“Is it right now?” It wasn’t a trick question, nor was she being sarcastic. They were friends and Peaches genuinely wanted to know if she was good now. Peaches had been around for years. She knew the effects of being in bed with Jio Gotti. Nina got out at the right time and that was some shit that she would say right to Jio’s face.
“Today is it. I went out for the first time in forever, so I’m feeling good.”
Their friendship had developed unexpectedly over time and it was because Peaches never judged her. She minded her business, but somehow she still managed to know every damn thing. She and Jio were very close, but she didn’t pick sides. He was dead wrong, and Nina needed to get off her mama titty. Two things could be true at the same time.
“Pull up on me. The night doesn’t have to end yet.”
“You still at the same club?”
Peaches cackled. “Bitch, Ima die there!”
The comment made Nina’s stomach drop. “No, you’re not. Don’t say that!” she scolded her.
“Alright, alright, but yeah. Come through. I’ll let security know to save you a spot in the front.”
Nina groaned.
“I’m going to head home.”
“Why?”
“Because I have work tomorrow.” She needed to trust her gut, and something was telling her that she needed to take her ass home.
“You the boss! Go in late.”
“I have a meeting at nine,” Nina remembered.
“Ok, granny, go home then.” Peaches wasn’t about to beg.Shit, she called her!
“No no, I’m on the way.”
She gave in because she wasn’t ready to be alone. She needed to exhaust a little bit more of her energy.
A year ago, she would’ve blamed loneliness on Jio. But now she had a better understanding of the truth. She had to find joy outside of work and Jio. She didn’t like being alone as much as she pretended to. It didn’t take her long to make it to the other side of town. She was a real New Yorker and could get anywhere in record time if there wasn’t any traffic. At this time of the night, the streets were clear just like she liked it. Nina pulled into the parking lot.
Peaches was waiting outside. The moment she saw Nina’s vehicle, her expression changed.
Nina frowned as she winded her window down.
“What happened?”
Peaches closed her eyes. “Don’t kill me.”
The pit in Nina's stomach appeared instantly.
“I did not know he was here.”
Nina slowly looked toward the building. “I’m not staying long,” she decided.
Peaches nodded. “Two drinks with me and I’ll walk you back out.”
Neither woman believed the other but they didn’t say anything. Nina reapplied her lipstick and made sure she looked good.
Peaches helped her out of her truck. “Damn, you done got thick!”
Nina’s eyes widened. “I hope not.”
“Your ass ain’t always been that fat but babyyyyy it’s poking!”
