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SAN ANTONIO TEXAS OCTOBER 10th 2023
Zara took a long sip of her coffee, blowing on the hot liquid before shaking her head. "So, he called me again, talkin' 'bout how he's gonna make it up to us. Girl, I'm so tired of him and his tired-ass promises," she said, her eyes rolling in frustration.
Lani stirred her hot cocoa with a sigh, the spoon clinking softly against the cup. "I hope he don't think just 'cause we back talkin' that means I forgave him. He must think I forgot all the shit he put me through." She shook her head, as she took a slow sip.
They were in a small, old-fashioned coffee shop. The warm, rustic vibe of the place should've been comforting, with its wooden chairs and vintage paintings on the walls, but the conversation felt heavier than the cozy setting around them.
Zara and Lani hadn't seen each other in a minute, but now that they were finally catching up, it felt good to let everything out. They had promised each other that no matter what, they wouldn't let David come between them again. Their friendship was finally solid, and neither wanted to lose it over him.
"I'm surprised you ain't left him yet," Zara said, raising an eyebrow.
Lani chuckled, "And why would I do that?" she asked, though her smile didn't reach her eyes.
Zara shrugged,"I don't know, just surprised is all." She shifted in her seat, quickly changing the topic. "But anyway, Naylor's birthday comin' up, right? What you got planned?"
Lani exhaled, leaning back against her chair. "Nothin' major. Just thinkin' about throwin' a house party. Most of my family can't make it anyway, so it'll be mostly David's side." She said it so casually, like it didn't bother her, but Zara noticed it did
"Aww, why not?" Zara asked, a little frown tugging at her lips.
Lani shrugged. "I'm not really close with my family like that no more. It's mostly just my brother and my mama who'll come through, for real." Just as she finished speaking, her phone began buzzing on the table.
She glanced at the screen but made no move to answer it, letting it ring until it stopped. When it rang two more times, Lani hit the decline button both times, her face tightening with irritation.
Zara raised an eyebrow. "Who's blowin' you up?"
"David's sorry ass," Lani muttered, rolling her eyes.
Before Zara could respond, her own phone began to ring. She glanced down, seeing David's name flash across her screen. She sighed dramatically before picking up. "What do you want?" she answered, not even trying to hide the attitude in her voice.
"Why you talkin' to me like that? And give Lani the phone, I know she with you," David shot back, his tone impatient.
