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The next morning, sunlight streamed through Imani's curtains, nudging her awake. She lay still for a moment, letting the warmth of the new day soothe her frayed nerves. The tension from Gio's message still lingered, but she refused to let it define her day.
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, and she reached for it cautiously.
IMESSAGES Kei 🎀
Kei 🎀 Morning! Want to grab coffee and talk before work?
Definitely. Meet you at the usual spot in 30?
Throwing back the covers, she got ready quickly, choosing an outfit that made her feel both comfortable and capable. She grabbed her camera on instinct, slinging it over her shoulder before heading out.
The café was already alive with chatter when she arrived, the scent of fresh pastries and coffee wrapping around her like a comforting embrace. Keisha was easy to spot, sitting by the window with a latte and a croissant, her phone balanced precariously on her knee.
"Hey!" Keisha greeted brightly, sliding a second latte across the table as Imani sat down. "Figured you'd need this."
"You know me too well," Imani said, taking a grateful sip.
"So," Keisha said, leaning in. "What's the plan? Because we're making a plan, right?"
Imani hesitated, stirring her coffee. "That's the thing. I don't know where to start. Gio's always been good at finding ways back into my life, no matter how much I try to block him out. Last night just proved it."
Keisha's brow furrowed as she listened. "You need to take control of this. Cut off any way he can get to you—block his number, his email, whatever it takes. And if that's not enough..." She trailed off, her expression hardening. "We'll figure it out."
Imani gave a shaky laugh. "We? I didn't realize I was drafting you into my war."
"Girl, please," Keisha said, waving her off. "You're not fighting this alone. I've got you, and so does the team. You just have to tell us what you need."
The offer of support made Imani's chest ache in the best way. She'd spent so much time dealing with Gio's shadow on her own, trying to keep her struggles from burdening anyone else. But maybe it was time to let people in.
"Thanks, Kei," she said softly. "I think I just need to stop avoiding this. Face it head-on, you know?"
Keisha nodded firmly. "Absolutely. And if you need me to be there when you do, just say the word."
As they finished their coffee, the tension in Imani's chest eased just a little. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she had a clear path forward—and the strength to walk it.
By the time they left the café, she'd made a decision. Today wasn't just about moving on from Gio; it was about reclaiming her life.
