“How can we help?” Janelle asks. “We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want. We can just … sit. Exist. Whatever you need.”
This is why a large piece of my heart has their names carved in it. They understand who I am and they accept me for it.
I wrap my arms around both their shoulders to pull them in for a group hug, and for one brief moment, I let my grief take over. The dam is still intact, but it doesn’t feel like it’s at capacity anymore.
Once we separate part and I’m satisfied I can speak without breaking, I tell them about Tanya’s last wishes and confess Micah’s part in it.
“Wait, wait. How is this the first time we’re hearing that Micah knew Tanya too?” Evie questions.
“Right. So, y’all have known each other for a long time and just didn’t say shit?”
I don’t want to lie to my girls—any more than I already have, that is. But I also don’t want to share that piece of my life with them. My history with Micah is just that: history. It should stay in the past where it belongs.
“We didn’t know each other. Not really. We just both knew Tanya.” I know from the look on their faces that they don’t believe me. They shouldn’t. But I’m able to distract them with another subject. “But anyway, enough about that headache. How are you doing, Nelle? Have you talked to Ri at all since she’s been on her honeymoon?”
To say that I was appalled by Ri’s behavior during her wedding would be an understatement. Going into the two-week affair, I was expecting the normal drama that comes with a wedding, especially a destinationwedding. What I wasn’t expecting was for Ri to spend the entire time being a bitch to everyone around her, Nelle most of all. If I were in Ri’s shoes, I would probably kiss the ground she walked on instead of making her miserable. Maybe that’s just me, but I highly doubt I’m alone.
Ri isn’t always the easiest person to get along with, which is why I find myself being the peacemaker more often than not, but that trip stretched my abilities beyond their limits.
“Nope. And I have no desire to. When she gets back, we can figure out where we go from here, but until then I’m enjoying my peace away from her.”
“That’s fair. I’m really sorry if it felt like I was taking her side.”
“Dani,” Janelle says. “I’m gonna stop you right there. None of that shit is on you. This had been building for a while, so I’m glad everything finally came to a head.”
I nod my understanding before she continues.
“And I hope y’all don’t feel like you have to choose between us. I love y’all and I’m never coming up off you. So, even if me and her never figure our shit out, we’ll”—she motions her index finger between the three of us—“always be good.”
Evie raises her hand like she’s in a classroom.
“Yes, Evie?” I ask with a snicker.
She lowers her hand and clears her throat. “That was so nice. Love you too, all that good shit, but um, I’m good on Amerie.”
I can’t say I’m surprised by her statement. Evie’s always been less tolerant of Ri’s antics than anyone else, but her tone of voice when she says it makes me laugh all the same.
Janelle joins in the laughter. “You’re just done with her?”
“Been done, actually. We’re just too old for the shit she pulls, and I’m over it. Apparently, we’re gonna be tangled up with these men for a long time since you wanna slob down Rome, and you”—she points to me—“got whatever you got going on with Micah.”
“Nothing’s going on with me and Micah.”
“Oh, so we’re just not talking about you spending time with Jalenandhis son?” Janelle adds.
“Your boyfriend tricked me into that!” Evie retorts.
“‘Boyfriend’ is crazy, first of all. Second of all, all he did was ask and you said yes.”
My brows peak as I try to hide my amusement. Our last brunch was eventful to say the least. I received devastating news, and our chauffeur, Rome, asked Evie to help his nephew with some kind of video game competition. She agreed, but I think in her mimosa-filled haze she forgot that doing so would put her in Jalen’s orbit. They were very flirty at the wedding. I’m curious to see if she’ll do what she always does and push it away or fall into it.
“Not you defending a man. That’s what’s crazy. Yourboyfriend”—she emphasizes the word—“took advantage of my drunken kindness and I won’t forget it.”
Janelle rolls her eyes. We know Evie’s not actually mad, because if she was, everyone and their mama would know.
“Whatever, Evie,” Janelle says.
“Whatever my ass. What was I saying before you two started ganging up on me?”
