Page 4 of A Game-Changing Christmas

Claudia and London made their way through the lunch crowd that wasn’t terribly congested but getting busier by the minute as people poured in to pick up a quick bite to eat.

As they walked, London couldn’t help but wonder about the reason for this meet up. Her thoughts were interrupted when Claudia paused a step.

“What’s wrong,” London asked, immediately tense for her.

Claudia held on to the bile that wanted to rise after passing a server carrying a tray of what appeared to be lamb on a bed of rice. Claudia shut her eyes and fought the nausea then took a deep breath and glanced at London whose face was washed with concern. On a nod to keep moving, Claudia and London took the few feet to the table, and Samiyah rose to her feet with a frown on her face.

“You look pale,” Samiyah said. “How is that even possible?”

Claudia took her seat, and London pulled a chair in next to her.

“I almost threw up,” Claudia said.

“You don’t have the flu do you, because I love you and support you, but a sista can’t catch the flu.”

It was Selena who had spoken. Her espresso brown eyes also watched Claudia with apprehension, and one by one, all three of their expressions mimicked one another. Claudia glanced from one to the other, taking note of their winter fashion. In asymmetrical jackets, thick fringe sweaters, and double-breasted coats, complemented with leather leggings and skinny jeans, the trio had never looked better.

“No, Selena, I don’t have the flu.”

Samiyah let out a deep breath, prompting Claudia to lift a brow at her.

“What?” Samiyah asked. “I have two nine-month-old babies that I can’t be taking the flu back to. So, yes, I’m grateful that’s not it.”

The ladies nodded in agreement.

“Okay, so what is wrong?” Octavia asked. “By the way, I hope you didn’t mind me tagging along. Samiyah and Selena said it sounded like an emergency, so I figured you could use the cavalry.”

Samiyah looked at Octavia. “We are the cavalry, what are you talking about?”

“Well, yeah, but Santana and Carla are, too, right?”

“Listen, honestly, thank you for coming and thinking you needed back up, but I only wanted to get this off my chest to one, maybe two people. Having a crowd isn’t necessary,” Claudia said.

“Oh.” Octavia retrieved her phone from a small handbag that was tucked at her side.

“Who are you calling?” Selena asked.

“I should probably tell them never mind. I,” she paused, “I called Jasmine, Phoebe, and Eden, too.”

“What!?” Claudia screeched. “I haven’t even told their brother yet! No, call them off, now please.”

Octavia’s head bobbled, and she acquiesced, but Claudia’s lingering words had now become the elephant in the room.

---