June's POV
I had just stepped into the apartment, the weight of the whole day still pressing down on me.
I was hoping for a quiet evening, but the moment I saw Samantha lounging on the couch with a glass of wine and a couple of envelopes, I knew she had something to say.
And it wasn't just her usual teasing—she had that look. Mom must have called her while I was on my way home.
"June, get your ass over here and come give mama a hug," she said, her voice soft but insistent.
I dropped the box of cookies and everything else on the counter, making my way to the couch without hesitation.
Our apartment wasn't big, but it was enough for us.I slumped onto the couch, laying my head in her lap, and before I knew it, the tears came. I couldn't quite explain why, but I was overwhelmed. Exhausted.
This wasn't the life I'd planned, and even though I was grateful for what I had, it wasn't the dream I'd once imagined.
"It's just hanging there, Sam," I sobbed quietly leaning on her for support. "Dad's sign... it's just hanging there awkwardly outside the store, and it hurts. It hurts that he's gone. It hurts that my life isn't what I thought it'd be. I feel so lost."
Samantha stroked my hair, letting me cry into her sweatpants without a word of complaint. "I'm so sorry, babe," she murmured. "I'm sorry your dad's sign got wrecked, and I'm sorry you're feeling this way. But you've got to snap out of it. He wouldn't want you crying over a sign.
You're strong. So strong, and you've got to remember that."I sniffled, trying to pull myself together. "I know, I just... I'm tired."She gave me a reassuring smile. "Don't let this get you down. You've been through worse and come out stronger every time." She paused, reaching for the pizza box that had just been delivered. "Now, how about we eat this thin-crust pizza and drink this terrible wine?"
I managed a weak laugh as I wiped my eyes. Samantha always knew how to lighten the mood, even in the worst moments. After a few bites of pizza, she nudged me and handed over an envelope with a mischievous grin. "You're not gonna believe this." I raised an eyebrow, still feeling a little wary. "What did you get into this time?"
"Not me," she said, smirking as she handed me the letter. "This time, the universe got us."I glanced at the return address, and my heart sank. The judicial office.
"You've got to be kidding me." I tore the envelope open, and sure enough—jury duty. I groaned and tossed it onto the table. "Just what I needed. Jury duty. I don't have time for this, Sam! I've got school, the bakery..."
Samantha, already halfway through her second slice, shrugged. "Yeah, well, we don't exactly get a choice. You ignore this, they'll come knocking on our door."
I rolled my eyes. "I know, but it's so inconvenient. All those formalities and courtroom rules? It's not for me."Samantha leaned in, her teasing grin softening.
"Hold up, June. It's not like we're guaranteed to sit through the whole trial. We still have to pass voir dire, remember?
They'll ask us questions first, and we might not even get picked."I raised an eyebrow. "Voir dire? You make it sound like a game show." Samantha chuckled, leaning closer like she was sharing a secret. "Basically, they're just trying to figure out if we're biased. If you give them the wrong vibe, they might let you go." She winked.
"Just tell them you think all defendants are guilty. Easy out." I shot her a look. "Sam, you know I can't lie."She shrugged, popping another piece of pizza into her mouth. "Well, at least don't act too eager. That might help." I sighed, leaning back into the couch. Just what I needed right now. As if my life wasn't complicated enough.