Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 131486 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 657(@200wpm)___ 526(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131486 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 657(@200wpm)___ 526(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
“I remember the way.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Yasmen
This is long overdue,” Soledad says, setting the large charcuterie board on her dining room table. “I can’t believe how long it’s been since we got together.”
“What’s wrong with us, bitches?” Hendrix asks, picking up a spear of olives, brie, and pepperoni. “Oooh. I love a good charcoochie board.”
“Charcuterie,” Soledad corrects.
“You stay cute with yours,” Hendrix says and winks. “But it’s the coochie that brings the boys out.”
“Well, it’s a girls’ night,” I remind her. “So no coochie. I mean, unless we want to talk about coochie, but no boys.”
“I’m just glad we finally got some time,” Soledad says. “The year started off so hectic.”
“Yeah, spending the last couple of weeks in LA with my client was exhausting.” Hendrix pops a grape into her mouth. “But commission off that seven-figure deal makes it worth it.”
“Okay, Black luxury,” I say, high-fiving her. “I see you.”
We all laugh while Soledad fills our glasses with white wine.
“I needed this.” I take a long sip, letting it cool my throat and relax my nerves. “Kassim is playing basketball, and that is eating a chunk of my free time. Getting him to practice early and late, being there for games, but that was the compromise we reached. Since I wouldn’t budge on football, he negotiated basketball.”
“My girls are in everything.” Soledad takes a healthy sip of her wine. “Lupe’s actually taking acting classes.”
“She chose that over modeling?” Hendrix asks.
“She chose it for herself,” Soledad emphasizes. “I’m not encouraging her to trade on her looks. I’m teaching her to use every gift in her arsenal.”
“And when do you plan on taking your own advice, ma’am?” Hendrix asks, only half jokingly. “We been telling you about your arsenal forever. What will model that lesson for her better than seeing her own mother max out her gifts?”
“Ugh, I hate it when you’re right.” Soledad rolls her eyes. “I’m so busy, I haven’t given it much thought, but I will.”
“I’ve been slammed too. Work just keeps coming,” Hendrix agrees. “I haven’t even had time to get on Tinder, Match, Bumble, nothing. Not even BlackPeopleMeet.com. I need to go to church, where the Black people do meet. Sometimes that’s where you find the best men, chile. Horny and highly favored!” Hendrix lifts one hand and waves. “Hallelujah.”
“This whole conversation”—Soledad waves her hand in Hendrix’s direction—“feels sacrilegious.”
I’m still choking on a laugh when my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out and grin at a new text from Josiah.
Josiah: I think I pulled something this morning. I’m not ashamed to admit I can barely keep up with you in bed.
I giggle and type out a quick response.
Me: I got one word for you. 69.
Josiah: That’s not a word.
Me: Whatever you want to call it, it was your idea.
Josiah: I seem to remember you approving.
My cheeks heat, and I feel like a teenager passing notes in math class. When I glance up, Hendrix and Soledad both watch me with identical curiosity.
“Who got you biting your lip all dirty?” Hendrix imitates me biting my bottom lip in what I hope is not even close to how I look.
I slip the phone back in my pocket. “No idea what you’re talking about.”
“You got a man?” Hendrix demands. “’Cause if you been holding out on us—”
“Is it Mark?” Soledad cuts in. “He seems very happy lately.”
“He’s doing well in the polls,” I answer. “Nothing to do with me. Besides, I told him I thought we should remain just friends.”
“Well, who is it then?” Hendrix asks. “We’ll find out one way or the other.”
“It’ll have to be the other,” I tell them with a smug grin. “Because it’s nunya.”
“Oh, I got your nunya.” Hendrix stands and tackles me to the floor.
“Get off me,” I huff. “Oh, my God. What are you…Get off.”
“Get her phone, Sol!” Hendrix orders, pinning my arms and legs to the floor with her entire body laid on top of me.
Soledad, traitor that she is, squirms into our writhing pretzel of womanhood and manages to fish my phone from my pocket.
“I got it!” she squeals, leaping up and taking off to the living room, holding my phone over her head triumphantly.
I finally manage to shove Hendrix off, scrambling to my feet and pursuing Soledad, but it’s too late. By the time I reach her, she’s sitting on the floor, back pressed to the couch, reading my text messages with wide eyes, mouth hanging open.
“Oh, my stars.” Soledad tosses her head back and cackles. “You’re not gonna believe this, Hen.”
I snatch my phone and fall onto the couch with a groan. Here we go.
“Lemme see,” Hendrix says, extending her hand for my phone.
“No.” I shake my head and release an exasperated breath.
“You let Sol see,” Hendrix complains, settling onto the floor beside Soledad.
“No, she took my phone.” Staring up at the ceiling, I sigh and accept the fact that it’s no use trying to hide it anymore. “I slept with Josiah.”