Page 136 of Plus Size Player

Oh, he’s about to get sucked and fucked,I thought as I made my way to my girls.

I looked between my two best friends as I approached, and I couldn’t help but smile. Aaliyah was stunning in green, but it was the way her hair indicated she’d gotten fucked earlier in the night that really made her shine. Jazz was beautiful in black, but it was her smile and the way her eyes danced that made her glow.

“The two of you look happy as hell,” I commented, stopping right in front of them.

“I am,” Aaliyah admitted, practically gushing. “I really am!” She pointed at me. “But clearly, I’m not the only one. You’re smiling from ear to ear.”

“Right?” Jazz added, putting her hands on her hips. “And you’re one to talk, Nina. You damn near floated down here!”

I laughed. “I’ve had a good amount to drink tonight.”

Aaliyah pursed her lips and cocked her head to the side. “You’re really going to say it’s the alcohol when it’s clear that you and Russ are a thing.”

I shook my head. “We’re not a thing… not officially. He says he has a plan to solve our problem. So, for right now, we’re… we’re friends with benefits.” I looked over my shoulder to find him standing with both Jazz’s and Aaliyah’s dates. “No, we’re colleagues with benefits.”

“Does he know you’re in love with him?” Aaliyah asked.

My head snapped back, and I stared at her. My heart raced as I processed her question. “Wh-what?”

“Don’t deny it. It’s written all over your face. He’s the one.”

I looked at Jazmyn for help, but she smirked. “I haveneverseen you like this. And if I’m being honest, seeing Nina Ford locked in with one man and settling down almost makes me believe in love again.”

I shook my head. “Just because the man is literally perfect for me doesn’t mean we’re in love.” I glanced over my shoulder to make sure we wouldn’t be overheard. “Until he puts this plan he has in motion, we’re just… colleagues with benefits,” I explained.

“And unofficially?” Jazz wondered. “Because he’s been looking at you like you two are together.”

Grinning, I looked up at the sky. “Unofficially, that’s my man.”

“The way the two of you have been carrying on, you might as well admit you love him and propose,” Aaliyah teased.

“Propose to a man?” I frowned. “I wouldn’t even propose a toast!”

They burst out laughing.

“But in all seriousness, I really am tipsy,” I admitted. “I almost told that man I loved him earlier. He was looking at me, touching me, saying all the right things. So, I’m drinking water for the rest of the night because that damn drink got me in my feelings and almost got me caught up.”

They were cracking up.

I meant what I’d said. With Aaliyah’s signature drinks running through my system, my inhibitions were lowered, and my heart was on my nonexistent sleeve. But they were delicious. So, when Aaliyah’s cousin, Tamara, and Tamara’s wife came by with a tray of drinks, I took one.

“We want to toast my cousin,” Tamara said with a smile. “Where are your dates?”

We all gestured to the three handsome men huddled together in conversation. Her wife took the rest of the drinks and went to go get them.

“So, which of you will be the next to be married?” Tamara teased before taking a sip of her drink.

“Aaliyah,” Jazz and I answered simultaneously.

All of us burst out laughing.

“Her lovesick ass,” I commented, shaking my head.

“I know you ain’t talking!” Aaliyah exclaimed.

“She’s right, Nina,” Jazz agreed.

I almost choked on my drink. “Jazz! Not you, too!”

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