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Cora slapped a hand to her chest and let out a long, “A,” and I flipped her the bird

Asshole

Anika paused a moment, and I knew she wasn’t sure whether my offer was sincere

I puthouse for one person It’s big enough for ten people” I then pursed h for a small cult”

Anika re it I could al the calculations Finally, she said softly, “I’ll think about it Thanks, Nas”

I hadn’t offered out of pity I wasn’t lying I really would’ve loved to have her

Satisfied, I replied, “You’re welcome”

At that moment, Mina calasses, sliced lied, “Let’s do this” She handed us each a shot with a wedge of li the salt “And no better way to get a party started than to dirty up soirls with tequila slammers”

What I said was, “Hell yeah,” but the second I sood way

Like ot blind drunk on it, and now tequila tasted like the ti at me

However, my father did not raise no weak-ass bitch No When they took a shot, I took a shot It felt like battery acid si And seeing Anika giggle behind her hand made it worth it

I went upstairs and drew a nice, hot bath for her in the en suite attached to my room The vanilla-lavender-scented bubbles smelled divine and sweet I put toithin reach, lowered the lights, and turned on the jets

When I spotted Anika hesitating in the open doorway, I said, “Take your time, okay? We’re in no rush”

Her slight nod was enough I left her to it But just as I went to exit the bathroom, she called out to me I turned, and what Anika said broke my heart “I don’t knohat I’d do without you, Nas” She looked devastated, as if she already lost me Her voice shook “You’re my best friend”

I stepped back into the roohtly to look her dead in the eyes “Forever and always, babe”

Anika shook her head—and was she hyperventilating? “Maybe”

Huh? Was she crazy?

“Ani,” I started “You’d have to do so bad to lose me as a friend”