“Oh! LikeJerry Lewis!” Bronwyn cheerily said. “That was a good movie!”
“It’sMcGuire,” Tanika and Jackie said in unison. Bless Bronwyn’s well-meaning, ill-informed heart.
“Enough about me,” Jackie said, waving her hand. “We are supposed to be here choosing a wedding cake!”
“Speaking of the wedding, do I get a plus one?” Mya asked.
Tanika looked at her, surprised. “Are you seeing someone?”
“Actually, I’m seeing several someones. So, I just need to narrow down my date by July.”
“Does that ‘several someones’ include Colin?” asked Tanika. “I know y’all have been texting and stuff.”
Jackie let out a gasp. Colin Bello was an F1-turned-stock-car-driver making a serious name for himself and apparently collecting female admirers along the way. Including Mya, it seemed.
Mya’s brown, freckled face was turning a light shade of apricot. “We are just friends! Don’t nobody want Tanika’s sloppy seconds.”
Tanika frowned. “That’s not even funny. You know I didn’t go there.” She turned to Jackie. “Should I put you down for a plus one too? Maybe you and Antonio will work things out by then.”
Jackie shrugged. “I don’t know, Tanika. I can’t even think that far ahead.”
“Well, then, the two of you can figure this out at the bachelorette party,” Tanika said quickly before shoving more cake in her mouth.
Jackie stared at Tanika. “I know you didn’t invite Antonio to Atlantic City! Why, Nik!”
“Because Gideon could use more guy friends. Antonio seems really cool.”
Jackie pinched the bridge of her nose. “I’m gonna beat your ass, Tanika.”
“Aww, look at you setting up a playdate for your man,” Mya teased.
Tanika laughed. “And you’re not gonna do a thing, Jackie. But I do want there to be at least an equal balance of folks so we can have a good time. Who knows? I figured since y’all had such a good time in Vegas, and Atlantic City sort of has the same vibes—”
“Oh my God,” Jackie interrupted. “You think we get hot for slot machines or something?”
“I have no idea what kinda kinks you two are into,” teased Tanika. “But it does seem like destinations do the trick.”
Jackie bit her lip, trying her best not to think about Vegas, Mexico, or more recently, Savannah. “Okay, thereissome truth to that, but I just don’t want it to be weird between us again. Like I said, we’re cordial now. That’s it.”
“Hmph.” Mya snorted. “You know you can’t just be friends with Antonio.”
“I…I can…” Jackie stuttered, rubbing her throat. “I know I can.”
“You don’t even believe the words coming out of your own mouth, love,” Bronwyn said, amused. “You’re doing the thing again. The defensive push!”
Tanika put her hand on Jackie’s shoulder. “I really want to shake some sense into you. You silly, goofy, tiny woman.”
Jackie dropped her head into her hands. “Ugh. I hate feeling all the feelings. This sucks. How do you all do this?”
Tanika lifted her friend’s chin. “I need you to face facts, Jackie. You’re in love.”
Jackie groaned. “I think I need more cake.”
