“Whatever she said about me, it isn’t true,” I said. “I mean, sure, I used to sleep around, not on you, but that’s in the past.”

“My best friend, really?” Alisha paced the living room, raking her fingers through her long, red hair. “Just had to be Lori, didn’t it?”

“It’s just that—”

“You know what, fuck Lori. If she were here right now, I’d strangle the perfect bodied bitch.”

“And you call her a friend?” I tilted my head, arching a curious brow.

Alisha folded her arms and shifted her wieght to her back foot. “Well, what the fuck have you got to say for yourself?”

I motioned for calm. “We don’t need the neighbors calling the cops again.”

“They live a mile away!” Alisha said, pointing in the general direction of the Taylors.

“And they can hear you a mile away.”

“Don’t turn this around on me.” Alisha inched closer with clenched fists, baring her white piano key teeth. “You’re lucky I don’t break your face.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time.” I shrugged.

“I was off my meds.”

“About those. Have you taken them today?”

“Are you serious right now?” Alisha motioned her finger between us. “Maybe you should be the one taking medication.”

“I am.”

“What?”

“You.”

Alisha folded her lips under her teeth, sporting rosy red cheeks. “That’s sweet.”

I closed the distance between us and gripped her shoulders. “Can we stop—”

“You want to make it up to me?”

“You know I do.”

“Meet me in the bedroom in five minutes.”

(© 2022 AC)