Take it slow. She's too close to be rash.

The wind was so strong that it took one of Lucy's hands just to hold her to the railing. She trudged up the steps and made the turn. She wasn't prepared for the wind to whip back on her and nearly rip her from the ground. Her towel tore from her body as she clung to the railing with both hands. She watched as her last cover flew over the buildings and far beyond.

Coming back to her senses, Lucy clawed her way up the remaining steps, no dignity left to lose in her mind. She pressed against the wall to avoid the wind and fished for the right key around her neck.

She shut the door behind her and braced herself against it, catching her breath. Her eyes were closed. Her ass pressed into the heavy wooden door. She could still hear the weather faintly outside, but her apartment was warm and inviting. After a few moments of rest in the dark, she flipped on the lights.

"Surprise!" yelled several voices as Lucy's eyes adjusted to the light.

Lucy stood in complete shock and confusion as the scene in front of her came into focus.

Cassy held an empty party popper. Kate was wearing a silly party hat. Several other of Lucy's friends appeared to be present. Everyone stared on in disbelief.

Water dripped from Lucy's motionless body onto the welcome mat.

Cassy mumbled, "I texted..."

Lucy's phone still sat on the office desk in the diner, as exposed to the air as Lucy was now.