“You're acting like they force feed the shit to me.”
“Might as well. Carla is a drug pusher in a skirt. Every time she thinks you’re getting out of line or start thinking for yourself, she’s in your face with a drink or that dumb ass mint can.”
“Are you calling me weak?” Tyler questioned with furrowed brows, highly offended by the accusation.
“Bitch, did I say weak? You’ve known me long enough to know that I don’t sugarcoat shit. You need to get your panties out of a bunch,Ms. I don’t need anger management.I’m just stating facts. Whether you want to hear it or not, your aunt is using you for her benefit, and it just helps when you’re high. As far as your brand, sure, you didn’t set out to create a brand, but it’s happening. When your name is attached to anything, it blows up, so whether you like it or not, you have a brand. Protect your brand and your peace.”
“Whatever, Shane.”
“Oh, now I'm Shane because she's mad,” he chuckled. “As long as you keep your hands to yourself because I’m not Dex and I’ll pop your ass right back.”
The duo stared each other down before breaking out into laughter. While Shane’s speech irritated her, Tyler knew he was right and said it all out of love.
“I hate you.” She bumped his shoulder.
“No, bitch, you love me.” Shane threw his arm around her shoulder. “And I’m ten toes down. If you’re ready to make a change, then I’m with it. I’ll never judge you because I don’t know what it’s like to be you, but I’m always going to speak up.”
Tyler rested her head on Shane’s shoulder and sighed. He didn’t have to tell her he was ten toes down because she already knew. Their ten-year-plus friendship had been throughthe storm and his loyalty never wavered. Shane wiped her tears through her mother’s drunken spells and her father’s broken promises. He held her hand while her mother was in surgery and cried with her when she was forced into a group home. Shane used his Burger King check to buy Tyler clothes and did her hair when she was tired of her two braids. He was her person, and while she couldn’t stand the truth at times, Shane gave it to her raw because he earned that right.
“Yall fight like lovers,” Aria teased.
“I wish we could hump like lovers.” Tyler attempted to kiss him, but Shane jumped up like she had shit on her lips.
“Bitch, you better go buy a rose or take yo ass to the strip club and let a bitch scissor you in the back room. I heard big clits can feel like dicks if they hump you right.”
“Eh, I’ll pass. I want deep penetration.”
“Then buy a dildo.” Shane shrugged. “I can’t help you.”
“Don’t do my friend,” Aria snickered. “Give her a couple of strokes.
“Hoe, is you coo?”
“I don’t want his dick anyway.” Tyler tooted her lips.
“Shit, I hope not…I like boys,” Shane reminded them.
“Well, let’s find Captain Save a Hoe. What was his name?” Aria asked. “Maybe he can give her some dick.”
“I don’t remember his name and I’m not fucking him.” Tyler's eyes bucked.
“How did yall even switch phones?” Shane asked, retaking his seat.
“I guess when I bumped into him backstage at the concert, we somehow grabbed each other’s phones.”
“She’s downplaying their interaction. They were staring at each other like long-lost lovers. Even after he helped her up, they were still there holding hands and shit.”
“It was weird,” Tyler exhaled, staring off into space. “Even when we were in front of Dex, I couldn’t stop staring at this man, and it’s beyond physical attraction. His gaze was so intense, and I know Dex felt that shit.”
“I would’ve died.” Aria held her chest.
“I was at a loss for words.”
“It’s giving big dick energy and I’m here for it all.” Shane pursed his lips.
“Let me see what his online presence looks like.” Aria whipped out her phone.
“Stop being weird and do not look that man up.” Tyler tried to snatch the phone from her, but Shane slapped her hands. “Are yall hoes ganging up on me?”
