Page 35 of Trading Places

I pull away from him and laugh. “Why are you so nosey?”

Anthony shrugs his shoulders. “Hey, I’m not judging, but I know you ain’t putting that strap down for no one.”

“And ain’t!” I say, laughing.

“I love you so much, Zari. I got your back if you need anything. I have no idea what your parents will do, but if you need a place, I got a little spot near the water. Cause I know you start to itch if you’re not near water.” He pulls a key out of his pocket.

I grab it and hold it against my chest. “I love you more, Anthony. Thank you.”

I stand up and go over to my bar area. “I need a drink. Fuck, I’m in love with Dreyson Hall.” I wipe my tears and grab a bottle of Vodka.

“I never saw that coming,” Anthony says, sitting at my bar.

I pour us both a shot and click our glasses together. “Shit, me neither. But, what are you going to do, really? You’re no longer a fiancé. Now, what?”

“I’m moving to California and going to live out loud with my boyfriend. You made me realize I shouldn’t hide my love. Plus, this area is getting old. I’m going to pursue my modeling career.”

“Damn, was I holding you back?”

“No, of course not.” He takes his shot and scrunches his face. He pours another shot.

“What am I going to do without you?”

“Ugh, Drey? Hello, that’s the whole reason we’re fake breaking up.”

I down my shot and suck my face in. “Shut up. No, I’m serious. We’ve always been in the same area since we were yay high.” I move my hand down to my knee.

“I know, but I’m always a call away, and when he gets on your nerves, I’m just a flight away.”

“They want to kill him, though.”

“It ain’t happening. My parents are sending a formal statement from our lawyers as we speak.” He lifts his glass. “They know.”

My jaw drops. “What did you do?”

“Don’t worry about the details. The less you know, the better. Just know I protected my best friend, who has always protected me. I’ve loved you since we were kids, and I meant that.”

I clink my glass against his. “Damn, I can’t believe this. Are you going to tell them the truth?”

“Not coming out to them just yet. Baby steps, though.”

* * *

There’s a knock on my door, and I wake up on my couch. Me and Anthony took a lot of shots last night. I stretch my body and walk to my door. I see Kye standing there. She’s got some fucking nerve.

I open the door. “Well, if it isn’t the infamous snitch. Are you happy?”

“What are you talking about?” Kye scrunches her face.

I smirk at her. “I really owe your ass a beat down.”

“For what?” she gasps.

“You told Montrell I forced you to sell drugs.”

Kye’s jaw drops. “Now, I’m a lot of things. But I’m not a snitch.”

“No, somehow he knew. Doesn’t matter cause Anthony broke up with me.” I fake cry and wipe at my invisible tears.