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“So, it’s swinging, right…”
I slammed my hand on the table. “We’re not talking about my baby brother’s penis. Not now, not ever.” I stared daggers in Fancy’s direction. “Just remember, I can share stories about your brother’s dick too. So don’t test me.”
“Where are you at with Oz?” Reese asked, redirecting the conversation.
“We’re taking things easy. Very easy. I mean, he did kiss me in Gainsborough.”
Fancy squealed, clapping her hands. “Dial and Ozzie, sitting in a tree…” Even when she wasn’t trying, her voice was pitch perfect.
“It was just one kiss.” Me and Fancy had grown closer, but I didn’t feel comfortable admitting to fucking her brother.
“It just takes one kiss, and then whoopsie daisy… you’re fucking.”
“That should be your next song,” Reese said. “I’m serious, write it down.”
“I didn’t agree to hang out with y’all just to talk about men all night.” I was tired of obsessing about the state of my love life; I’d come out to escape, not wallow.
“That’s fair. Let’s talk about something else,” Fancy said.
“Edison mentioned you have a bunch of new songs for your solo album.”
“He wasn’t supposed to tell you that.”
“Your man can’t hold water, and he’s always looking for a chance to brag about you. It’s disgusting.”
“Thanks.” Fancy beamed. “It’s going real well. The record label is excited. Which, at the end of the day, means nothing if the fans don’t like it.”
“Your fans love you, and if you sing it, they will follow.”
“I haven’t been this nervous in a long time. If the album doesn’t do well, then what do I do? I love Edison and our life together, but I’m not looking to be a stay-at-home wife.”
“Shit, I would love that,” Reese mumbled, and I swatted her arm.
“I completely understand the need to carve out something all your own,” I said. “You came into this relationship a star, and Eddy’s gonna have to share you.”
“He’s always been supportive. He says if the album doesn’t pan out, I should dust myself off and try again.”
“I agree.”
“The thing is, if this doesn’t work then maybe my ex was right. Maybe I can’t succeed without him.” She was sporting a faint smile, but it was obvious that doubt was nagging at her.
“I don’t know your ex, just the stories Eddy shared, but he sounds like an asshole. The kind that fears strong women. They want to keep their thumb on you so you don’t grow. Fancy, you have more talent in your bedazzled pinky toe than half the people in Nashville and Hollyweird combined.”
“I appreciate that, sis.”
Fancy was annoying, but she wasn’t going to throw dirt on her name and abilities, not while I was around. It was funny how I could give rousing pep talks to everyone else, but when it came to myself, I was at a loss for words.
“Reese, what have you been up to?” I asked.
“I’m thinking about being celibate. I mean, I already am, but I’m thinking about making it official. Maybe throwing a party.”
Fancy frowned. “A no-sex party? I’ll pass.”
“I was gonna have people bring gifts. Tongue teasers, dildos, nipple clamps.”
“I’m just gonna bring the dip,” I said. Reese was single by choice, because if she wanted to, she could be booed up in the next fifteen minutes.
“What about you, Dial? What’s new?” Reese asked.
