Ignoring my request, Raina shoved her phone in my face. Fernando and his bride did indeed look overly lubricated.
“The caption reads,” Raina cleared her throat, “‘A strong king needs his queen.’ ”
“Aww, that’s kinda sweet,” Sienna cooed, placing a snack tray on the table.
Oh, goodness. Wrong move, Sienna. Wrong move.
“Kinda sweet?” Raina squeaked. “Since when has Fernando been a king? That negro was a dirty, broke-ass pauper when I met him. As far as him doing this black-and-white greasy-ass picture concept, his ashy ass was using some watered-down, dollar store lotion until I upped his game.”
“That’s a little harsh,” Sienna admonished.
“Harsh, but it’s all the way true,” Raina returned. “I spent four years”—she spread out the fingers on her hand and wiggled them—“four long years dealing with his shit and then two years after we broke up, he gets married and all of sudden he’s a family guy?”
Fernando was the worst, so I was happy she dropped his sorry ass right after college. What I didn’t understand was why she was still upset. I decided to ask. “Why are you upset? You’ve got Cam, a wonderful guy. What’s the problem?”
“The problem,” Nikki stepped in, “is that she wasted years on him. All along he already had a queen, but he didn’t appreciate her.”
I waved my hands in the air. I was tired of getting beat up. “Fine. Duly noted. I will never again like your ex’s photo. As a matter of fact,” I grabbed my phone and swiped open the app. “I’m deleting his friendship.” I searched for his name and did so. “There. Now, can we get started?”
“Oh, she’s feisty today!” Nikki laughed.
Raina stood to turn down the television and Sienna sat in the now vacant spot next to me.
“All right. Let’s kick off the show-and-tell. I’ll go first.”
Raina smiled in her seat, eyes glowing. I focused on her, noticing the glow everywhere. That radio suspension must’ve been good for her. She was never this happy.
“I went to a literary networking event last week and met a few editors. I told them about my concept, and two of them have asked for a proposal. As you all know, I’ve already gotten started on the proposal, but I still need a professional, like a freelance editor, to review my work.”
“Why don’t you send us what you have?” Sienna suggested.
“Yeah,” Nikki bobbed her head. “This is show-and-tell.”
“I’m way ahead of you ladies. In your in-box, you’ll find my outline. Can you give me feedback, in say, two weeks?”
We all agreed. Nikki jumped from her seat and pulled out a guitar from behind the couch. “I’ve got a new song. The band and I negotiated that I’d write a few songs and maybe even cut a few tracks. The studio agreed and plans to release a few singles to test the waters.”
Nikki played the song, and it was absolutely beautiful. Lost in her own world, she tilted her head back as she strummed her guitar. The song was haunting, about a second chance at love, forgiveness, and loving someone through the tough times. Nikki did sad songs well. It would be a hit, no doubt.
Everyone clapped after Nikki finished her new composition and put away the guitar.
“That was beautiful, Nik,” Sienna complimented.
Nikki snapped the guitar case shut. “Yeah, the band loves the song and we’re going to record soon.”
“So when are you going to tell James about the band?” I asked.
Nikki widened her eyes. She still hadn’t told her husband and continued to sneak around. She snapped on us when we encouraged her to come clean.
“Like I’ve said a million times, I’ll do it when I’m ready.”
I shook my head. “Nikki, you’re being ridiculous! Just tell him the truth. It’s only going to get worse the longer you wait.”
“Right. Like I’m going to take marriage advice from someone who barely speaks to her husband.”
My shoulders squeezed together. “What are you talking about? I do speak to my husband.”
I glanced at Sienna. She’d been the only person I told about my troubles with Darren. I should’ve known not to tell my chatterbox best friend.
“I’m not the one who flaked out on date night like nine or ten times.” Nikki’s tone turned nasty.
“Four times.” My snitch-ass best friend came to my defense. “But let’s not get into a fight. Following dreams can be tough on relationships. But, Nikki, Kara’s right, and we’ve all been telling you to talk to James. It’s your choice—”