tw: mentions of abuse, substance abuse, and homophobia
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"When we get in here, I want you both on your best behavior. That means no fangirling and acting like you don't have sense. Comprende?" Thaïs looked between her best friends, awaiting a response.
Jaelyn and Imani exchanged glances before shaking their heads. They stood outside the entrance of State Farm Arena, the cool night air wrapping around them as they listened to Thaïs' lecture. For the past three minutes, she had been giving the two a list of things they could not do tonight.
Tonight was Mariah's show in Atlanta, meaning her friends and family were going to show up and show out for her. Among those friends were some Thaïs had already met, but some she wasn't too familiar with. She knew Mariah would want to introduce her to all of these people, so Thaïs invited her best friends because she refused to be outnumbered, and it was the perfect opportunity for Jaelyn and Imani to finally meet Mariah.
Thaïs had updated Jaelyn about the progression of her and Mariah's relationship from time to time. She didn't know they were dating, but Jaelyn concluded they were. Imani, on the other hand, was left in the dark. Thaïs loved her, but Imani was a fan of Mariah, and Thaïs thought it was weird to share that part of her life with her.
The girlfriends decided to tell people about their relationship on a need-to-know basis. So far, the only ones who knew were Tori, Aya, Morgan, and Mariah's mom. It was still early in their relationship, but Mariah had said that if their friends or family were curious, they could share. It wasn't like it was a secret—it just wasn't everybody's business.
Thaïs was okay with that; she was a private person, anyway. She didn't casually bring things up about herself and she definitely didn't like people questioning her.
Jaelyn crossed her arms, rubbing them to ease the goosebumps before letting out a deep sigh. "She not talking to me," she said, turning her face towards Imani.
Imani side-eyed Jaelyn before turning to Thaïs, who tilted her head. Imani's jaw dropped. There was no way she was agreeing with her.
"Emmy!"
"Imani, you're like... her biggest fan! Besides me, of course. Just please say you'll behave. That means don't be all up in her face, don't ask her for a picture, and for the love of God, do not tell her about how much of a fan you are. Just be cool, okay?"
Jaelyn, sensing the desperation in her tone added, "Just act normal, like the nepo baby you are. Emmy will get Mariah to follow you on Instagram."
Thaïs' head snapped up, shooting Jaelyn a sharp glare. Jaelyn gave her an innocent smile, which she brushed off.
"Right, Emmy?" Jaelyn added, poking Thaïs in the abdomen.
Thaïs rolled her eyes. Between the smugness on Jaelyn's face and the hopeful expression on Imani's, she didn't know which irritated her more. She pushed those thoughts aside, forcing a smile on her face. "Sure, Mani," she said. Mariah didn't even follow her on Instagram, so why would she follow Imani?
