BFF

Slay

Tia – POV

I felt so sick today. My body was heavy, my energy low. But I had clients booked, and I couldn't cancel. Not today. Not again. I wasn't even going to say anything to Dave—he'd only overreact.

Yeah, my illness is serious. I know that. But I still want to live. I'm still here, still breathing, and that's something to be thankful for. Sitting in bed all day isn't living. I refuse to let this thing define me.

It's made life harder, for sure, but I was built for this. I push through, and with Dave right by my side—and my family, Brandi and Ki—I've been just fine.

My first client showed up right on time.

"Hey, Tasha. You ready for your silk press, girl?" I asked, opening the door with a small smile.

Tasha laughed, already stepping inside. "Every two weeks! You know I'm ready for my slay."

We both laughed as I led her into the hair room. I always set out snacks and drinks for my clients. It was one of those little touches that made it feel more like home than a business. I use one of the empty rooms in the house for my work since Dave usually sleeps in my bed when he's over, and Brandi or my sister usually take the guest room when they stay.

I started on Tasha's hair, parting and pressing with the iron in smooth, practiced movements.

After a while, she tilted her head and asked, "Damn, girl. Where that fine guy at that sometimes be here?"

I frowned a little. "Who? My best friend?"

She gave me a look like I was crazy. "Yes, girl. That man is so fine. I don't know how you can just be around him like it's nothing."

"Girl, he alright," I said, laughing. "Ain't you with somebody?"

"Yeah, but I'd leave him in a second for that man."

We both cracked up, and I kept working on her hair until it was done.

When she looked in the mirror, her smile said everything. "It came out so good. Here's sixty."

"Girl, I only charge forty-five for a silk press," I reminded her.

She waved me off. "You know I don't care. You always get me together."

We hugged before she left, and I cleaned up, ready to reset for the next appointment. I was about to eat something when I heard a knock at the door.

"Hey, Sammie, right?" I said, answering.

"Hey, Tia, right?" she replied.

"Yeah, come on in. Snacks and drinks are over there."

"Ooo okay, this wassup," she grinned, settling in.

I grabbed the needle and thread from my tray. "You getting bundles from me, or you bring your own?"

"From you—the mink Brazilian body wave."

I nodded and pulled out the hair. I also sell bundles, so between that and doing hair, I'm covered. I don't work a second job—don't have to. Dave pays all the bills and anything I need without me even asking. Still, I keep my hustle. Always have.

I had just finished braiding her hair and started sewing in the weft when Dave FaceTimed me. I propped my phone on the mirror so I could talk hands-free.

Sammie glanced at the screen and whispered, "Damn, he fine."

I didn't even respond.

"Hey baby," Dave said through the screen.