All Eyes on Zuri

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞

The woman came out of her luxury kitchen, holding two glass cups full of wine. She walked into the living room and placed the glasses on the table. Just as she was adjusting the couch cushions, there was a knock on the front door.

The woman dusted off her dress, straightened her posture, and walked to the door. She unlocked it and opened it with a smile.

"Jasmine! Hello, how are you, bestie?" she said to the woman standing on the porch. She then hugged her.

"I'm so good, thanks for inviting me over, Zuri," Jasmine replied as she stepped inside. Zuri closed the door behind her.

Jasmine sat down on the couch, glancing around the living room.

"This is nice," Jasmine said, brushing some hair over her shoulder. Zuri chuckled as she joined her on the couch.

"Thanks! I make sure this house stays clean. Being a businesswoman is hard, but it pays the bills," Zuri said, taking a sip of wine.

"I know that's right," Jasmine agreed, picking up her own glass and taking a sip of wine.

"Anyway, we both know why we're here. I think it's time we get started and talk about the plan," Zuri said, turning to Jasmine. Jasmine licked her lips and slowly set her glass down.

"I know, but... are you sure you're ready to go through with this?" Jasmine asked, concern in her eyes. Zuri gave her a soft smile and placed her hand on top of Jasmine's.

"I'm sure. Trust me, this is for the best. We're all friends, and it's time we get back together," Zuri said before picking up her laptop and opening it. She placed it in front of them.

They looked over the email Zuri had typed, then glanced at each other before nodding and sending it.

"Alright then..." Zuri said as she carefully closed the laptop. She finished the rest of her wine in one gulp.

"Well, I can't stay long. Hakeem is picking up Prince, and I'm cooking dinner tonight. Ma said she's coming over to see Prince too," Jasmine said, picking up her purse and standing up. Zuri nodded, rising to walk her to the door.

"Sounds like a busy night. I'll let you go, but don't forget about our next meeting," Zuri said, watching Jasmine step outside.

"Yep... It'll be a girls' night, but with all the girls," Jasmine replied before getting into the Uber. Once the car drove off, I walked back inside, heading to the kitchen island. I sat down and started drinking more wine.

Why did I feel this way about Hakeem? I thought to myself. He was my best friend's husband, and yet I had romantic and sexual feelings for him.

After I finished drinking, I cleaned up, loaded the dishwasher, and started it. I let my dog back inside, gave him a bath, put him in his crate, turned on the TV, and put on a dog show from YouTube for him. Then, I went to take a bath.

After my bath, I got dressed in my pajamas. Once I finished my skincare routine, I climbed into bed.

I sighed as I reviewed the digital presentation I had prepared for my meeting tomorrow. I set my iPad on the bedside table.

"Oh, Hakeem, why do I still like you?" I asked myself as I turned off the lamp. I pulled the covers over me, closed my eyes, and slowly drifted off to sleep.