetest <3