My Life Coaches are the Seven Deadly Sins

As I clocked out, I realized I hadn't found time to speak to someone not in my phone room. It had all been a whirl. I should have used my afternoon break to find someone, but I'd used that time to call the insurance company, again. This time I had written the name down, along with an email to complain.

As I waited for the bus I sighed, now I had to send an email… on the bright side, I had been assured I would be paid the value of the car after a final assessment. I would have to keep waiting to learn my rates going forward.

I walked through the big name Mart, glancing at my adjusted list… headphones… where a dream for the far future. With another sigh, I started my hunt for a small end table. I just needed something that would fit beside the bed. That was all I was getting today. Thankfully, there were some decent options.

I found one that had two rows of shelves, a drawer, and attached was a lamp that had two outlets. Best part, I was left with an extra $2 of my budget. Grinning as I carried the box to check out, I almost, almost didn't give the headphones a second glance.

I continued to practice with Pride, learn cooking tips from Tony, and even started adding light stretches to my evenings with Ire. I was still hesitant to jog around the block… the area was… rough. Not to mention, half the streetlights were broken… yeah. Just wasn't willing to risk it.

Friday I slept in, a small celebration for getting a full paycheck, plus the extra from the previous paycheck. Direct deposits hit every other Thursday, meaning every other Friday I could reassess my bills.

Another small win, I received the payout for my car, of the $4,278, half went to paying down my credit cards. The rest I saved as part of my building emergency fund. Unfortunately, I couldn't afford another car.

I lay on my bed, petting Ace who had laid himself on my stomach. "Well, the bus is good… but not realistic for everything. Maybe I get a moped, or electric scooter." I needed a more reliable method of transportation that wouldn't break the bank.

Ire popped up, "We could get a bike. Nothing super high end, but a good multipurpose bike. Saves money, you get to exercise, there are hooks on the wall to hang it up by the front door from when Dillon was here. I think a bike would be a win!"

I glanced at Ire, "What hooks?" How had I not noticed bike hooks???

"They're painted white to blend, Dillon also took the extenders off before you met. So we may need to get some, or find a way to secure a bike." Reed explained hopping off the bed.

I carried Ace as I followed. I really had to look to see the one hook on the ceiling, and the hook on the wall. Yeash… that meant I'd have to lift the bike up to get the wheels on the hooks every day.

"A moped would be heavier to bring up the stairs everyday. Even with Ire's reputation, leaving one out day after day… too big a temptation." Reed added glancing over the apartment.

"I didn't think of that, I'll ask Erika if I can bring the bike inside." There had been an incident at the clinic before I arrived Wednesday, someone tried to break in through the break room. Police had been called, but only a trespass had been issued.

"Now, let's talk about that lake party tomorrow." Pride said as he pranced in behind us.

"Huh?" Where had that even come from? "Oh shoot! That's right!" Shoot… I didn't even know how far away this lake was, if Jake and Jack wanted to stay… it might be an expensive taxi ride back.

I shot Jack a text, Hey, looking forward to seeing you guys tomorrow, should I bring anything? Food? Drinks? Snacks? I tried to not be obvious about asking if there would be alcohol.

Bring one item you would eat, enough for three. Was the almost instant reply.

I hesitated, but a second message came in before I could ask for clarification.

We'll swing by a store on the way up

K, sounds good I responded, at least this way I could ask in person. I did have $40 of fun money left for the month…

I could also ask if either of them could recommend a bike.

Pride waved his hoof to get my attention. "As I was saying! We should set some goals for your party tomorrow. Help you explore a more outgoing, confident you."

I stilled… I think… I'm going to regret this…