𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑

09

excuse any mistakes.

With a relaxed sigh, Golden submerged her feet into the tub of hot water beneath her. Grabbing the champagne glass that was within her reach, she took yet another sip of the Mimosa.

Going to the nail salon was one of her favorite things to do when it came down to pampering herself. It was so soothing and therapeutic.

Golden loved self care days. She couldn't have them as often as she would've liked, but when she did get the time to, she enjoyed every minute of it. It was the simple pleasures in life that counted the most.

"Girl I thought I was gonna have to hunt you down." In the pedicure chair to the right of Golden was her best friend, Jakeela.

"Why is that?" The woman asked as she raised a curious brow.
"What do you mean, 'wHy iS tHaT'?" Jakeela mocked, earning a laugh from her. "You weren't responding to any of my text messages."

"I'm sorry, Kee." Her face held a small pout out of guilt. "You know that my phone stays on Do Not Disturb 99% of the time."

"I have so many messages that come through on a daily, I can't keep up with everybody's. You know I love you, it's just been lot going on as of lately."

"Baby, I'm all ears. We've got nothing but time, so spill." The other woman replied - turning the upper part of her body to face her best friend, being sure to keep her feet in the water.

"Well for starters, work was absolutely draining me.

Last month, I spent three weeks caring for sick emergency room patients with no days off. The only time I was at home, was to sleep and wash my ass.

Other than that, I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off."

"Three weeks with no break is crazy. I would've told them people to kiss my ass and walked out." She spoke with a scoff.

"As bad as I wanted to, I would never risk losing my job like that." Golden chuckled. "Thankfully, they gave me four days off after that. I felt like I was going insane."

"As they should've. Hell, it should have been more if you ask me. I don't see how you do it, Goldilocks." The woman blew out a breath.
"The stress that comes along with me being an athletic trainer is enough, I just know you go through it. Bless your heart."

"Don't get me wrong, I love what I do but I won't lie and say that I don't get overwhelmed. It takes a strong person to work in the medical field."

"And that's exactly what you are, strong." Kee reached over and squeezed her hand, earning an appreciative smile from Golden.

For the most part, Golden didn't speak on the rough patches in her life. If she was going through a moment where things were hectic and had her feeling overburdened, she'd simply keep pushing until things got better.

Even if she had to cry, yell, and pray her way through it. One of the most important things that she had been taught growing up was that tough times don't last forever.

"Thank you."

"Of course, pookie. So, besides work what else has been up?" The woman took a few sips of her now half empty glass.

Golden's mind immediate went to Kyaire. She had to think of the best way to break the situation down to Jakeela, already knowing that off the rip she'd sound crazy as hell.

"So..I uh.." She started off, clearing her throat.

"Wait.." the other woman trailed off. "You met somebody, didn't you?" She asked with a mischievous grin, excitement evident in her tone as she shimmied her shoulders.