“Mm-hmm,” I nodded, grinning. “Yeah, okay. So the food was good, but Marcos’s dick was better. Got it.”
Lainey shrugged, completely unashamed. “You said it not me, friend. And don’t sit here acting innocent! I’m positive the feeling is mutual when it comes to you and Domino.”
“First of all,” I said, trying—and failing—to sound offended, “mind your business.”
Lainey straightened up like she was about to address a courtroom. “Objection,” she said smoothly. “You are my business.”
I blinked. “Girl—”
“Let the record reflect,” she continued, holding up a finger, “that based on observed behavior, suspicious smiling, and overall energy shifts… I am correct.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “What evidence? You’re trying to build a whole case off vibes.”
“Circumstantial evidence is still evidence!” Lainey fired back. “Exhibit A!” She pointed at my face. “That smile you keep trying to suppress.”
I pressed my lips together, already caught.
“Mm-hmm,” she nodded, satisfied. “The court sees everything.”
“Okay, okay.” I lifted my hands in surrender, playing along. “I can neither confirm nor deny those allegations.”
Lainey clapped once like she’d just rested her case. “No further questions. The witness has already incriminated herself.”
“You’re annoying.”
“And you,” she smirked, tilting her head as if she was delivering the final verdict, “have been found guilty of being emotionally and sexually involved with the type of man you swore you would never date.”
We shared a laugh.
“Seriously,” Lainey continued, her tone shifting to something softer and more introspective, “this isn’t where I’m meant to build my future. I had fun here, and it will always hold a special place in my memories, but my real life is waiting for me back home in Charlotte.”
Just like that, her expression shifted again, her playful demeanor reemerging. “But don’t worry. If I ever want a Coach bag I can’t afford, need a quick vacation, or I’m short fifty dollars on my light bill…” She pointed at me, her finger jabbing playfully in the air. “I knowexactlywho to call. And don’t try to act brand new when I start popping up like, ‘Hey bestie, remember me?’”
I giggled. “I will never forget you, Lainey… ever.”
Her smile softened then, and so did her voice. “For real though, this is your time. You did what you had to do for Kyrin, and I’m proud of you… like, so damn proud. Not a lot of people could do what you did.”
I looked down for a second.
Lainey reached out, tilting my chin up slightly. “Don’t shrink now… not after everything you just fought through.”
I nodded slowly, absorbing her words.
“On another note…” she added, her tone shifting just enough to let me know she was serious now, “talk to your momma… for real. I know she fucked up, but sometimes people don’t realize what they’ve broken until they hear the silence they created… and sometimes they just need one door left open so they can find their way back.”
I sighed softly but nodded, mostly to satisfy her. “I’llthinkabout it.”
“Do it, Ajori,” she pressed. “Life doesn’t send reminders twice.”
I scoffed. “I beg to differ. But I will. I promise.”
Eventually.
Because the truth was, I wasn’t ready.
Not yet.
Top of Form
