“You got dat. Lemme go take my shower,” Tender said. “Later on, I wanna holla at you, Kat. Aiight.”

“’Bout whut?” Kat responded.

“Nuttin’ important. I just wanna holla,” Tender said, as she walked through the door that divided their rooms. “Matter fact, we can discuss dis now in my room.”

“Aiight, no problem!” she stated, following Tender, who closed the door behind them. Kat took note that Tender wanted a private conversation.

“Well?” she announced. “What’s up?”

“What’s up wit my money?” Tender asked bluntly.

Kat couldn’t believe the nerve of Tender. Who was she, to question her? She made her. Now wasn’t the time or place for her to go off on Tender, though. They were still in trouble back home. At another time, she promised herself, she’d straighten her out.

“Oh, yeah. Dat kinda slipped my mind after I heard ’bout da party,” she began. “But like I told you, I got you. I’m jus’ holdin’ on to it for now, cause I gotta safe in my room and y’all don’t ‘Do you know these housekeepers be stealin’?”

Tender bought the lie. She ate it right up. Just as quick as her suspicions rose, they died. She overlooked the whole incident, choosing to give Kat the benefit of the doubt. Something deep inside her made her want to believe that they were real friends despite the way she could flip on her. Tender would leave it alone until they got back to Philly.

“Sorry fa comin’ at you like dat,” she apologized. “I’m trippin’. Fa a minute I thought you wuz tryin’ ta play me.”

“Naw, neva dat,” Kat insisted. “We fam.”

“Kool,” Tender said. “I’m sayin’ I jus’ wanted ta know what da deal wuz. Dat’s all.”

“I feel you,” Kat replied, lying through her teeth. “If I wuz you I probably wanna know da same thing …”

DRESSED TO KILL, Kat, Goldie and Tender hit the town. They were headed for Prestige Records’ launch party. It was being held at a rented beachfront condominium. Only a chosen few would be allowed in. Somehow, Kat managed to come up with VIP passes for the event. It was on tonight. They were going to get a chance to rub shoulders with the rich and famous.

When they pulled up to the condo, they were greeted by a valet. He handed them a numbered ticket stub, then parked their car. From the looks of the parking lot, there were some money-makers makers present. Bentleys, Porsches, BMWs, Lexuses and Mercedes Benzes filled almost every parking space. The girls could barely contain themselves.