“Now, this sounds good. You free? Want to grab coffee?”
“Sort of. I was calling to see if you could pick two of the guys and me up and take us to Nicco’s. We need to stop and get coffee and donuts first. I’m getting my tattoo today.”
“Okay, okay. A lot has happened. Two guys? Nicco’s? Any chance we can dump them so I can get the scoop?”
“Ha! I’m sure we can be creative.”
“Send me the address. I’ll be there soon, and you can fill me all in.”
“Sounds good. Thanks, Nat. You’re the best. We definitely need to schedule another girls’ night, though. Whether movies in or out, I don’t want to lose the friendship we’ve made. You’re important to me. You, Cami, and Stacy.”
“No worries, girl. We’re here for you. We’re not going to get mad at you just because you’re getting some dick now. Fuck that shit. Power to the vagina and all that.”
“Nat, I seriously don’t know where half the stuff you say even comes from.”
“Me either!”
“Okay, I’m hopping in the beast mobile. Send me the deets. Laters.”
She hung up before I could respond, and I quickly sent her the address to put it in her GPS and make her way here. I’d walked a bit away from the guys, so I gestured to follow me downstairs. The air was cool outside, and I breathed it deeply. The sky was clear today, and it looked like it would be a nice one.
Both men came to stand on my sides, and I had a dirty thought emerge, my cheeks heating. “I um, spoke with Nat, and she’s on her way. So, I guess we’re all getting tattoos.”
They both smiled, murmuring while we waited about what they wanted and where. It was turning into an exciting day full of spontaneity and impulse decisions. But I didn’t hate it. I quite liked it, actually. A lot.
* * *
Natand I stepped into the donut shop a few minutes later, the smell of yeast and sugar hitting us as we entered. Wells and Monroe had gone into the coffee shop next door, allowing me some time to catch up with her. The ride had been pleasant, but I hadn't missed the side-eye she kept giving me the whole way here. It had become a game at this point, seeing who'd cave first.
“So?” she nudged, finally giving in to asking.
I kept walking, a slight smile on my face as we got in line. I didn't want to give everything away. “Whatever do you mean?”
“Don't play coy with me, girl. Not only is that Mr. Hot Neighbor and Mr. Complicated, both whom I'm certain you want to fuck. There's the mystery man from last Friday you went home with.” She crossed her arms, not caring the couple in front of us had turned to look at her loud proclamation.
Clearing my throat, I prayed for my face to stop flaming at her words. “Okay, well, when you put it that way, I've kind of been a huge slut this past week.”
“Girl. Don't. No slut-shaming here. It's only problematic if you didn’t want to do it. Did you enjoy it?”
“Yeah,” I admitted, “it was amazing, actually.”
“Then no shame. You should be shouting how good you got the D.”
“Okay, good point,” I agreed, laughing. “Sometimes… I still feel I'm going to be judged.”
“Yeah, well, you left those haughty bitches on the curb. Clear your mind of all the judgment, and share the deets with your main peeps.”
Laughing, I shook my head. “Girl, you're one of a kind. I think Lily has been teaching you too many slang words, though. But seriously, why couldn't I have met you years ago?”
“You weren't ready for me yet.” Nat winked, her personality shining through. “We're here now, and that's all that matters.” She linked her arm in mine, and I felt genuine adoration for this woman.
“Very true. You know I adore you, right?”
“Of course you do, because I'm awesome.” She tossed her hair over her shoulder in a dramatic fashion, making me laugh again. I needed to hang out with her more. She was good for the soul.
“So…” Raising her eyebrows, I gave into the demanding woman next to me.
“Okay, okay,” I joked. “Well, Friday, I went home with Saxon after we, you know,” I whispered, “in the sensation room. Then there was the wedding on Saturday, where he and Nicco crashed. Oh, wait.” I stopped remembering more. “Shit, so much has happened. I went home with Sax, and then when I returned to my condo, Nicco was waiting for me in the lobby.”