Scarlett tapped her chin. “Hmm… Let’s see. How long were you married before we found out?”
“Only a few hours,” I blurted out quickly. “I was about to tell y’all when Solana had run out, but then Vello started, and then Discover’s water broke.”
“Where the hell is Solana anyway?” Dasani pulled out her phone.
“I’m not sure,” Jisei said a little too fast, and when Dasani gawked at her, she shifted her eyes back to me. “Anyway. You been ignoring us, Glow. You know we don’t rock like that.”
“But it’s cool for you all to be in group chats and have side huddles without me?”
Everyone’s face fell except Dasani and Missy’s, who was still sipping and averting her gaze between all the women.
“Friend… We don’t exclude you on purpose. You weren’t a?—”
“Mob wife. I get it.” I took another sip and gave Jisei a closed-mouth smile.
“Did you marry him to be included, Glow?” Scarlett asked, grabbing my knee as if she was concerned.
“No. I… I don’t know.” I sighed and looked up at the open industrial ceiling. The visible metal pipes and wooden beams mirrored how complex I felt.
“But you like him… You got to because y’all’s chemistry got me hot.” Missy fanned.
Mocha grinned and agreed. “Tunan is fine as hell. Memphis niggas remind me a lot of Chicago niggas!”
“And yo’ Jagoda Bay nigga gone knock yo’ head between the washer and the dryer if he hear yo’ ass!” We all laughed at Dasani.
“But for real… I don’t know what Tunan and I are doing. But I do like him.” I looked at Scarlett and Jisei. “I’m sorry for ghosting y’all. I had a lot going on, but that’s no excuse. It’s just…I’m an auntie. I’m married. My inbox is overflowing. It’s a lot, and I don’t do well under pressure.”
Pia leaned back and rubbed her belly. “Well, drink up, hoe. You a mob wife now. Pressure is everybody middle name.”
“You know we got you, boo. Just don’t hide away because we don’t do well with being ignored,” Scarlett said before hugging me.
“Correct. All is forgiven, friend, but don’t do that shit no more.” Jisei wiggled her finger at me before hugging Scarlett and me.
“I won’t! I promise.”
The remaining ladies all rolled their eyes before breaking into laughter.
Just like that, we were back to our old selves, and I was relieved. I would need to talk about what to do about Tunan to somebody. All of the mob wives had their chaotic story on how they married into the mob or married because of the mob, but no one had married for personal gain in the way Tunan and I had.
As I tuned back into the conversation, I smiled, realizing I’d finally gotten what I wanted. I wasn’t just friends or affiliated, I was in. I was happy that Dasani understood my position because I wasn’t thirsty to be a part of mob life. I was just determined to be included with the women I admired and loved. A group of beautiful ladies dazzled in the most expensive clothes, fragrant with exotic aromas, with their handsome, wealthy men drooling across from them was what this was. Pinterest, Instagram, and an all-black casted movie had nothing on us.
“And don’t think we didn’t realize you skated over explaining what’s going on with you and Tunan.” All eyes were on me after Missy’s comment.
I shifted in my seat, preparing for the line of questions that were about to be fired off. Tunan and I hadn’t talked about whatto say to anyone regarding our marriage, but these were my girls, so I planned to be as honest as I could.
“When I saw y’all talking at the Sniff-and-Sip party, I knew it was something between you two.” Scarlett grinned.
“I—”
“Fuck that!” Mocha smirked. “I knew when you went live at the steakhouse, you was gonna fold. Granted, I didn’t know who he was, but the way you were cheesing in that camera… Yeah. He fucked that night, didn’t he?’
“Now, Moke!” Scarlett bumped shoulders with her, but the look on her face said she wanted the tea.
“Girl, if you let that nigga buss that pussy open, so fucking be it. All that waiting shit is overrated. I mean, what’s the difference between a man getting it now versus later? The pussy is the same.” Missy winked.
“Ion know, Missy. The sooner you let ’em fuck, the crazier you make them. Then, it’s like… When they become mob-affiliated, these niggas automatically get fertile. Like, damn, is a fertile dick and a suit a part of the recruiting package?” Dasani scoffed.
“See, I’ll take my rap star for 3000, Alex. So glad my man’s dick went infertile when he met me. I’ll take being a stepmama any day. I love on them, spoil them, and send them back to their mammy’s.”
