Page 196 of Solanum

From what I knew of Anita thus far, she was as stubborn as they come. The two of them in the living room spoke in firm tones to each other, but I kept myself from eaves dropping for the time being. Sometimes, Anita reminded me of Sali. Not in looks or whatever, but how hard she dug her heels in around certain topics or in particular situations. Like Nora, I'd seen both of them in badass roles at work, interviewing the most dangerous criminals or going toe-to-toe with supervisors. I'd also seen the flip side—their vulnerability and how difficult it was for both of them to manage their emotions.

I pulled my phone from my pocket, and texted Sali. Are you back yet?

Tomorrow. You good?

Fine. Think Anita is on the bus though.

Who's driving? Sali asked.

I chuckled. Runaway bus.

Ah. Nora still on it?

Somewhat.

Are you?

Nah.

Fucking liar. You're worried, she said.

Everyone's worried and struggling on some level.

We'll be back tomorrow. Meet us at home.

You on the bus?

On and off.

Maggie?

Same. We're all passengers on the Bus O'Struggle. Just depends on the day to tell who's driving. Today sounds like Anita.

LOL. Yeah. See ya.

Later.

I pocketed my phone and poured out three mugs of coffee when it finished brewing. I fixed Nora's with milk the way she liked it, then carried hers out to her first.

"Thanks, honey," she said, taking a sip right away.

"How do you take yours, Neets?"

"Black is fine," she said, her expression drawn.

I returned to the kitchen and toted the remaining two mugs back to the living room. Anita accepted it with a nod of gratitude, and I settled myself on the armchair adjacent to them.

"So, what's going on in the blonde club today?" I teased.

"Anita's upset, but she doesn't want to talk about it," Nora answered for her.

"Okay." I nodded, looking to Anita then. "We can respect that. Want to watch a movie and order food? I'm sure Nora's starving—"

"I am." She nodded and rubbed Anita's shoulder. "Mexican? Thai?"

"Either is fine," she answered.

"Nachos cure all emotional pain." Nora wrapped her arm around Anita then pulled her over to lean against her. She didn't fight it and nodded her agreement.

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