The weekend was mostly a blur of phone calls to the city trying to determine if and when she would be able to pick up some items from her apartment. She was basically at square one with zero answers and little hope of getting any.

“Listen Maddie, I know you’re stressed out but why don’t we go for a run on the lakefront to get your mind off things. Most of the city offices are closed so you can’t do anything more and you’re just going to sit and stew in here.” Jazmine sat on the edge of the couch rubbing Maddie’s back as she wallowed.

“As much as I want to continue being pissed off that actually sounds like a good idea…as long as I can borrow your clothes. After our run though I need go shopping and pick up a few things unless you’re ok with me borrowing your panties.” She said with a small laugh.

“Great idea, I draw the line there. I’ve been wanting to go check out some of the spring stuff coming out anyway. Ok let’s get ready and go freeze our faces off on the lake!” Jazmine jumped off the couch and scampered back to her room to find clothes for Maddie.

Maddie didn’t seem to notice the wind burning her face as she picked up the pace and pounded out the miles. The water was choppy today but the crashing waves had a nice calming lull and helped to drown out the traffic of Lake Shore Drive.

“Would you please slow down! Jesus, you get in a zone and just haul ass!” Jazmine was bent over gasping for air with her hands on her knees. “Just give me a minute, I feel like my lungs have slipped into the seventh circle of hell.”

“Hey you’re the one that said let’s go running! It’s actually really helped so thank you for braving the tundra and keeping me company, I know running isn’t your thing so it means a lot that you suggested it.” The girls linked arms and finished the last half mile with a brisk walk.

“Thank you!” Maddie smiled and rubbed her hands together as the waiter set down her plate of mile high avocado toast.

“You get way too excited about toast with avocado on it you know that?”

“This place has the absolute best! The bread is so thick and the avo is always perfectly ripe!” She tucked into a large bite and leaned back in her chair letting out a loud groan. “This is better than any sex I’ve ever had, true story.” Jazmine just laughed and shook her head.

The girls spent the rest of the day popping in and out of shops on Michigan Avenue picking up some essentials for Maddie, along with some new and sophisticated work outfits she was super excited to wear.

“What do you think about this one?” Maddie had stepped out of the dressing room in one of the knee length dresses she had picked out. It was a soft off white with a small black and gold bow around the waist. The gold zipper was exposed down the back as well, outlined in black. She spun on her heels, looking for Jazmine’s feedback.

“Wow! Maddie that is gorgeous! I mean, you really fill it out in all the right places which makes it look even better. I feel like your butt has gotten so perky and round with boxing and your arms look amazing!” Maddie’s cheeks flushed a bit as she smoothed the material over her waist.

“Geez thanks, man you really know how to make a girl feel great.” She winked at Jaz as she spun around again to look at this new perky booty she spoke of. She had always been a bit on the thin side but Jaz was right! She was starting to look a lot more womanly over the past year and she was loving it.

By the time the girls had returned to Jazmine’s apartment it was dark and almost dinner time. Ethan was at the stove when they entered, making something that smelled delicious.

“Hey there I was wondering where you were, I hadn’t heard anything all day.” He said somewhat under his breath to her as she leaned in for a kiss.

“Oh, yeah I went running with Maddie and then shopping since she can’t get anything from her apartment yet.”

The first few days at Jaz’s and even the first week or two were fun, like an extended sleepover almost. That being said, Maddie could tell she was overstaying her welcome. She had witnessed a few uncomfortable fights between Jazmine and Ethan that could only be attributed to the added stress of her presence.

She had finally been able to get back over to her apartment to pick up some things but every day she was feeling more and more guilty for being in their space. The city had told her it would only be a few more weeks…that was three weeks ago. She was starting to think it might be best she find a month to month apartment to rent just so she could get out of their space.