It's that time of the year again.

That time of the year where everybody's supposed to be outside, half naked on their hot girl summer shit, sipping on margaritas and daiquiris by a nice pool or the ocean.

But who's gonna do all that in 103-degree weather? These days run way too long and it's too hot to be walking around and doing everything. I'm shocked I'm able to get out and run errands.

It's hard being a married woman and a mom of three kids. I could be a hot girl this summer but there's a lot to do. There's not enough time for me to be a hot girl anymore.

Davin and I can barely keep up with the kids. Between football, soccer games, and ballet recitals, I barely have time for myself or Davin.

Marriage is not easy, especially if both of you are working. Davin and I also travel for work so we definitely don't have time to spend together. And we both have high sex drives? This work schedule is not meant for people like us. Everything is fast-paced.

I'm overjoyed to even have lunch with Cass today. She had to literally drag me away from my office and put me in her car.

Our magazine is growing so much. Since it's went from local to national, I've been working my ass off so much that I can't even leave the office. It's mostly working with sponsors for the magazine and helping our journalist with their articles. When I'm not in my own office, I'm walking outside of it. We have the best staff; they are the glue that keeps the magazine together.

I say all that to say business is booming.

"Ain't it amazing how fast the company is growing? We're starting to get B-list celebs on the magazine and everybody wants to partner with us. I'm ready for the next raise in my pay. Speaking that into existence."

Cass and I chuckle as we relax at a nice sit-down restaurant that was close by the office. It's beautiful with its household plants, chalk-board walls, and single light bulbs hang from the large glass ceiling. The natural light exposes the earthy tones that decorate the dining area.

"Wow. I'm so glad you decided to come and eat lunch with me. For a moment, I thought you forgot about me." Cassidy jokes as she takes a sip of her drink.

"Well, you trade places with me and take on all these meetings and shit. Tell me how much you like it when you get used to the job. I'm sure you won't be able to take a bathroom break until everything is done."

She rolls her eyes and takes another sip of her mimosa. I feel a little pity in my stomach so I continue.

"Cass, that's what happens when you work hard and keep going. You elevate and become better. Sometimes, we get lost in the momentum."

"Well, yeah, but that doesn't mean you have to forget about your friends, J. Remember that we helped you get to the top, boss lady. You know what? It's about time we have a girls' night out or something."

"Cass, you know I have a husband and kids now-"

"So? You act like I don't either."

I sigh after taking a sip of my own drink.

After having Nyla, I've found it hard to just go out with my friends. My children have become my friends. That and magazine articles.

Maybe I might need a few more mimosas with Cassidy after work today.

"Journee, being around your kids and husband all the time gets boring. Plus, you work on top of providing for your family? Girl, you deserve to live your life too. In fact, it's healthy for you, your kids and your relationship. How can you take care of everybody else if you can't take care of yourself?"

She's right. Sometimes, I even forget to breathe because I'm always on my grind. If that doesn't tell you how bad I need a break, I don't know what will.

Our food is served by a very good-looking man. He instantly knows who ordered what and attempts to flirt with us. I break the scene before Cass gets distracted and we start eating our food.

"Look, we're almost 40. We need to make these the best years of our lives, girl."

I'm focused on my food while she's talking about living our best lives. It's a good thought but we need time to prepare, get everything together before we do something extraordinary,

"Let's go to Hawaii this summer."

My drink flies across the restaurant, hitting the couple sitting next to us. My eyes widen as I realize how my hand just slapped my drink like that. What Cass is proposing is shocking because who's going to Hawaii? We could barely make it to Florida years ago.

After apologizing to the couple, I sharply turn to Cass and ask questions.

"Who the hell is driving us to Hawaii, Cass? You gonna rent a submarine?"

"We can fly. You do know that, right?"

"What about the kids? How do you think Cam and Davin will feel when we tell them we're going on this random trip?

"This is why we have parents, family and friends for. As far as our husbands, they'd practically push us out the door-"

"What about the magazine? We can't just leave and let them fend for themselves. They need us."

"Journee, sometimes, I wish you would just shut the hell up."

My lips zip themselves as soon as Cass calls me out. Nothing wrong with being prepared first. She acts like we can just go off a whim.

"You can't work your way out of this one, Journee. We're off to Hawaii!"

With who's money? And I've never been on a plane before. Does she really think I'm about to hop on a plane randomly?

I can't believe I'm actually thinking about who would watch my children if I went on this trip.

My mom is dead, Dad's on a whole different continent until the end of the month, and I refuse to send my kids to Florida with Darian the Disciplinarian. That's what they really call her because they can't stand her. Plus, she's married to a man that still fucks with somebody I'd rather not talk about.

Yeah, we're playing that game.

"Thanks for the 'generous' offer, Cass, but I just can't go. My husband and kids would be by themselves. I'm sorry."

We get up from the table and Cass sucks her teeth in frustration.

"You always come up with excuses for everything. If you see Angie and I have a fine ass time doing something fun, don't ask why you weren't invited."

I chuckle softly as we walk up to the register with our tickets. I pay for both of our meals just to try and make her feel better. The cashier asks us about our experience and we agree that everything was tip top. Cass gives the waiter a big tip as he passes us.

"Journee, we can invite the guys on the trip and let the kids stay with Angie! It's perfect! They can even play on the bounce house over there! You know they love her pool." Cass says randomly before we exit the restaurant.

What if Angie wants to go with us? Even though Angie spoils our kids to the nines, she may want to go to Hawaii too. Then who would watch our kids?

Out of nowhere, Angie shows up to the same restaurant in this stylish blue leather dress that hugs her luscious curves. Her feet are protected by white heels and her face is beat to the gods. Just flawless.

"Angie, perfect timing! Tell Journee that you'll watch our sweet little precious angel babies while we take a couples' vacation to Hawaii."

Here I am giving Angie this hard evil eye and praying that she says no. She also has a partner. Maybe she'd want to take her girl on this vacation too. Plus, we'll get to meet her girlfriend.

Angie gives me this confused look before answering "Only because we'll have sweet little Noah, I'll watch the babies but I want my coins when y'all get back."

Damn it, Angie!

I completely forgot how much she loves spoiling the kids, especially Noah. She takes care of our kids as if they were her own because she wants some of her own. She's been at Noah's hip and wrapped around his finger since he was first born.

My jaw drops as Cass claps in excitement. Once again, she gets her way.

Here we go again.

"Where are we going again, Journee? I can't hear you," Cass says as she holds her ear out to me.

While giving a hard eye roll, I dreadfully mutter "...to Hawaii."

"What was that? I can't-"

"To Hawaii, damn it!"

Cass and Angie laugh at my small tantrum before I fold my arms.

It's been a long time since I've been on vacation. The last time I've even went out of the state was...well...

Ten years ago.

"Don't worry, Journee. We're going to have the greatest time of our lives!"

If it'll be anything like our last vacation was, I'm catching the next plane back home.

****

Ayyyyyeeee, we back!

I really need to find my mojo again but I'm glad to be updating again.

Little note: the first book to this one has 10k reads and I'm a lil proud.

But tell me what y'all thought about this chapter? Do you think Journee is tripping or does she have valid points?

Thank y'all so much for reading. Y'all don't under how much this means to me.

Love ya!