"So...how was it?" Stacie asked as I put my keys on the counter. "It was fine. He's very nice and wants to go on a second date but I can't." I said and crossed my arms.
"Aww, Jules! Why?" She asked and pouted her lip out.
"Because it was nice of you to watch the kids tonight but it's not your responsibility." I said and ran my fingers through my hair.
"I don't mind, Jules. They're good kids and you're a good friend." Stacie said then got me a glass of water.
"They were good for you, right? Like I don't have to kick their butts or anything?" I asked causing her to laugh.
"No, they were perfect. Jenna and Carter are still up. The other two are in bed." Stacie said as I took a sip of water.
"That's good. Sam has some insomnia issues so I'll probably check on him when you leave." I said then leaned on the counter.
"So did he kiss you?" Stacie asked with a giggle. "He tried to but I turned it into an awkward cheek kiss." I said with a sigh.
"I thought you liked him!" She said as I nodded. "It's just not that easy. I don't know if I'm ready." I said as she frowned.
I told her vaguely what happened with Colby but obviously couldn't go into extreme detail due to his career.
Granted, he was a fucking dick and deserved to be outed as a criminal but I didn't want his blood on my hands. I've already been the cause to too many deaths.
"It was a long time ago, Jules. You deserve to be with someone who won't throw you away like you're nothing." She said as I shrugged.
"We'll see. I have too much on my plate anyways. Gotta figure out this insurance shit, and the speeding ticket, oh and my mom is trying to take the kids from me." I said and closed my eyes, feeling my heart race.
"Wait, really?" Stacie asked as I nodded. "Well just tell her to fuck off! She abandoned those kids." She said as I nodded.
"She's their legal guardian. There's literally nothing I can do." I said quietly. "You're just gonna give them up to her?" She asked as I shook my head.
"No. She'll have to fight to get them back." I said as Jenna came into the room.
"Oh, hey." I said as she looked at me. "How was your date?" She asked and came to give me a hug.
"It wasn't a date but it was good." I said and rested my cheek on her head as I hugged her.
"Finish your homework?" I asked as she nodded. "It took forever." She said as Stacie grabbed her bag.
"Heading out?" I asked as she nodded. "Parker made some delicious food so I want to get home and take my pants off." She said causing me to laugh.
"Thanks again, girl. I appreciate you." I said as she waved. "Any time and I mean any time." She said then winked and went to leave.
"So it really wasn't a date?" Jenna asked as I shook my head. "It wasn't." I said causing her to look up at me.
"It wouldn't be so bad if it was, ya know." She said causing me to raise my brows.
"Oh?" I asked as she pulled away. "Yeah. You need a boyfriend. I'm afraid you're becoming a loser." She said and crossed her arms.
"Gee thanks, Jen." I said and hopped onto the counter.
"See? Not a loser." I said and gestured to myself. "That's exactly what a loser would do." She groaned.
"I just don't think it's a good idea to delve into that life. Especially with everything that's going on." I said with a sigh.
