“Because you're not being careful, girl,” she says, shooting straight from the hip the way I’ve always known her to. Usually I find it amusing, but now that I’m the one in her crosshairs, I feel offended. “You’ve been spending all of your time there, and I think even you know it’s crazy because you're up at midnight calling me when you should be asleep. You know you're doing the most, especially after what DeShaun told us about your fundraiser.”

“You know, I could tell you guys were judging me ever since DeShaun told you about that.”

“We’re not judging you, we’re worried about you.”

“Well, don't be,” I snap a little too loud. Nas shifts in his sleep, but doesn't wake up, and I try to keep it down when I continue. “Your worry for me feels a lot like hate and jealousy.”

Juliana gasps. “Jealousy? Alina, there’s nothing for me to be jealous of. You never accused me of being jealous when you were dating Vance, but now that you're dating a world famous author, you feel like we have a reason to envy you. I hate to break it to you, but that’s all in your head.”

“Oh, is that right?”

“Yes, it is. You should know that I would never be jealous of you. You're my best friend, Alina. Look, it’s late, and unlike you, I actually plan on getting to work on time in the morning. So, is this all you called me for?”

“No,”I fire back, suddenly hot all over as anger fills me up. “I guess I just wanted you to know that you're wrong about him. You're all worried for no reason, and I’m fine. It’d be nice if I could have some support from my friends.”

“We do support you, but you can’t be mad at us for wanting the best for you.”

“What makes you think he’s not what’s best for me?”

“The fact that he is who he is,” she says without a moment’s hesitation. “Look, I don’t want to argue with you. I know you trust him because this is all like a dream come true for you, and I completely understand your excitement. So, you go ahead and be hyped up, but I’ve known you a long time, and I love you. That means I’m not going to trust this guy until he proves he isn’t some slick player that uses women. I’m on edge because I don’t want to sit here and watch him use you.”

“And you think that’s what he’s doing—because there’s no possible way he could genuinely care about poor little me.”