Page 4 of Kayla's List

“I was supposed to be celebrating my engagement, not wallowing in self-pity.” I shake my head in frustration.

I thought that finally, things were going my way. Once I was out of foster care, I never looked back. Although Mr. and Mrs. Singleton were nice enough people, we didn’t have that familial connection. They did their part, put a roof over my head, and gave me food and clothing. Then when I turned eighteen, I was on my own.

I was smart enough to get scholarships to college and although I was painfully shy, I came out of my shell enough to make a few friends. I’ve had a plan since I graduated high school and I was finally on track to check some of the most important things off my list. Now, I have to start over with a completely new list.

“Stop wallowing. No matter what that asswipe did, it’s still your birthday, and we have some major celebrating to do!” Shelby’s mischievous smile told me that she was up to no good.

“I don’t want to celebrate anymore. How about we stay here and watchNetflixand have ice cream?” I gave them the saddest puppy dog eyes I could muster. Hopefully, my friends would take pity on me.

Shelby screwed up her face in disgust at my suggestion. “Girl, hell naw. Weare notabout to sit here andNetflixand chill with yo ass. We’re gonna put on some Meg and Cardi, and our best freak-em dresses and find somewhere to shake our asses.”

Oh well, so much for my plans to cry myself to sleep again.

“And that’s on period!” Emani said with a large smile, and I’m shocked that church girl Emani knows anything about theCity Girls.

“Oh, so it’s a ratchet kinda night then?” I smirk at them.

My friends love to have fun and let loose on occasion. We go out and twerk to the raunchiest songs that are out. Well, Emani doesn’t twerk, and I can’t twerk. But I manage to two-step and hold the purses, but whatever.

“Hush. You love it. Now, it’s time for some fun. We are going to go out so you can forget all about Warren’s cheating behind.” Emani giggled as her brown eyes danced with laughter and her braids swayed back and forth.

“Fine. But I’m not wearing a freak-em dress. I don’t even have one of those.” I twist my lips and shake my head. I hardly ever wore dresses, but I definitely never wore any “club” dresses. When we went out I was most comfortable wearing jeans and a nice blouse.

“Kay, we know you don’t have anything like that in your closet although you should. I wish with all my might that I had your curves,” Shelby complimented.

I rolled my eyes once more.

Shelby Banks was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. Her dark brown skin was nearly identical to mine, but somehow, her skin had an otherworldly radiance. No matter what style she wore it in, her hair complemented her round face and brown almond-shaped eyes. And although she only stood about five-two, her huge personality made it seem like she was ten feet tall.

“Shell, you don’t need my curves.” I waved off her concerns. Shelby has always had an athletic build, but withInstagrambodies being popular nowadays, everyone seems to think a big booty and boobs made you attractive.

“Thanks. But I still want them.” Shelby smiled with a wink.

“You don’t have to wear a dress, Kay, but I’m not going to let you wear that librarian gear either,” Emani said, adding her input. I don’t know if I should feel offended or not.

“I don’t dress like a librarian.” I scoffed indignantly.

“Uh, I hate to break it to you, sis, but, yeah, you do.” Shelby shrugged.

I frowned and crossed my arms over my chest.

“Kayla, don’t get upset. How you dress is fine for work—the cardigan sweaters, the slacks, the bun. But, honey, we aren’t trying to check out books tonight,” Emani replied tenderly.

“No, ma’am. We aren’t checking out books, but maybe we can check out some D.” Shelby stuck her tongue out and did a shimmy with her shoulders.

I smacked my forehead and chuckled.

“I set them up.”

“And I knock them down.” Shelby and Emani high-fived as they laughed.

I shook my head and laughed with my friends. As silly as they are, I appreciate them being here to cheer me up. The least I could do is try and relax a little. I still wouldn’t wear a tight dress, but I guess I didn’t have to dress like the blackPenelope Garciaeither.

“Alright, let’s do this before I change my mind.” I sighed resolutely as my friends cheered gleefully. I really hope I didn’t regret my twenty-ninth birthday celebration.

“Great! Let me get my bag. I have a surprise for you!” Shelby cackled, leaving Emani and me to stare after her.

“I’m going to regret this.” I sighed.