Ablizorm

The Police and an Empty Promise - Nov 08

"It's Saturday," Zuri sang, stepping into the kitchen. She was still in her pajamas, a giant plaid onesie. Her dark hair looked fright, falling out of its messy bun, curls falling over her dark skin. Toni suppressed a giggle, glancing at the calendar. Four more days until potential confrontation. The smile slipped off her face. Toni was dressed in her last clean pair of bell bottom jeans, jet black blazer, and cloth scarf. November was almost over, and the cold was coming in.

"You know, we should do something for thanksgiving," Zuri commented, glancing out the window. Toni shrugged, pushing herself off the island chair where she'd been sipping her morning coffee. "I guess, It's what? Monday?" She answered, grabbing her mug and pressing the 'on' button for their shared espresso maker. "It's just," Toni added, watching the coffee pour into the mug.

"We've never really celebrated before. If you ask me? It's an excuse for a feast. It's also an American holiday" Toni said, rolling her eyes as she brought her newly filled mug back to the table, dragging a long sip. "First of all, no it's not just an American holiday. And Second, It's an excuse," Zuri replied slowly, a smirk lifting the corners of her mouth. "For you to invite a devilishly handsome young man from the market" She finished.

Toni nearly spit out her drink in shock. "W-what? How, exactly, do you know about that?" Uh oh. Toni thought. Not good. Zuri shifted in her seat at the island, the smirk still firmly in place.

"Oh, you know...just it's a small world out there" Toni gave her friend the most unimpressed glare she could manage, but Zuri's smile just grew. "Fine, fine. You know how I've been looking for work lately?"

Surprised, Toni just stared. "...no? I never mentioned it? Well the guy who was looking to hire, well, he may have mentioned a pretty little— well anyway, sounded suspiciously like you..." Toni was rendered speechless. For about three seconds.

"Ok first of all, WHAT" Zuri started to interrupt, but Toni held up her hand and continued. "Second, WHEN did you find the time to look for a job? ... You know my parent's will has left us with what we need for the next few years. Thirdly, why the bloody he— er," Toni amended. "Why didn't you think to tell me?" She scowled. "What happened to no more secrets?" Toni added as an afterthought, hurt. Zuri's smirk evaporated on the spot.

"Oh come on... It was supposed to be a surprise" she stuttered. Zuri never stuttered. Toni groaned, sliding her hand across her face. "You thought getting work would be a surprise? Zuri, how many times—"

"Er— no" Toni frowned at her friend, whose face was growing whiter. "What do you mean no" She asked hurriedly, getting impatient. What impossibly stupid thing has she done this time? Within the next few seconds, she got her answer. "Er, ok don't be mad—" Toni slumped in her chair, throwing her head in her hands. "Oh come on, that's a bit dramatic—" Zuri continued, pouting in her seat. "Anyway, I might have invitedtayloroverfordinner" Toni brought her head up warily, perching her hands on her cheeks. "Sorry what?" Zuri paled. "I said, I invited. Tayloroverfordinner" Toni frowned again, straining her ears. "What" Zuri threw her hands over her head. "Geez woman! Fine. I. Invited. Taylor. Over. For. Dinner. Tuesday."

Toni 's mouth unhinged. That better have not been what I thought I heard. "Sorry Zuri, if you could please repeat yourself? I thought I heard you say you invited Taylor over for dinner" Toni looked over at her friend expectantly, her voice dangerously thin. Zuri winced. "I-well, yes that-that's what I said..."

Dead silence. Toni was turning redder every passing second. She clutched her head, pinching the bridge of her nose in annoyance, her lips firmly pursed. "So let me get this straight," Toni started, her words sounding more like an order than a suggestion. "You invited the guy I like over for dinner, the day after thanksgiving?" Zuri seemed to sigh, in relief or exasperation, Toni couldn't tell.