Page 171 of Solanum

We both laughed at her.

"True story," said Sali, her demeanor softening a fraction. "Doing okay?" Sali gestured to the computer again.

Nora nodded, though the way her smile dimmed told me that wasn't the whole truth.

"She needs a good cuddle, Sal. Give her one for me."

"'Kay." Sali shifted about. "Move over, bitchtit. I'm not that small."

"Sali." Nora laughed and scooted into the center of the bed, moving the computer with her.

Sali climbed in bed, then wrapped her up in a spoon from behind. She rested her chin on her shoulder, and immediately, Nora melted against her. Her expression sobered and she hugged Sali's arms.

"We gotchu, girl," said Sali, giving her a squeeze. "Right?"

"Yeah." Nora smiled, her gaze flickering in my direction.

I winked at her and drew in a slow breath. If I couldn't be there, I was glad Sali was. I didn't trust many people, or any, really, but Sali and Maggie quickly joined the ranks of Samirah. Anita wasn't far behind.

"Are we having a snuggle party?" Maggie's soft voice joined the fray, and she came into frame behind them.

"Hey, babe." Sali held her arm up to her. "Yup. We're snuggling Nora while staring at Caroline's beastly mug."

Nora elbowed her while we all laughed. "She's not beastly. That's the irony of her nickname."

"Duh." Sali poked Nora's chin.

"Well, move over." Maggie huffed and puffed theatrically. "I want in on this party."

Nora snickered and I grinned while watching them surround my girl. My heart settled a little. Knowing she wasn't completely alone soothed some of my concern.

Maggie climbed in bed, then crawled over Nora once she moved the computer.

"Gah. You're making me seasick," I said.

"Calm your tits over there," called Sali's bouncing form.

They surrounded Nora now, sandwiching her between them while balancing the computer on her stomach. The three of them in the frame appeared like a group of college kids posing for a sleepover selfie.

"Very cute." I laughed when they double-smooched Nora's cheeks.

Nora's smile broadened and she reached back to stroke their faces. "My besties."

"Pfft. I'm no one's bestie." Sali scowled and Maggie punched her shoulder across Nora. "Except my wife! Ow!"

I laughed at them while Nora broke into a giggle fit.

"Better correct that statement." Maggie grinned then draped her arm across Nora. "You doing okay, Nor?"

"I'm okay. We were just talking—"

"And masturbating. Nora is bottomless, babe. Watch those sneaky leg humps she tries," warned Sali, albeit playfully.

"Sali!" Nora squealed and wiggled between them. "I don't hump you two."

"You humped me a little bit this morning," teased Maggie and it only made Nora snicker.

"I was asleep!"

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