𝐑𝐍𝟒𝐋

THIRTY-THREE

KIYARI "KASH"

It was a cool Friday night when Kiyari, Niavah, and Samaria finally found time to meet up for dinner. Two months had passed since everything transpired with Marc, Feliciti's death, the baby, the fallout, and just a week since Zionis came back from the so-called grave like he never vanished. The energy between the three women wasn't heavy though; not anymore. The wounds had scabbed over. They were just catching up now, laughing over appetizers and side-eyes.

They chose to meet up at a cozy spot uptown, one of those vibey, dimly lit fusion lounges with loud music humming under conversation and waiters who remembered regulars' drink orders.  None of that ode hookah and brunch ghetto ass spots that Atlanta loves to open.

Samaria was mid-rant about Nunk, her voice a mix of frustration and amusement. "I swear, Dmarje thinks he's a smooth talker, but I've had enough. This nigga will hit me up like, 'Hey mama, you miss me?' and I'm like, 'No, I just miss my dignity.' I can't keep doing this back-and-forth with him, Ki. It's like he's allergic to commitment but knows all the right things to say when he wants something."

Kiyari snorted into her margarita, setting it down and shaking her head. "Sista, you need to let him go. Nunk's been running around acting like a bachelor for years. He's a whole mess. You're not his little side project anymore." Even though Nunk was her bestfriend she didn't support lame shit.

Niavah giggled from behind her wine glass, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She leaned back, her curls tucked into a sleek bun that looked effortless. Since the whole situation between her and Marc she's come to terms with it and put it behind her. At first she was tore up about it , but Montae showed her an undeniable amount of love , it was refreshing to not be in such a toxic relationship like she previously was.

Samaria rolled her eyes, tossing her napkin down. "I'm serious, though. He's like one of those bad habits I can't shake, but when I think about it, I'm like, 'Why am I even giving this man my time?' He's out here living his best life, and I'm over here like, 'So when we doing this?'"

Niavah chuckled, taking a slow sip of her wine. "It's like Nunk's a never-ending cycle of confusion. If you're not careful, he'll have you stuck in the same loop for years. You deserve more than that, Sammy."

Kiyari nodded firmly. "Exactly. If Nunk wants to be serious, he's gonna have to show up for once. He can't keep playing both sides. You're not a backup option."

Samaria huffed, rubbing her temples. "I just wish he'd pick a lane. But I swear, every time I think I'm done, he pops up with that dumb smile and it's like, 'Here I go again.'" She sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes. "I need to get my life together before I end up back in that mess."

Kiyari grinned. "Well, at least you're not still letting him get to you like that. But if he's serious this time, I'll believe it when I see it."

Niavah's smirk softened, and she added, "No more games, Samaria. You deserve someone who's consistent, not someone who's out here like Nunk, acting like he's auditioning for a role he's not qualified for."

Samaria laughed, but there was a bit of a sadness to it. "I know. I just... I get tired of feeling like I'm waiting around. Like, how long do I let him waste my time before I finally walk away for good?"

The conversation shifted slightly as they all took another sip of their drinks, but the weight of Samaria's words lingered for a moment. "Anyway," she said, tilting her head and eyeing Kiyari, "what's goin' on with Draco and them, Yari?"

Kiyari exhaled through her nose and leaned back into the booth, her drink resting on her thigh. "Mannn. Y'all really wanna know?"

Samaria and Niavah both nodded slowly, the atmosphere tightening again, curiosity building.