Mandy says from my bed. She hangs her head off the side, letting her curly hair fall to the floor below. I chuckle as I pull open my dresser drawer. “You certainly look better than I’ve seen you in weeks,” I agree. “Don’t take this the wrong way, Piper,” she says, “but can I borrow Kai next weekend?” “Absolutely not.” She laughs and rolls over to inspect my suitcase at the foot of the bed. “How long will you be gone?” she asks. “A week, I think,” I say as I pull out a few clean pairs of socks. “You think?” I nod. “Kai won’t tell me how long we’re going or where we’re staying or what cities we’re going to visit.” “Oh, man…” she laughs. “I bet that’s killing you.” “You are correct.” I walk over and stuff a few pairs of panties into the suitcase. “He said to prepare for everything, so that’s what I’m doing.” “I wouldn’t worry about it,” she says. “I’m not worried.” “Really?” Mandy leans forward. “Because you look worried.”
