CHAPTER 13: THEM

I woke up feeling incredibly rested this morning. Letting out a contented sigh, I slipped out from under the cozy sheets and glanced at the clock; it was almost 9 o'clock. My stomach grumbled with hunger, signaling that breakfast was a must.

Before heading out, I slipped into my slippers, threw on a sweater over my shorts and t-shirt, and took a quick look in the mirror above my dresser.

The sounds of people chatting in the kitchen down the hall reached my ears, so I made a pit stop at the bathroom before making my way to the source of the voices.

Kent had his back to me, tending to some cooking, while Kyle and Mark were slouched on the kitchen island, looking a bit worse for wear, clearly dealing with the aftermath of a night of drinking.

"Morning," I greeted softly, and Kyle got up, draping his arm around my shoulders.

"You're the best, Julianna," he slurred, attempting to plant kisses on my head unnecessarily. I raised an eyebrow. "Thanks for those cookies last night, they were