Three weeks later
Erika's POV
"You know, this is exactly what I need right now because I've been juggling a lot of things lately," I said, letting the rich, velvety red wine linger on my palate before swallowing. It was one of those evenings where comfort was a necessity, and a glass of wine felt like the perfect companion.
"I know that's right," Andrea replied, nodding in agreement as she leaned back against the plush couch.
"Sometimes, you just need a break from everything life throws at you," Meghan added, her voice soothing. She stirred her glass thoughtfully, the ice clinking softly.
"And sometimes, you just need a break from the chaos that comes with kids," Aaliyah chimed in with a laugh, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
I sighed, shaking my head lightly. "You know, it's been completely wild—between planning my wedding and packing up to move to Florida." The thought of leaving everything I knew behind was both exhilarating and daunting.
Aaliyah's eyes widened her expression a mix of disbelief and excitement. "I still can't believe you're moving to Florida! That's such a big change!"
"I know, right? It's surprising, but my new job pays considerably better there, and it feels like a step in the right direction for me," I explained, glancing around at my friends gathered in the cozy living room, a mix of support and concern evident in their faces.
Meghan leaned forward, her brows furrowed slightly. "You know, if Sammy hadn't been traded to the Marlins, I can't even imagine how you'd manage a long-distance marriage."
I took another sip of wine, chuckling softly. "Yeah, I mean, I'd follow him wherever he goes. If he got traded again, I'd be right there with him, no question."
"That's true, I'd do the same for Devin," Aaliyah said, her voice thoughtful as she reminisced about her relationship.
I changed the topic, eager to hear more about Aaliyah's plans. "Speaking of Devin, how is the wedding planning going for you two?"
"It's going great! We've set the wedding date for December, so it's all coming together," she said, excitement shining in her eyes.
"Oh my gosh, that's fantastic!" Andrea exclaimed, clapping her hands together.
Just then, the sharp trill of my phone broke through the warm atmosphere of our gathering. I grabbed my phone from the counter, glancing at the contact that illuminated the screen. A wave of irritation washed over me, and I rolled my eyes before reluctantly answering the call.
"What do you want?" I said coolly, doing my best to keep my annoyance in check.
"Wow, so no 'hi' or 'hello'? Harsh," Tyrone joked on the other end, the familiar tone both infuriating and infuriating.
"What do you want, Tyrone? I haven't heard from you in ages, and you just disappeared after our last conversation," I told him, my patience thinning.
"Well, I thought it'd be best to give you some space since you seemed upset. But I need your help," he said, his voice dropping to a more serious tone.
"I'm not giving you any money, Tyrone," I responded firmly, reinforcing my boundaries.
"Erika, listen—I need the money because I've gotten into some serious trouble with some guys I used to associate with. I've got four days to come up with the cash, or I'm a dead man," he said, desperation creeping into his voice.
I couldn't help but chuckle again, albeit dryly. "You know, as your sister, I always hoped you'd change, but I guess I was wrong. So do me one favor: delete my number and don't ever call me again."
"What? Come on, Erika, we're family—" he began, his tone pleading.
"Well, not anymore, because you and Dad ruined that. I don't want you in my life at all," I spat out before hanging up with a finality that left no room for debate.
"Damn, that was intense. Are you okay?" Aaliyah asked, her voice filled with concern.
"I'm fine, just really fed up with all these toxic people in my life," I replied, my heart still racing from the confrontation.
"Well, you have us, the guys, and Sammy. You've created a new family that truly cares about you," Meghan said, her tone reassuring.
"I love you guys so much," I told them, a genuine smile breaking through my earlier frustration.
"We love you too," Andrea affirmed, and at that moment, surrounded by my friends, I felt a sense of belonging that made the turmoil of my earlier conversation fade into the background.
