Shutout (The Renegades Series Book 5) Read Online Free PDF

“But you know I love you.”
    “Whatever.” Hailee groaned. She loved Ali like a sister, but she was tired of the concern about where she lived. It was no one’s business, but she had her eye on the apartment above the space she was hoping to lease. Alison would flip if she told her, since it was in Alison’s neighborhood, and that’s why Hailee was keeping it to herself. She just needed a little more money for the deposit and the entire first year’s lease. Then she could be secure in knowing it was hers. After that, she would just be working for start-up money. “Where are we going, anyway?”
    “You’ll see.”
    Alison stayed quiet as she drove to their destination, and sang to every song that came on the radio instead. After a few songs, Hailee relaxed and sang along with her. It didn’t much matter where they were going; it was going to be a fun birthday. Good food, good company and good drinks. Yes, it’s time to get my drink on!
    Dinner ended up being at a Japanese steakhouse where the food was cooked right in front of them. It was fun and delicious. Both girls ate way more than they should have, but it didn’t matter. A few hours of talk and gossip easily cured a full belly. A few drinks for the birthday girl didn’t hurt either.
    “Ready for dessert?” Alison asked, with a huge grin on her face.
    “Please don’t tell me you baked that cake?” Hailee took a drink of her remaining wine.
    Alison waved her off and stood up. “Don’t be silly! Get your coat on, we’re off to the next stop!” Grabbing Hailee’s arm, she pulled her out of her seat.
    Hailee spilled her drink as Alison yanked her up. “Okay, okay. Let me finish this first.” Leaning over the table, she downed the rest of her wine before sliding on her leather jacket.
    Alison looked at her watch. “Let’s go, let’s go!”
    “Wow, you’re in a hurry. Is dessert going to disappear if we aren’t there before eight?”
    “No, don’t be silly!” Alison looked at her watch again before quickly pulling Hailee to the door. “Off to dessert!”
    They ended up on the same street that Alison lived. She parked right in front of her building.
    “Ah, the Pink Ribbon Cupcakery?”
    “Of course. Is there any better bakery?” Alison asked. In their eyes, there wasn’t.
    As they walked towards the business, the aroma of cake and sugar teased Hailee’s senses, making her moan. “My favorite.”
    The bakery lights shone bright against the dark night sky. Inside, there was a line at the counter, but there were a few empty tables and available seats at the soda fountain counter. The walls were painted a light pink that matched the pink and white counter tops, and all the appliances behind the counter were either white or pink. You’d think it would be like being inside of a bottle of Pepto-Bismol, but it felt more like everything was sweet and made out of candy.
    “Let’s sit over here in the corner.” Alison pointed to a table wedged between the wall and the large plate glass window.
    “Man, you’re bossy tonight. Are you going to order for me, too?”
    “Don’t be silly,” Alison said, but her attention was outside the window instead of on Hailee or the girl behind the counter.
    “You looking for something? ’Cause last I heard, we were here to celebrate me.”
    “Yeah, of course we are. Look, here comes the girl now.” Alison danced around oddly, then directed her attention to the young girl coming to take their order.
    “Hi ladies, what can I get you tonight?” the young girl asked.
    “I’ll take a Birthday Cake milkshake and Champagne Kisses cupcake,” Hailee said.
    “I love your hair!” The young girl squealed. “Purple is really your color.”
    “Oh, thank you.” Hailee felt her cheeks warm. Normally people couldn’t get past her tattoos to mention her hair, if they even noticed the color.
    “I’ll also take a Champagne Kisses cupcake and a water, but can we also get two Vanilla Mocha Dream