Twists of Fate

Hot Girl Summer

"Finally, nice weather," I said, rolling down the window as I sat in the passenger seat of my best friend Summer's brand-new 2021 Audi R8.

Summer had finally gotten herself a car, and it felt amazing not having to be the designated driver for once.

"Yasssssss!!! Areanna, what's the plan tonight? We can't just sit around all night—especially with weather this good. We have to go out!"

I nodded in agreement. "Don't worry. We're doing something tonight."

As she turned into my apartment complex, I started gathering my things from the back seat. I glanced at my phone—it was already 7:30 p.m.

"If we're going out, we need to hurry up and get ready. It's getting late, and you know how long we take," I said with a grin.

We both burst out laughing. "You're right," Summer chuckled, still giggling at my comment. As we got out, she said, "I'll just grab my stuff from my place and get ready at yours. Don't want you waiting on me forever!"

Before she drove off, she asked, "By the way, what are you wearing tonight?"

I paused, honestly unsure. I hadn't even done my hair. "Bring a few outfits; we'll decide together."

"Aight, girl, I'll text you when I'm on my way over."

I made my way up to my apartment on the second floor when my neighbor Jamal stepped out. "Ayyo, Ari, what you up to tonight?" Jamal wasn't a bad-looking guy—he was tall, brown-skinned, about 6'2", with a fresh fade and a well-kept beard. He had this gentlemanly vibe that any girl would be lucky to have.

Turning my key, I smiled. "My girl Summer and I are thinking of hitting a few clubs tonight."

"Aww, no invite for me?" he joked, grinning. "Nah, I'm just messing. Have fun, and take a few shots for me. Text me when you're headed back so I can make sure you got home safe."

I smiled back. "Will do, Jamal."

Inside, I tossed my bag onto the couch, pulling out my phone to find the perfect playlist for getting ready. "Ahhh, City Girls, as always."

I laid out a couple of outfit options, hoping Summer could help me decide. I ran the shower and let it heat up, stepping in only to yelp as the water hit me—scalding! But soon, the water calmed, and I felt my stress melt away.

When I got out, I checked the clock. It was already 9:00 p.m. and I hadn't even touched my hair. Where is Summer? I called her.

"Girl, where you at?"

"Calm down; it's only nine! I'm on my way, just spending a little time with my man before I head out," Summer replied, laughing.

I rolled my eyes. "You're not tired of that same ol' limp—"

"Girl, you're on speaker!" she interrupted, giggling.

"Oh! Hey, Meek!" I laughed.

"Wassup, Ari," Meek said. He was Summer's on-again, off-again boyfriend, the classic "bad boy" type with gold teeth, a flashy lifestyle, and a heavy build. At 36, he was way older than her, but she was smitten, and he spoiled her like a princess.

SMACK! I heard a loud slap over the phone.

"What was that?"

"Meek slapped my ass! I'll call you when I'm on my way. Gotta put my man to sleep, ya know," she teased.

"Bye, girl," I said, hanging up quickly before I heard any more.

I looked at my outfit options again. Knowing Summer, she'll want to hit up one of the usual spots, I thought. But tonight, I wanted something classier. I decided on the rooftop lounge—the place where the ballers and high-rollers went. I knew I wouldn't have to pay for drinks or entry there, so it was a win-win.

I finally found the black and white dress I'd been saving, tags still on, and paired it with my gray heels. Lucky for me, I had wigs prepped, so doing my hair was easy.

Ding! My phone buzzed.

Summer: "I'll meet you at the club. Which one?"

Me: "The rooftop."

Summer: "Okaaay, classy hoes tonight. Send me a pic of what you're wearing."

I ran into Jamal in the hall and had him snap a quick picture of me, sending it to Summer before heading out. As I made my way downstairs, I unlocked my white 2018 Malibu. It wasn't as flashy as Summer's Audi, but it was mine, bought with my hard-earned money, and I loved it.

I got another text from Summer as I got in the car.

Summer: "Girl, you're gonna kill it tonight!"

I laughed, blasting Cardi B's new album to get in the zone. When I arrived at the club, I called Summer three times, but it went straight to voicemail. I waited for a while—going in alone wasn't my favorite thing—but after twenty minutes, I decided to just go in.

At the entrance, I spotted Darrious, one of my high school friends who now worked as a bouncer. Grateful he was there tonight, I gave him a big smile.

"Ayo, wassup, boujee Ari?" he teased, giving me his usual grin.

"Just living life, Darrious!" I said, striking a pose with my hand on my hip.

"Why are you here solo? Where's your girl?"

"She was supposed to meet me, but she's late. Guess I'll be enjoying the night solo."

"Nah, you'll never be alone when I'm here. One day, I'll make you my wifey, and you won't need anyone else—not even that wild friend of yours," he smirked.

Darrious had always joked about marrying me someday, and though I'd laughed it off in high school, part of me had always felt something for him. Maybe tonight, I'd let him in on that secret. With Summer still missing in action, it seemed like the perfect night to see where things could go.

And who knows? Maybe Darrious and I would have our own kind of adventure tonight.

4o