I blink twice. “Wait. You’re actually speaking to me without sounding hostile?”
She rolls her eyes. “Look, Kamado. I just want to apologizefor being a complete and total bitch to you. I shouldn’t have judged you for who you were before you dated Annalise. I know you care a lot about her, and I can see how happy you make her.”
I never thought I’d see the day where Mazikeen Rivera would be nice to me—let alone apologize to me. I had won over Annalise’s family and wanted her best friend to like me as well, but I had accepted that it might never happen. The fact that she was finally willing to accept me means a lot.
“I appreciate the apology, Mazikeen. Perhaps we can start over.”
I extend my hand to her to call a truce, and she shakes it.
“I would like that.”
“Aw!” Annalise places her hand on her cheek. “Look at my best friend and my boyfriend finally getting along.”
I let out a laugh.
Mazikeen narrows her eyes and points a finger at me. “But if you ever break her heart, I will fucking crush your skull.”
She’s a whole foot shorter than me, but she still terrifies me.
I wrap my arm around Annalise’s waist. “Trust me—that’ll never happen.”
“Oh, shit. It’s like a high school reunion.” Elijah approaches us, wearing a goofy grin on his face.
“What’s up, Rivera? Long time, no see.” He throws his arm around Mazikeen’s shoulders.
She makes a face and shrugs him off.
“Dang. Are you still only into women?” he asks.
“No, I still like men too. You’re just not my type,” she says, smoothing her hand down the front of her dress.
Elijah blows air out of his cheeks. “Oh, whatever. I’meveryone’stype.”
“If that were the case, then why are you the only player here without a date?” Mazikeen gestures around us. Every single player, besides Elijah, has a woman in their arms tonight.
“It is odd that you didn’t show up with anyone. Does thismean you’re done fucking around and ready to get into a committed relationship?” I ask, cocking a brow.
Elijah lets out a snort. “You’re not even drunk yet, and you’re already spewing bullshit. Don’t count on me going on double dates with you anytime soon.”
He refocuses his attention to Mazikeen. “And for your information, I had several options tonight. I couldn’t make a decision.”
She lets out a disgusted groan. “I’m gonna need some alcohol in me to survive a night being around this idiot.”
He rolls his eyes and motions for the server to come to us.
The server pours us a round of shots and we all raise our glasses. “To success! And to friendships!” Elijah cheers.
We clink our glasses together in unison and down the shots.
“Let’s take a photo together to remember this moment!” Annalise smiles and takes her phone out of her purse.
Since I’m the tallest one out of the group, I’m in charge of capturing the photo. We all crowd together and I snap the pic.
“Aw, it’s just like old times,” Elijah says.
“We were never friends in high school.” Mazikeen groans.
“We can become friends…” A devilish grin slides across his face. “With benefits.”
