The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

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Chapter 40

Men didn’t really show their emotions the same way women did.

So, Nicole and Beatrice didn’t go inside and left Hughie to talk to Jeremy.

Hughie didn’t go into details. He only said they found out Jeremy was at the Westbridge Hotel after they got to the complex.

The shelter conditions were awful Hughie told him to move over to Crownview Residences instead

“We’re living next door to Nicole now. It has three bedrooms. Come stay with us. We’ll figure the rest out later.”‘

Nicole pulled Beatrice to the far end of the hallway, by the window. “What are you thinking?”

Beatrice didn’t really want an outsider moving in either, but times were different now. Friends had to help each other. If it weren’t for Nicole, she and Hughie would still be stuck in that shelter, too.

“Hughie cares a lot about his friends. It’s just you and Jeremy for him. And everyone hits rough patches. The flood’s gotta go down eventually. Let him stay with us.”

They had enough food to last a couple of months. If things got tight, they would figure something out.

Beatrice was straightforward. She didn’t overthink things, and she still believed the world would go back to normal someday.

They stood by the window talking when Hughie and Jeremy walked out.

Jeremy came over, forcing a stiff smile. “Beatrice, sorry to trouble you.”

Beatrice smacked his shoulder. “We’re friends. Just treat us to a good meal when all this is over.”

They headed downstairs and left on the raft.

Nicole handed Jeremy a pack of crackers.

He muttered a thank-you, tore it open, and started eating like he hadn’t seen food in days. His eyes turned a little glassy.

Hughie handed over his last sandwich, too.

“Sorry… This is kinda embarrassing.”

Nicole didn’t think much of it. She had been worse off in her last life. Nothing about the apocalypse was easy.

Back at Crownview Residences, everyone was wiped out. Nicole pulled out the two pounds of rice she had picked up from the department store, along with the rest of the supplies.

“Jeremy, don’t say I’m ripping you off,” she said, half-joking, “but when the flood’s over, you owe me 100 times this. And from now on, you bump my commission by 1%.”

Nicole had the same sharp tone and teasing edge. She hadn’t changed, and she wasn’t looking down on him.

Jeremy let out a small breath. “I’ll give you 2%.”

“What about me?” Hughie cut in, clearly not happy. “You owe me and Beatrice a year of brunch.”

“Deal. I’ve got you covered.”

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Chapter 40

+15 Bonus

Afterwards, Nicole went back to her place. She kicked off her shoes, changed into pajamas, and dropped onto the bed. She stared up at the ceiling, lost in thought.

Jeremy was different from Hughie and Beatrice. He worked in sales. He noticed things.

She had to keep her storage space a secret. No slipping up.

Over the next two days, none of them went out.

Nicole spent her time reading, training, and staying inside, sorting everything she had brought back. She worked until her back felt like it might snap, but she finally got through it all. Her supplies were stacked all the way up to the ceiling.

She locked the master bedroom and tucked the key into her storage space.

At one point, Beatrice came by.

While they were chatting, Nicole asked, “How’s Jeremy doing?”

“He barely talks,” Beatrice said, frowning. “Just stays in his room sleeping all day. I’ve got a bad feeling. That woman messed him up, and with everything right now… Do you think he might not bounce back?”

Nicole rummaged through the cabinet and pulled out a bottle of vodka.

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