I have only a couple of hours to myself before everyone is due to come over and discuss their auction items for Tanya’s gala, and I spend most of that time trying and failing to figure out how I’m going to take a step back from Micah.
He, of course, is the first to arrive. I’ve greeted him at my door plenty of times, but this time when he leans down to kiss my cheek, I turn away.
“Did you just curve me?” he asks around a laugh.
It was meant to be a step for self-preservation, but I hated myself the second I did it. It’s so ridiculous, but I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing when it comes to this man. I shrug. “Well, I don’t know, that greeting was giving relationship, no?” More bullshit.
He hides it well, but there’s a layer of hurt beneath the surface of his nonchalant facade.
I don’t want to hurt him, but I don’t know how else to keep myself safe. If I could speed up this therapy healing process, that would be fantastic.
“I’m well aware we’re not in a relationship, Dani,” he says, voice low and firm.
“I know you know, but—” I reach for his arms, falling short when he steps back. “No. Not ‘but.’ I overreacted. I’m sorry.”
He studies me for a moment, eyes zeroing in on my hands plastered to my sides.
“Forgiven.” He steps past me to get inside, lightly gripping my hip to keep me steady as he does. “How did it go today?”
I have to stop letting our sexual relationship interfere with our friendship. It’s not fair to either of us.
Words from Tanya’s letter spring to my mind:You deserve all the good things. Grab them and hold on tight.
After everything I’ve been through, I deserve a friendship like the one I have with Micah. And he deserves for me to give him the same effort.
“You know what, it was a good start. I’m actually excited to see her again,” I admit.
He flashes a smile and then marches over to scoop me up into a hug. “That’s amazing. I’m excited for you.”
I squeeze his middle again. “Thank you. And remind me again why I scheduled therapy on the same day we gotta deal with our misfit crew?” I mean, not only will we have to deal with Christian and Evie’s nonsense, but this will also be the first time I’ve seen Ri around Nelle since the wedding.
“Lack of foresight?” he teases.
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “They’re gonna drive me to drink.”
By the time Evie and Christian are done bickering and everyone stops holding their breath waiting for Arnold and Amerie to show, I’m on my second glass of wine.
We’ve managed to nail down most everyone’s items:
Evie is going to make all the invites and the signage for the event, which is a huge help. Jalen is auctioning off private basketball coaching with him. Rome is auctioning off the chance to be a character in hisstudio’s next game. Janelle is partnering with The Dahlia Resort to offer an all-expenses-paid trip for two.
“Okay, Christian, what are you auctioning off?” I say, ready to add his contribution to my Notes app.
A cheesy grin crosses his face and he clears his throat like he has a big reveal. “I’m gonna auction off a date.”
“A date?” Janelle asks.
“Yeah. A date with me.” He holds his head up high and I’m proud of myself for holding back my laughter.
Micah makes eye contact with me across the table and smirks.
Evie scoffs. “Christian, it’s supposed to be something people would like, not a punishment.”
He sucks his teeth. “Play your cards right, and I’ll take you on a date after.”
She gags, and the two of them start going at it again until Janelle cuts in and Jalen puts a calming hand on Evie’s waist.
Micah’s phone pings, and he reads the message out loud. “Ay, Arnold just texted and said him and Ri ain’t coming.”
