I spread my tongue across my bottom lip. “I know what you mean. This omelet was delicious but I’m starving now. If you know what I mean.”

By the way he drops the broom, scoops me into his arms, and carts me off to the bedroom I’m guessing he does know what I mean.

After Kai and I finish feasting on each other, I finally manage to check my phone and find two notifications. One is my calendar reminder to send Dante another deposit. The other is a group text with Ciara, Nina, and Sasha.

I wince as my hands automatically start to send Dante his monthly e-check. Both he and Kai are right; I do need to get my guilt over this situation under control. Dante has told me countless times that he doesn’t need the money I send him, but I don’t know what else to do. For so long it felt like the only thing I could do, as inadequate as that felt. Now, I’m looking to change that.

I complete the transaction to Dante, not ready to disrupt the routine just yet, and switch over to my texts.

Ciara: I need a writing break. Lunch date today?

Nina: Yessss, I need a drink. Or three.

Ciara: Aww what’s wrong boo?

Nina: Adulting is ghetto

Ciara: So true

Sasha: I was gonna go back to the shop after my doctor’s appointment but…drinks sound better so let’s do that

I exchanged numbers with the ladies the day we all met with an agreement that we’d meet up but that has yet to happen, so I’m excited about having some girl time.

Me: Thanks for inviting me. I’m down

Ciara answers a minute later.

Ciara: Oh shit, she’s alive! We thought you suffered from DBGD

Me: What’s that?

Nina: Death By Good Dick

Ciara: Ayeeee you just get me boo

Nina: *Inserts a gif of Snape from Harry Potter saying ‘Always’*

Me: *inserts gif of woman spitting out her drink from laughter*

Me: Hold up how did you know Kai and I are fucking?

Sasha: I mean you were fucking each other with your eyes the whole time we were hanging out that day. It was only a matter of time before you were fucking with your private parts

Ciara: *Crying laughing emoji*

Nina: LOL why are you like this?

Sasha: I know no other way

Angie and Justine would love these women. I have to make sure they never meet because I’m not up to being dragged endlessly all the time.

Me: On second thought, I’m too busy for lunch today

Nina: Blah blah blah see you soon

Ciara: WE RIDE AT DAWN BITCHES

Sasha: …

Ciara: Sorry, always wanted to say that