I take a step back, put my hands out by my sides and clear my throat. “My new neighbor is Ghost. ”
All three women gasp loudly and Lola covers her mouth with her hands. I nod slowly.
Oh, yeah. That just happened, ladies.
Tina sputters, “Wha- I- He- How?”
Mimi can’t control herself, she bursts out laughing. Lola’s lips twitch. I narrow my eyes at them and wonder why I’m friends with these girls.
Tina and Nik found out about Ghost and I by accidently hearing us in the conference room the night we did it. I told Mimi and Lola one day at work when they questioned why Ghost and I never talk anymore. I don’t like secrets. I prefer to be honest with people. Sometimes, I’ve been told, I can be brutally honest. But I can’t change who I am.
Lola straightens and says softly, “That sucks, babe. ”
Mimi chuckles. “Yeah. That sucks ass. Sorry. ”
I scowl at Mimi. “You don’t sound sorry, hag. ” She laughs harder and I fight not to smirk. Mimi treats me like my sisters do. That’s awesome because I miss them, and Mimi makes me feel at home.
Tina wraps me up in a hug and whispers, “Oh, honey. I’m sorry. That must be hard for you. ”
I lie. “No. It isn’t. It would just be really great if I never saw him. Avoiding him is best. ”
Mimi’s face becomes serious and she asks quietly, “Why do you need to avoid him if you’re okay with it?”
The girls stare at me for a good thirty seconds before I respond quietly, “He told her I was no one. ”
Mimi frowns, Lola gasps and Tina shakes her head slowly.
I continue on a whisper, “It hurt. Really badly. And I may have cried. ”
Tina lifts her face and blinks. “But you never cry. ”
I reply an exasperated, “I know, right?! I’m blaming it on the sleep deprivation. ”
Mimi responds softly, “Or maybe you really do care. ” Lola nods in agreement.
I sigh and run a hand through my hair. “I don’t want to care! God, why does this always happen? Ghost needs someone like Tina. Someone who is caring and sweet and delicate. And I need someone like- like- I don’t even know who!”
Frustration eats at me.
“Why not go out on a date with someone? Get your mind off him?” Lola suggests.
My brows lift. That is not a bad suggestion.
Do it.
I put one fisted hand under my chin and pose.
The Thinker.
Tina giggles. “Not every problem is resolved with a date. ”
Mimi adds, “But it can’t hurt either. ”
Both good points.
I respond, “It’s been a while since I’ve been on a date. I think that’s a great idea. ” I smile and ask “What would I do without you guys? Group hug!” They smile and move closer to me. I wrap them up and squeeze them tight.
I love my girls.