Page 52 of Bending The Rules

She raised an eyebrow at me. “What, you don’t trust me or something?”

“Definitely not that.”

“Then… what?”

She had her elbow propped on the arm of the chair, and her head resting on her hand, tilted to the side waiting for an answer I wasn’t giving. How the hell would I even phrase the admission thatshewas the “lot” that was on my mind?

“That’s a wrap,” Nikita called, pulling my attention away from Toni, and onto the electronic board that held our scores. She was the winner, with EJ in second, and me and Toni tied for third place. Rich wasfirmlyat the bottom.

I took the opportunity to put some distance between me and Toni, hoping she would either forget about the non-conversation we were having, or at least leave it alone for now. I made myself busy helping EJ roast Rich about his low score, and when I glanced back, Toni was occupied with Nikita, deep in laughter and conversation about something.

“Jus,” Rich said, bringing me back into our conversation. “I’m glad you and Toni worked out your differences. A night like this would have been awkward as hell otherwise.”

“Awkward?” EJ chuckled. “Trynot possible. Toni was pissed. I would have been afraid she’d take a ball to his head.”

I laughed. “And Toni is bad-ass enough to do some shit like that too,” I laughed. “But yeah… I’m glad too. You hold on to your friends, right?”

“Right,” EJ nodded. “I’ve gotta admit though… ourfriends…”

“Yes. Absolutely.” Rich agreed. “Since high school and college, they’ve…”

“…Matured… in some ways,” I added.

EJ slapped his hands together. “So it’s not just me?”

“Nah. Those two messed around and got fine as hell on us.” Rich shook his head. “Man, my girl cannotstandKita.”

I frowned. “Really?”

“I knowyouaren’t talking about “really?”. The way Cat used to come around, looking at Toni like she wanted to scratch her eyes out, youknowwhat I’m talking about man.”

I chuckled. “Yeah, but it wasn’t even like that. I didn’t see Toni in a way that Cat needed to be jealous about.”

“Cause she didn’t look like…that,” EJ said, nodding in the women’s direction. “Good for you that she’s only in town a few more weeks, huh?”

My eyebrow shot up. “What does that mean?”

Rich sucked his teeth. “Itmeanswe already peeped how you’ve been looking at her all night.”

“And how is that?”

“Like your singin’ ass is Brian McKnight, and you want to show her how her pussy works.”

EJ and Rich laughed, but I shook my head. I started to open my mouth to offer the tired refrain of “she’s just my friend” but somehow… I couldn’t even make myself say the words.

“What’s so funny?” Kita asked, approaching without Toni, who walked off in the opposite direction.

“Absolutelynothing,” I said, glaring at Rich and EJ.

She narrowed her eyes. “Uh huh. Y’all are laughing pretty hard overnothing, but keep your little secrets then. Iwasgoing to invite you to the other side of the building for karaoke, but…”

“We’re coming,” I answered, looping my arm through hers. I didn’t even look back at Rich and EJ, but they quickly followed. On the other side of the lounge, Kita went with them to find a table for us, while I hit up the bathroom. On the way back to find them, I spotted Toni standing alone at the screen that listed the song choices.

“So, which one of your selections are you going to bless us with tonight, Baby Girl?” I asked, stepping up beside her as she pressed the button to move to another screen of choices.

She grinned at me. “I don’t know yet. Trying not to be predictable – no Aaliyah.”

“Come on, give the people what they want.” I nudged her shoulder and she shook her head, giggling at the screen.

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