“Maybe that’s what he wants.” Destiny tosses one of her long passion twists back over her shoulder. “He wants you to feel lonely and like you're being replaced.”
“Do you think he would be that cruel?” Kyra asks.
She’s the youngest of all of us. Only twenty-nine years old.
We all turn to look at her and at the same time say, “Yes.”
“Men can be petty little assholes,” Jada explains. “It’s wrapped up in their DNA.”
“Well, if that’s the case, the best way to get back at him is to show him you don’t care,” Kyra says, popping a piece of cheese from the charcuterie board into her mouth.
“And how am I supposed to do that?”
“Wait,” Jada hums, holding up one of her hands. “The baby might be onto something.”
Kyra rolls her eyes at the nickname Jada gave her.
“You need to show Andrew that this little stunt he’s trying to pull doesn’t hurt you. We’re not giving him that satisfaction. You need to take a date to this wedding.”
“Ooh, good idea, Jada,” Meagan says, retaking her spot on the floor with a full glass of wine.
“But it has to be authentic,” Destiny adds, holding up a finger. “Someone you’re truly into. If not, Andrew will sniff out a fake relationship, and that will only make you look more desperate.”
I snort. “Please, like I’ll be able to find a date in six months.”
The girls grow silent.
“Why can’t you?” Pamela asks, turning her entire body in her seat to look at me.
I love the support I have from these women. We’ve only known each other for a little over a year, but I feel like I’ve known them all my life. They are all incredible and beautiful. Yes, Meagan and Kyra have kids, but Meagan practically lives at the gym. And Kyra is tall like a model with her thin frame. The other three don’t have kids, and although Pam would be considered plus-size, she still has that hourglass shape. Big boobs and wide hips made her look balanced. I did not have that luxury.
“Look at me,” I say, running a hand down my body like I’m showcasing a prize on a game show. “I’m so out of shape and not in the right mindset to date.”
“Bullshit,” Jada says, and this time no one calls her out for cursing. “There is nothing wrong with your body, and you know it. Now your hair could use a little work. I’m going to set you an appointment with Jameel.”
My eyes widen. “Are you kidding me? I can’t afford Jameel.”
Jameel Washington is one of the best hairstylists in the city. His prices are through the roof, but he deserves to charge that much. His work is phenomenal.
“Girl please, like I’d let you pay for you it.” Jada finishes texting on her phone before placing it down on the arm of the couch. “I asked Kareem to get you in this week.” Kareem is Jada’s ex-husband and also Jameel’s fiancé.
“And after you get your hair done, I’m going to take you shopping.” Kyra claps excitedly.
Although she’s the youngest, she’s also a professional stylist.
“I love you, but I need to see you in something other than yoga pants and a big t-shirt.”
I look down at my attire.
Looking back at her, I shake my head. “I can’t afford a shopping trip right now either. Cam has baseball season coming up, and the kid is already growing out of his old clothes.”
Jada waves her hand through the air. “You’re not buying anything. Just like the hair, I’m funding the shopping trip.”
“And I’m helping.” Pamela holds her hand up.
Before I can say anything, all five women have volunteered to pay for me to go shopping.
“Ladies, as much as I appreciate it, I don’t think a new hairstyle and some new clothes are going to make a difference.”
