Page 92 of Solanum

Nora cracked up, not actually tapping the screen anymore but holding it just out of Anita's reach. "You know you want me to hit send."

"I do not." Anita huffed, then tickled Nora's side. She squealed and recoiled, enabling Anita to snatch back her phone. "Brat."

I laughed so hard at the two of them that my eyes welled up. "Explanation needed, ladies."

"I'll tell you later." Nora grinned at me, her eyes twinkling with brightness and amusement.

"She's wicked, that's what's happening here." Anita huffed and tucked the phone under her hip.

"I am." Nora wrapped her up in a stranglehold of a hug. "She never lets me hug her. My near-death experience must've softened her resolve."

Anita chuckled, and did in fact, return Nora's embrace. "Partially true. The other part is just too tired to argue."

"Well, go back to napping and I'll really order some takeout if you're both hungry. I know I am." I winked at Nora and she smiled. "What do you want to eat, Kitten?"

"Everything. Lots of naan and chicken stuff."

"You got it." I smooched her cheek then patted my hand down their blanket-covered bodies when I stood up. "Neets? How about you?"

"Anything." She yawned and settled back into the pillow again. "I like all Indian."

"You sure do," muttered Nora and Anita thwapped her elbow.

"She calls you kitten?" I heard Anita ask in a whisper when I headed around the back of the sofa toward the kitchen.

"Yes. Normally, only when we…"

I chuckled at the two of them, moving out of earshot so they could talk. I ordered some random shit from my favorite Indian restaurant and leaned against the counter to attend to the varied text messages that I'd ignored.

How's Nora? asked Maya. She's been quiet.

She's doing okay today. We're at my place.

I'll come by and visit after work.

Okay. Still mad at me?

A little. Understand it better.

We'll talk.

OK.

Maya's anger at me was warranted. I made the decision not to tell her what happened until Nora was found. I would bear the consequences of that as well.

Samirah's text carried a similar topic, though one laden with surprise.

I just saw the news. Was that your Nora they named? she asked.

Yes. She's okay for now.

Fuck, Car. I'm sorry.

Thanks. When are you around?

Next week. I'll come by. Are you doing okay?

Sometimes. I glanced over the sofa where Nora and Anita continued their girlish whispers.

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