Dangerously In Love

8.

"I'm telling y'all if one more bitch comes to me as a woman, ima give her exactly what the fuck she's looking for," Dani said before sipping her drink. The girls just laughed, the sound blending with the lively chatter and clinking of cutlery around them.

The brunch spot was bustling, with sunlight streaming through large windows and casting a warm glow on the wooden tables. The aroma of fresh coffee and baked goods filled the air, creating a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere.

It was Sunday, and Fatima had joined them for brunch as promised. "Dani, I thought you were done with him when the first girl slid into your DMs," Fatima said, spooning eggs into her mouth.

"Hell, I am! But it's the dick, y'all—it's an addiction," Dani replied with an exaggerated sigh, causing Andi to nearly choke on her mimosa.

"Whew, I feel you on that," Andi chimed in, nodding in agreement. "But enough about us. Tell us about this mystery man you've been keeping a secret." Fatima glanced off into the distance, ignoring the question, her mind drifting to thoughts of Zac.

"Um, hello? We're talking to you, Miss Thing," Dani waved her hand in Fatima's direction, snapping her back to reality.

"There's nothing to tell. We're just friends, nothing more, nothing less," Fatima shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Chile, please. Just friends? My ass," Dani rolled her eyes. "Come on, at least tell us his name, what he looks like—give us something! It's been, what, three months?" She looked at Andi for confirmation.

"It sure has," Andi agreed, leaning forward with a curious gleam in her eyes. Fatima felt the pressure mounting and was about to respond when Sabrina walked up to their table, a small figure standing behind her. "Saved by the bell," Fatima thought to herself, feeling a wave of relief.

"Hey, guys!" Sabrina greeted cheerfully, a bit too cheerful for Fatima's liking. There was always something off about Sabrina's interactions with her.

"Hey, Sabrina! I didn't expect to see you here," Andi said first, her tone welcoming but curious.

"Yeah, girl, I thought you weren't going to make it," Dani added, echoing Sabrina's words from the previous day. She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands.

"I know, but a long-lost friend invited me out, and when we saw you guys, I thought we should surprise you," Sabrina beamed, stepping aside to reveal the person behind her.

"Karen!" Andi gasped, her eyes wide in disbelief. Their friend of fifteen years, who had vanished three years ago, was standing right in front of them. Dani sat silently, still processing the shock.

Fatima observed the scene with growing unease. She had heard the girls mention Karen before, but it had always been in passing.

"Hey, y'all missed me?" Karen asked nervously, her eyes darting between Andi and Dani. The tension was palpable.

"Missed you? Bitch, did you forget—? You know what? I haven't had my morning blunt yet, and I don't have time for this shit," Dani said, downing her mimosa with a shake of her head. "Fatima, girl, that was your invite, so your tab," she joked, rising from her seat. Fatima chuckled softly, but her eyes never left Karen.

"So, this is the chick you were telling me about, Brina? The one trying to take my place in the circle?" Karen asked Sabrina while glaring at Fatima. Dani stopped in her tracks, turning back to the table.