“I had a feeling today was going to be a bad day. What’s up gremlin?”
“What’s up Frodo?”
“What’s up Gollum?”
“What’s up Dobby?”
“What’s up —.”
“Enough Tyler, what do you want?”
“To have a billion dollars. To have a Porsche. To —.”
“You have a Porsche.”
“Oh yeah, I do.” He laughed. “Which I let you ride in back in the day.”
“And?”
“And now you’re not returning the favor.”
“I don’t have a Porsche to drive you around in, unless you buy me one.”
“What will you give me if I do?” His voice lowered and I rolled my eyes. I could see my friends staring at me with a mixture of confusion and curiosity on their faces.
“Nothing. What is it you two want? I’m at work.”
“Too busy to talk. Well this is a first. I seem to remember you being a very talkative girl.”
“Tyler.”
“Send us your address and we’ll take a taxi from the airport to your place.”
“To my place? I thought we decided that you guys were staring at a hotel?”
“I thought it would be more fun to stay at your apartment. That way we can have a more authentic experience. Maybe play some spin the bottle or something.”
“Put my brother back on the phone, now.” I growled, annoyed and flustered. There was no way I could survive in my small ass studio with these two getting on my nerves. I could hear Tyler laughing as he handed Derrick back the phone.
“What’s up, sis?”
“Why did you put Tyler on the phone?”
“Why not?”
“Derrick, I’m at work. I do not need to talk to your idiotic best friend about nonsensical stuff.”
“He was just trying to convince you to pick us up. You haven’t seen either of us in over a year.”
“Hmm, and what’s this about you guys staying at my place? I told you that’s not on the table. I have a studio. There is nowhere for you guys to sleep.”
“It’ll be fine, sis. It will be like when we were young and camped out.”
“I didn’t enjoy camping, remember?”
“Yes, I remember you being a spoiled brat.”
“You’re such an asshole.”
“Is that any way to talk to your older brother? Would mom and dad like to hear you using those words?”
“What do you want, Derrick?”
“So I’m taking it that that's a no on the airport pickup and on staying with you.”
“Wow, you’re getting smarter big bro.”
“Yup!” I laughed. “Love you though. Call me when you land.”
“Okay, chubby checker. See you later.”
“Ciao.” I hung up the phone and shook my head. “My brother was expecting me to pick him and his friend up at the airport.” I explained to Birdy, Jane, and Millie. “I don’t even have a car, which he knows.”
“Sounds like you guys enjoying teasing each other.” Jane noted. “You spoke to the best friend as well?”
“Yeah Tyler and my brother have been best friends for years. He’s almost like a surrogate brother. Just that he’s white.”
“And not your blood.” Birdy grinned. “You can hook up with him if you want.”
“I’m not hooking up with him, eww, he’s super gross.”
“You’re protesting a bit too much.” Millie said. “Is he hot?”
“If you like the Tom Brady look.” I shrugged.
“I like the Tom Brady anything.” Birdy grinned. “That face, that chest, yeah baby. Sign me up.”
“You can have him. He’s one of the cockiest, most immature guys I know.”
“I bet he’s not as immature as my ex.” Birdy laughed. “He could give a two year old a run for his money.”
“Yeah, maybe not that immature then.” I bit down on my lower lip. “But he just has this way of riling me up that gets me so flustered and annoyed.”
“Do you date white guys then?” Millie asked, a half-smile on her face. “I hope that’s not a weird question, but I had some black friends in college who told me they only dated black guys.”
“Not a weird question.” I shook my head and smiled, so she didn’t feel uncomfortable. “I’m an equal opportunity dater. If you’re hot and nice, I’ll date you. And I have some guys in the past that will tell you I’ll date you even if you’re not hot and nice.” I giggled and shook my head.
“I’ve dated some real losers too.” Birdy nodded. “Trust me, I know how you feel.”
“I just want to meet one nice guy. A gentleman that’s sweet and kind and loving and open minded and compassionate who loves me for me.”
“You’re not asking for much then?” Jane laughed. “Don’t get me wrong. I love Tate, but he’s not perfect.” Jane was now dating our boss, Tate and they had a really special relationship, but I could already tell he wasn’t the perfect boyfriend. At least not in my eyes. He was way too full of himself and bossy. I knew that he would get on my nerves, no matter how good-looking he was, but I wasn’t going to tell Jane that.
“Yeah, I know no man is perfect, but I can hope and wish.”
“You and me both.” Birdy let out a deep sigh. “Can you believe we’re the last two single girls that work in the office?”
“No.” I shook my head. “I’m happy for you girls.” I looked at Millie and Jane, who both now had boyfriends. “But I want to find love as well.”
“You will.” Jane said confidently. “You both will.”
“Yeah, maybe one day.” I nodded. “Any way, what were we talking about before the call? Oh yeah, Birdy, you were going to tell us about the totally crazy and forbidden thing that you did.”
“Well, did I say it was totally crazy and did I say it was me?” She played with her long blonde hair and blushed. Birdy had one of those faces that gave absolutely everything away.
“Birdy, are you going to tell us or not?” I tapped my watch. “We have work to do.”
“Well, y’all,” She lowered her voice. “What if I was to tell you that I slept with a priest.”
“You what?” My jaw dropped. “You did not.” I looked over at Jane and I could see that she was just as shocked as I was. Then I looked at Millie who was mouthing something that looked like, “I told you she’s a freak.”
“And what if I told you that I was wearing —.” Birdy started laughing. “Sorry, y’all. I can’t continue. If you could see your faces!” She shook her head. “April Fools.”
“Birdy, it’s December.” I rolled my eyes. “You can’t do April Fools in December. Is that really it?”
“Well, not really, but I don’t want to tell you girls now.” She blushed. “I’ll tell you later, when I’ve got a bit of liquid courage inside of me.
I ran my hands through my shoulder length curls and sighed. “I’m getting back to work. I’m trying to leave early so I can go to the hairdressers tonight.”