Only for You

5: Again

Two mimosas later, Fatima and Toni's food finally arrived. Fatima placed Stormi into the baby feeding chair, making sure she was comfortable, as Toni glanced over at Zac's table, admiring the scene. A second bottle of Dom Pérignon had just been brought out, and the vibe at Zac's table was all about luxury and indulgence.

"The nigga got money," Toni said casually, raising her eyebrows.

Fatima frowned, looking up from Stormi and over at Toni. "Excuse me?"

Toni gestured toward Zac's table with her fork. "Yeah, he plays football— I mean— shit." Toni winced, realizing she had just slipped up.

Fatima groaned softly, knowing what was coming. Toni gave her a pointed look, the kind that only best friends could give. "Stop judging me," Fatima said firmly, wagging her finger at Toni.

"I'm not judging you," Toni replied, raising her hands in mock surrender. "I just always have a lot to say. Girl, I say live your best life. I live my whore days through you," she added with a playful smile, but then her expression turned serious. "But don't forget what I said about Anthony."

Fatima let out a soft sigh. "I won't, Toni—"

"But?" Toni leaned in with a knowing smirk.

Fatima hesitated for a moment, then finally confessed, "Okay, fine. I slept with him."

Toni's eyes widened, and she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "The one over there— is he the fine black man you left the party with?"

Fatima glanced nervously at Zac's table and nodded. "Yeah, that's him."

"Damn. He's a catch," Toni said, sneaking another glance in Zac's direction.

"Don't look!" Fatima scolded, trying not to laugh, but the amusement in her voice gave her away.

"Ooh, girl, he's looking at you—" Toni grinned as she caught Zac glancing over again.

"Toni!" Fatima whispered harshly, struggling to suppress her chuckles, her heart racing. But deep down, she couldn't deny the excitement coursing through her. The situation was dangerous, but something about Zac's attention thrilled her.

Toni chuckles and leans back in her seat, shaking her head. "Girl, you are in deep," she says, taking a sip of her mimosa. Fatima sighs and glances over at Zac again, her heart skipping a beat when she sees him watching her. He raises his champagne glass slightly in acknowledgment, a subtle smile on his lips. She quickly looks away, trying to refocus on Stormi, who is busy playing with a piece of food on her tray.

"You better be careful before that man starts showing up in your dreams," Toni teases, noticing Fatima's discomfort. "Or worse, Anthony finds out."

Fatima sighs again, feeling the weight of Toni's words. "I know, Toni. I'm just... so confused."

Toni leaned in closer, her tone softening with a hint of concern. "Then you need to figure out what you really want, Fatima. You can't keep stringing both of them along."

Fatima stared at her plate for a moment before responding, her voice slow and unsure. "I'm not stringing Zac along..."

"Oh, his name is Zac," Toni said, raising an eyebrow as if she had just uncovered a juicy secret.

Fatima sighed. "Can we just enjoy our lunch?"

"Yes, we are," Toni replied with a smirk. "But let's be real, your life is so much more fun than mine. All I do is watch Ms. Rachel, change diapers, breastfeed, and drink coffee."

Fatima chuckled as Toni cooed at Stormi, who beamed at her mother. "But mama loves you," Toni added sweetly, kissing Stormi's chubby little cheek.

Fatima couldn't help but giggle at the sight, still in awe of the fact that her best friend was a whole mom now. It was a beautiful, chaotic life, and even though Fatima's own was spiraling in ways she hadn't expected, moments like this grounded her.