Page 52 of Waiting for Friday Night

Tracey gave her an isn’t-it-obvious look. “So I don’t have to make them all myself.”

Halle narrowed her eyes and Tracey laughed. “You are not funny.”

Tracey shrugged. “What? I need help learning this. Imani is working and let’s admit it, you’re fantastic at everything you touch. So, you can help me figure this out.”

Halle snorted even though the compliment warmed her heart. “Hardly fantastic at everything.”

“Well, you’re fantastic enough to help me get this win. I need a win.”

The defeated tone in her friend’s voice made Halle stop watching the instruction on how to twist the vines of the flower into a wreath. “Hey, what’s going on? Are things still weird between you and Bernard?”

She glanced around the kitchen. They were alone, but Bernard was upstairs in his man cave. He hadn’t even come down to greet Halle when she arrived.

Tracey shrugged. “Weird doesn’t describe it. He won’t say it, but I think he might be cheating.”

Halle dropped the flowers in her hand and leaned toward Tracey. “What?” she hissed. “Are you serious?” And how could she sound so matter-of-fact about it? Halle couldn’t understand why Tracey didn’t sound more upset.

“I don’t have proof, but I watched my mom cheat on my dad enough to know the signs.”

“Are you sure you aren’t projecting?”

Tracey’s parents had an unusual relationship. Her dad was an alcoholic and her mom frequently stepped out on him with other men. Though the family had their issues, Tracey always stood up to anyone who had anything to say about her parents. She defended her family, even though the rumors and the situation had wounded her.

Tracey shook her head. “No. I know the signs, and he’s giving the signs.”

“What are you going to do? Do we need to bust the windows out in his car?”

Tracey laughed but Halle was dead serious. No way could she sit back and watch her friend be mistreated. Tracey was as close to her as any of her cousins. Closer, in fact. If her friend was ready to ride out, then Halle would be right there with her.

Tracey raised a brow. “Bust a window? Girl, we’re too old to be doing that mess.”

“I never would have thought I’d hear you say we were too old for anything.”

Tracey sighed and twisted one of the plastic vines into a circle. “Well, I’m too old for this. If he is, and if I find out, then he’s gone. I’m not sticking around to be embarrassed.”

“Have you asked him?”

Tracey cocked her head to the side. “For him to lie about it? No. He’s slipping up because I haven’t been on his ass about things. If he is, the truth will come to light.”

“Wouldn’t you rather know than wait and see? What if he doesn’t mess up and you never know?”

Tracey sighed and looked back at the video. “I don’t think that’ll happen. He’s going to slip up. Just wait and see.”

Halle’s cell phone rang. Shania’s number showed on screen. Frowning, she picked up the phone. “Shania, is practice over already?”

“Yeah, but Kayla is here to pick up Nadia for band and she’s done. Can they bring me home?” The question was innocent enough, but Shania sounded eager for Halle to agree.

Halle checked her watch and then the pile of decorations on the table. It would take her a while to finish this. “I’m at Tracey’s house helping her out. Go on to Kayla’s house and I’ll pick you up from there.”

“Great, thanks, Mom.” Shania’s relief from Halle’s answer was clear in her voice. “See you later.”

“Shania done?” Tracey asked.

Halle put her phone down and nodded. “Yeah, practice usually doesn’t end this early, but I guess since school starts next week they’re wrapping up.”

“You don’t sound convinced.”

She looked at the phone. “Because she sounds... I don’t know. Like she didn’t want me to pick her up. I hope everything is good.”

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