𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬: 𝐀𝐬𝐩𝐲𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧 ~ 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬

𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮

Neither Pope nor I brought up what had happened for the rest of the drive. Even when Kiara asked if I had been crying when we picked her up.

My brain was whirling with thoughts.

My breakdown was one thing, but my kiss with Pope was something completely different.

I realized that I had feelings for him when we were at the Crain house, but I didn't quite know how strong those feelings were. That was until he kissed me.

At that moment, I realized just how much I liked Pope. It was a connection that I had never felt with anyone else before.

"We've gotta be done before my scholarship interview," Pope told Kie and I as we pulled up to the Chateau.

I furrowed my brows. "Scholarship interview?"

"Yep," Kiara smiled. "He's a finalist for the Lucus T. Vanderhorst Merit Scholarship,"

"It's basically my only shot at going to college since my family can't afford it, so I really have to nail this interview," Pope added.

I grabbed his hand. "You'll do great,"

"Yeah...thanks," He replied, quickly letting go of my hand and getting out of the truck. "We've just gotta focus,"

I sighed. Why was he so quick to release my hand?

"We got John B and JJ inside the well and me up top. You guys and Sarah will be outside transporting," He explained as Kiara and I also got out of the truck.

Kie nodded. "Yeah, we've got this,"

The three of us walked behind the pickup truck and opened the back, beginning to take out all the supplies.

"Thanks," Kiara blurted out of nowhere.

Pope looked at her confused. "Uh, what for?"

"Stranding us. You know, making us make up,"

I nodded. "Honestly, yeah, thank you,"

"What makes you think that was me?" Pope asked.

A bunch of lights suddenly flicked on around us, lighting up the darkened area, as a slight whirring sound filled the air.

"What the hell?" Pope muttered, looking around.

We put the supplies back down and followed the noise, finding JJ sitting in a hot tub popping a bottle of champagne, lights surrounding the entire area.

Pope looked at him wide-eyed. "What did you do, JJ?"

"I got a jet going straight up my butt right now," JJ chuckled, ignoring Pope's question. "Y'all should get in immediately, you hear me?"

The three of us just stared at JJ, jaws hung open, for what felt like forever.

"How much did this cost?" Pope eventually spoke up.

"Uh, well, with the generator, the petrol, and express delivery...pretty much all of it,"

Pope's eyes widened even more. "All of it?! You spent all the money in one day?!"

"Yeah, burned a hole right through my pocket. But, I mean, come on guys, look at this! Finest in jet-based massage therapy. That's what they told me!"

He noticed our shocked and disapproving looks.

"What, guys?! Can't a guy have a little luxury in life! I mean, like, you only live once right?!" He said. "Alright, enough of this emotional shit, get in the Cat's Ass. Come on,"

"In the what?" Kiara asked.

"In the Cat's Ass. That's what I named her," JJ said. "OH! HEY! I almost forgot..." He blurted.