BFF

Graduation DAY

Tia POV

FRIDAY

It's my graduation day.

Nothing too over the top, just a simple ceremony, but I'm finally receiving my cosmetology license. I'm geeked. It's the beginning of everything I've been working for. My shop is next.

I had been out most of the morning—got my hair done, makeup laid just right. Nails were already finished from yesterday. Everything was coming together perfectly. The ceremony started at 3, and afterward we were heading to dinner. Dave said he had surprises planned. I didn't even want to ask too many questions—I liked letting him show out.

When I walked in the house, Corey was the first person I saw.

"T, you not playing today," he said, eyes wide like he was genuinely impressed.

I laughed, knowing he was going to say something slick. "I knew you were gonna say that. Thank you."

"You welcome."

"Where your uncle at?"

"On the balcony smoking."

I nodded and headed upstairs. As soon as I opened the door, Dave looked up and smiled wide.

"There go my baby. Ooo mama, that blonde looking cute on you."

"You like it?"

"Yeah. Do you?"

I shrugged a little. "I was nervous at first."

"No need," he said, shaking his head. "You look beautiful, boo."

His words always hit deeper when he said them like that—low, real, like he meant every word.

"Yo stuff in the bathroom," he added. "And I got you some champagne, so start getting lit, mama. Yo friends on the way, and yo parents too. Kim said she on bed rest."

"I know. Her fat butt." I smiled and stepped into his arms. "Thank you for making all this so special for me."

He hugged me around the waist, pulling me close. "Whatever to see you smile, baby."

I opened the champagne, poured myself a glass, and sat down to wait on Ki and Brandy. When they finally came, the energy shifted—it was loud, fun, laughter filling the whole room. Just how I wanted it.

"Tia, start putting your stuff on," Kelly said as she walked in. "You have to be there at two. Dave takin' you."

"Yeah, he is," I smiled.

"Hey ma," Dave said, walking up to her.

"Hey baby. Terry was just asking for you."

"We were just talking, ma."

"Alright, I'll let you change."

Everyone filed out the room, except Dave. I gave him a look.

"Babe, it's a surprise," I warned, nudging him.

"I thought you wanted a quickie," he teased, smirking.

I burst out laughing. "No baby, I have to hurry up."

"Aight," he said, backing up with his hands raised. "But look in that jewelry box after you get dressed."

Once I was in my dress, I opened the jewelry box like he said and found a diamond necklace sitting there—elegant, just enough sparkle, and matched perfectly with my outfit.

Everything came together like magic.

Everyone was dressed and waiting. I took a deep breath, did one last check in the mirror, and made my way downstairs.