It's been 2 months since Kenny and Toni spoke to each other, in the days that followed, neither of them spoke about the kiss. Kenny had invited Toni over so they could clear the air, she knew she couldn't keep her feelings in any longer.
"Kenny" she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "that kiss meant everything to me. I love you, I've always have". Kenny's expression soften but there was a sadness in his eyes. He loved Toni. "It meant a lot to me too, but Toni I have to tell u something"
Toni felt her heart sink, dread pooling in her stomach. "What's wrong?"
"I met someone, I figured you didn't want to ruin our friendship so I wasn't gonna hound you. Her name is Sarah, we've been seeing each other for 3 weeks now and I really like her" Kenny said
Toni's world seemed tilt, her vision blurring her tears. She forced a smile, trying to keep her voice steady. She knew she had to respect his decision and he was right. "I'm so sorry Toni" Kenny squeezed her hand. "It's okay Ken, I just needed to tell u how I felt. I'm happy for you, really"
They sat in silence for a while, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. Eventually Kenny pulled her into a tight hug, and Toni clung onto him.
()()()())))?)()()()(?()()(()
The next day Toni felt the heaviness still on her heart so she called Janet over to talk. "What's going on T? You sounded really upset over the phone" . Toni sighed, gesturing Janet to come sit down. "I finally confessed to Kenny about how I feel".
"And what he say" Janet said. "He met someone" Toni said above a whisper. "But I thought you guys liked each other" Janet said confused. "Yes but I guess these past few months avoiding each other led him to her. He said he valued our friendship and he didn't want hound me" Toni felt guilty. She basically pushed her best friend away.
"But toni it doesn't mean her cares about you any less. Sometimes things don't work out the way we want". Janet said
"I know. It just hurts, you know? I've loved him for so long. And now I have to watch him be happy with someone else" Toni said. "Maybe this might be an opportunity for someone new to come into you life" . "I hope so" Toni said getting up and going into the kitchen.
(A FEW WEEKS LATER)
Kenny invited Toni and Janet to his birthday party. Toni was hesitant about seeing him amid the conversation they had at her apartment weeks ago, she didn't feel like it was a good idea at first but she wanted to be a good friend for Kenny, she was genuinely happy for him.
Despite her mixed feelings, Toni decided to attend, knowing it was important to Kenny. "This bitch got money" Janet said as her and Toni pulled up to a beautiful glass mansion. Toni chuckled "shutup". Everything/everyone looked expensive. Kenny greeted them at the door.
"So glad you guys could make it" Kenny hugged them both leading them inside. "We couldn't miss it. You're getting old" Janet said jokingly.
As they mingled with other guest Toni couldn't help but feel a knot of anxiety in her stomach. She knew eventually she'd meet Sarah, and she wasn't sure how she would handle it. Janet stayed close by sensing her her friends unease.
After some time, Kenny approached them with a woman. She was small and petite with brown hair and brown eyes with a mocha complexion.
"Toni, Janet, this is Sarah" Kenny said, his eyes glowing with affection. "Sarah this is Toni who I was telling you about my best friend".
Sarah extended her hand with a friendly smile. "It's nice to meet you both. Kenny's told me so much about you, Toni he talks about you all the time".
Toni managed to return the smile. "I wish I could say the same" Janet chuckled. "Nice to meet you too Sarah". "Happy birthday Kenny! I'll see u in a minute T!"janet walked off holding a drink. Kenny laughed
As the evening went on Toni found herself watching Kenny and Sarah together. They seemed genuinely happy.
As the party was winding down, Kenny came walking to Toni leaving Sarah talking with other guests. "Hey Toni, can we talk for a minute?". He asked "sure" Toni replied. Toni followed Kenny to a balcony. "You're my best friend and I want to talk to you about this" Kenny said making Toni feel all sorts of emotions. "I've been thinking about Sarah and our future. I think I'm ready to propose" Kenny said. "Kenny you've only knew the girl for 3 months" Toni laughed. "Yeah but I can feel it you know?". Toni looked down and smiled. She felt her heart drop a little. "But this is huge. She's really lucky to have you" .
Kenny sighed. "Thank you. Tone. You know I missed you I felt like we've drifted apart and I do hate it" Toni took a deep breath. "I'm still here Ken. Don't worry".Kenny smiled taking Toni's hand and walking back to the party.
"This was nice thank you Ken. Happy birthday" Kenny hugged her tightly. Sarah came behind and and held onto Kenny. "Have a good night" she said. Toni and Janet left getting into the car.
"I don't like that hoe" Janet said making Toni laugh.
