“Do you think I can be lucky enough that she forgot I’m coming today and I can take a cab?” I wave the smoke out of my face as I power on my phone.

“Nope.” Cher snorts and blows smoke up in the air as she points her cigarette to the right. “Isn’t that Maria?”

About ten cars down, there’s Maria frantically waving me over to a giant black SUV.

I sigh. “Yes, at least it’s not Mommie Dearest. I don’t think I could stomach the car ride,” I deadpan, then glance at Cher, who’s smiling.

“What?” I dump my phone in my bag and wave back at Maria. “Wish me luck. Let’s pray Jett Powers is better than we think.”

“Daddy Powers? Oh, he’s better than alright.” Cher inhales and grins at my stare.

“Please stop calling him that.” I roll my eyes.

“You know I’m right. He’s fucking hot.” She sighs and points her cigarette at me. “Your bitch of a mom is actually lucky I’m going to Florence.”

I burst out laughing as I pull her in for a tight hug. As inappropriate as she is, she really is the best.

“You be good.” I swallow the lump in my throat. “I’m going to miss you.”

“Shuddup. You’re going to make me start crying and I need to go to my gate. I’ll call you when I land.” She pulls back and looks directly at me.

“You be you, Raven. You’re kind of my hero, you know?” She pulls me in for another tight hug.

Shaking my head, I reach for my luggage and laugh. “I have no idea why.” I sniff. She’s only going away for a month. I have zero idea why it feels so monumental. I’m sure it’s just everything going on right now. The unknown is never my friend. Smiling, I approach Maria and a man in a black suit.

“Because you’re beautiful inside and out,” Cher screams after me.

“You’re crazy,” I yell back at her, then hug Maria who squeezes me tight.

“Mi amor, let me look at you.” She holds me at arm’s length. Her warm, caramel-colored eyes sparkle, but her mouth is downturned.

“Oh dear.” She sighs, and I have to laugh. Maria is never happy, but I don’t even care what’s upsetting her. I’ll find out later, I’m sure. Right now, I’m just genuinely happy to see her.

“Come on, Maria, no frowning. I promise I’ll be good. You have nothing to worry about. Cher is going to Florence.” I hug her again. Maria’s way more my mother than my biological one.

“I’m not worried about Cher,” she grumbles. Taking my luggage, she shoves it at the man in the suit and dark sunglasses.