Cyren let out a quiet laugh. It made sense for them to track one another’s weather since they lived in different states and time zones. Without fail, Cyren could expect a screenshot of Kansas City’s forecast sent to her phone, as if she didn’t already live there. And in return, she’d send a dramatic voice note, complaining about how California was still warm in October and how jealous she was of Gabi being able to still wear shorts. She didn’t have to be jealous today, though.
“Yeah, it is nice,” Cyren said, yawning again while stretching. “Where are you going?”
“I’m headed to the gym. Wait”—Gabi squinted at the screen, studying her—“before we get into all of that, because you know I’ll start rambling. Have you eaten today?”
Cyren’s silence was enough.
Gabi sighed. It wasn’t dramatic, but the sigh a best friend does when she knows she has to force her hand.
“I’m not going to fuss at you like I normally would. But you have to at least try to put something on your stomach. I don’t care if it’s a granola bar or a piece of fruit. Something. You’re not about to lay there all day and not eat. Not on my watch.”
Cyren licked her lips and smiled a little. “You sound like my mama.”
Gabi’s expression softened, and her bottom lip poked out, but she didn’t let the moment become too heavy. It wouldn’t benefit either of them. Plus, she’d had her cry for the day and would most definitely cancel her gym session if Cyren began crying. Leaning closer to the camera that was propped on her dashboard, she pointed her finger.
“See! Ms. Nicole is speaking through me, so gon’ head and get your ass up. I know those armpits are stank, honey.”
Cyren laughed, flipping her off. “Girl, fuck you. I took a shower last night. You’re so annoying.”
“But you love me,” Gabi shot back, grinning. “Now, come on. Sit up first.”
For a second, Cyren just laid there with her phone propped against her pillow. Gabi watched her, knowing she’d stay on the phone no matter how long it took for her to get up. That alone did something to and for Cyren’s weary spirit.
With a small groan, Cyren pushed herself up, her muscles protesting from being in bed most of the day.
“There we go,” Gabi encouraged. “Look at you. There she is in all of her beautiful glory.”
“Girl, all I did was sit up.”
“And that’s more than what you were doing ten seconds ago. We celebrate all wins over here. Big or small.”
Cyren swung her legs over the side of the bed, letting her feet touch the floor. The coolness of the hardwood floor grounded her a bit. “If I get up, you’re not about to rush me, right?”
“I’m not rushing you now,” Gabi said. “I’m just… here. But you are getting in that shower.”
Cyren glanced toward her bathroom as if it had personally offended her. “You’re not getting off the phone, are you?”
“No. Do I ever?” Gabi replied. They’d be on the phone for hours, doing mundane things in their own world. Nothing changed because the day had. “I’m on FaceTime supervision. Matter of fact, prop me up so I can see you moving around. I don’t trust you.”
Cyren rolled her eyes, but she grabbed her phone anyway, pushing herself fully to stand. Doing a slow, full spin she gave her a tight smile. “Happy now?
“Extremely,” Gabi said, smiling. “Now, go ahead.”
Shuffling toward the bathroom, Cyren set her phone on the counter, angling it so Gabi could still see her. She reached for the shower knob, turning it on and letting the water start to heat. The sound alone eased her.
“See? Don’t you feel better already?” Gabi asked.
Cyren leaned against the counter for a second, looking at herself in the mirror. “Yeah... a little.”
“Good. A little becomes a lot before you know it. Now, let me tell you about this nigga who just started coming to the gym like a month ago.”
“Eww. A man?” Cyren teased as she undressed. She was moving slower than usual, but moving, nonetheless.
Gabi rolled her eyes and fake gagged. “I know, right. The audacity of me to even acknowledge one. He’s fine as hell, though.”
“We use that termveryloosely, so he must be a looker for real.”
“Nineties fine, which is just my type.”
