Hoops & Harmonies

16.

Angel leaned back in her seat as the plane began its descent into Atlanta. The city stretched out beneath her like a glittering tapestry, unfamiliar but slowly becoming her second home. She had flown here so many times to see Monica, but today felt different—electric. This wasn't just another visit. This was the start of their final week before the wedding, the countdown to forever.

As soon as the plane landed and she switched off airplane mode, her phone buzzed with a message from Monica.

Monica: "Welcome back! Hope you're ready for your bachelorette party! Don't do anything too crazy! Can't wait to see you tomorrow!"

Angel smiled, her heart warming at the thought of Monica. She typed back quickly.

Angel: "You know I'm ready and I won't do anything crazy! Shante's plans for you better be stripper free. Be good!"

Angel made her way through the terminal, the excitement building. Just outside baggage claim, she spotted Latto waiting for her, a huge grin on her face and a bright pink "BRIDE TO BE" sash in her hands.

"Look who's finally here!" Latto called out, pulling Angel into a big hug.

Angel laughed, taking the sash and draping it over herself. "Yeah, yeah, I'm here. Let's get this party started!"

Latto winked. "Oh, don't you worry. We've got a whole night planned out. Hope you're ready for some serious fun—and maybe a little bit of trouble."

Angel felt a surge of excitement. "Bring it on. I'm ready for whatever you've got in store."

Across town, Monica was in the middle of her own preparations. Shante was at her side, helping her with the final touches on her outfit—a sleek, white jumpsuit that shimmered with every movement. Shante had insisted on taking charge of Monica's bachelorette party, promising a night Monica would never forget.

"You look stunning, girl," Shante said, stepping back to admire her work. "Tonight is all about you. Let's go have some fun!"

Monica smiled, but there was a hint of nervousness in her eyes. "I just keep thinking about Angel. I wonder what she's up to right now. I wish we could have done this together."

Shante shook her head, grinning. "Don't worry about Angel. She's in good hands with Latto. Tonight, you focus on you and have the best time of your life. You deserve it."

Monica nodded, her smile widening. "You're right. Tonight is going to be amazing."

The party started at a chic downtown lounge that Shante had rented out for the night. The music was loud, the drinks were flowing, and Monica felt herself relaxing into the rhythm of the night. Her friends surrounded her, dancing, laughing, and celebrating this new chapter in her life.

Shante, ever the life of the party, grabbed a microphone from the DJ booth. "Alright, everyone! Tonight, we celebrate Monica's last night as a free woman! Let's make it unforgettable!"

The crowd cheered, and Monica couldn't help but laugh as she was pulled onto the dance floor. She was surrounded by love, and despite her earlier nerves, she felt a sense of peace. Tonight was going to be perfect.

Meanwhile, Angel's party was just getting started. Latto had planned an extravagant evening, starting with a private wine tasting at a hidden gem of a winery just outside the city. The venue was gorgeous, all twinkling lights and rustic charm, and Angel felt herself unwind as she sipped on various vintages.

"So, what do you think?" Latto asked, leaning in with a knowing smile. "A good start to your last week of freedom?"

Angel laughed. "If this is the beginning, I can't wait to see what else you've got planned. This is perfect."

After the tasting, they headed to one of Atlanta's hottest new restaurants, where they had a private room reserved. The dinner was filled with laughter, toasts, and a few slightly embarrassing stories from Angel's past, all in good fun. As the night continued, they made their way to a trendy rooftop bar, where Latto had set up a VIP section just for them.

Latto raised her glass. "To Angel—our fierce, fabulous bride-to-be. May tonight be filled with fun, laughter, and a few surprises!"

The group cheered, and Angel felt her cheeks flush with happiness. She was surrounded by her closest friends, all of them there to celebrate her. The night was just getting started, and she was ready for whatever came next.

As the night progressed, Monica's group moved from the lounge to a surprise destination: a vibrant dance club known for its live performances. Shante had pulled out all the stops, arranging for a private show. When they arrived, Monica's eyes widened with excitement.

"Shante, you did not," Monica gasped, seeing the drag performers ready to take the stage.

"Oh, but I did," Shante replied with a wink. "And you're going to love every second of it."

The show was incredible, with performers dancing, lip-syncing, and putting on a spectacular show that had everyone on their feet. At midnight, the DJ called Monica to the stage for a special dedication. Shante took her hand, leading her up.

"Ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for our beautiful bride-to-be, Monica!" the DJ announced. "This song is just for her!"

Monica laughed as the opening notes of her favorite song filled the air. She took the microphone, her voice shaky at first but growing stronger with each note. She belted out the lyrics, her friends cheering and singing along. It was a moment she'd never forget.

Meanwhile, Angel's party was just as lively. Latto had arranged a scavenger hunt across several bars downtown, each stop more outrageous than the last. Angel found herself dancing on a bar, taking silly photos with strangers, and even doing a karaoke performance that left the crowd roaring with laughter.

At one point, Latto pulled her aside, grinning mischievously. "How are you feeling, bride-to-be?"

Angel was breathless, her face flushed from dancing. "This is insane! I'm having the time of my life!"

"Good," Latto said, nodding in satisfaction. "Because the night isn't over yet. We've got one last surprise."

They headed to a final destination, a hidden speakeasy with an old-school jazz vibe. The mood was sultry and smooth, a perfect contrast to the wild energy of the rest of the night. Latto raised her glass once more. "To Angel—may your marriage be as amazing as you are."

Angel smiled, feeling a rush of gratitude. She knew she'd never forget this night.

As the night wore on, both parties eventually ended up at a late-night diner—the same one Angel and Monica had stumbled upon on one of their first dates in Atlanta. It was a place filled with memories, and both groups converged there without even planning it.

Angel walked in, her eyes scanning the crowd, and immediately spotted Monica. Their eyes met, and both burst out laughing, surprised but delighted.

Monica grinned, walking over to meet her halfway. "I should've known we'd end up here," she said, pulling Angel into a hug.

Angel chuckled, feeling the warmth of Monica's embrace. "Somehow, we always do. How was your night?"

"It was amazing," Monica replied, her eyes sparkling. "But it just got better now that you're here."

They joined their groups, pushing tables together and sharing stories from their respective nights. There was so much love and laughter in the air, a perfect blend of their worlds coming together. It felt right—like a preview of the life they were about to start together.

As they sat side by side, hands intertwined under the table, Angel leaned in and whispered, "I can't wait to marry you."

Monica smiled, her heart full. "Me neither. Let's make every day as unforgettable as tonight."

And as the night continued, with the people they loved most surrounding them, they knew they were ready for whatever came next.