Page 45 of Kayla's List

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After such a wonderfulend to a shitty day, Anderson got all the boyfriend points he would ever need with me. We made love into the early hours of the morning, and when we woke up, we made love again.

Even though our sex life is out of this world, our relationship is too. We laugh with one another like old friends, and we talk like an old married couple. I’ve even opened up more about my time in foster care, which led to Anderson telling me about his awful parents.

I can’t believe someone as loving as Anderson was birthed by people who would disown their only child because of their controlling ways. It’s really sad, but at least he’s still in contact with his grandparents.

“Kay? Kay? Kayla? Damn girl!” Shelby’s voice breaks into my thoughts.

More and more lately, Anderson crowds my thoughts. I’m not obsessed or anything. I’m just in awe that I found such an amazing guy on a drunken night. I can’t believe I ever regretted that night.

“Sorry, Shell. What were you saying?” I ask sheepishly.

“Never mind.” Shelby waves her hand at me.

“How was the Hobbs show? I heard it was huge,” Emani says, her eyes lighting up.

As an Art teacher, she would’ve loved the show. However, the tickets for the opening weekend were, to my surprise, by invitation only. I was among the few “normal” people in attendance. I didn’t realize the first night of the show was for invited guests because Anderson made the arrangements.

“The show was excellent! I even got to meet Yohan. He is so fine,” I brag, wiggling my eyebrows up and down.

“Wait. Kay is noticing how fine someone isbesidesAndy? What’s really going on?” Shelby asks with mock shock and wide brown eyes.

“I’m dating, not dead, Shelby,” I say with equally mock exasperation. We laugh, but I notice that Emani is again quiet and seemingly sulking.

“Emani? Okay, what gives? You haven’t been yourself since we went to Vegas,” I huff out because she needs to get whatever she’s feeling off her chest.

“You guys are out dating, and I’m so happy for you, but I feel a little left behind,” Emani confesses sadly.

“Girl! You are full of shit. I know damn well you don’t think we’re about to believe some high school excuse for you being so bitchy. What’s really going on? I’m with Kay. Lately, you’ve been acting foul.” Shelby raises her eyebrow, and I have to shrug. I didn’t believe Emani’s excuse either, but I wouldn’t have called her out on it.

“Okay, fine!” Emani huffs as she plops back against Shelby’s soft couch. Emani bites her lip, but she doesn’t speak.

Shelby and I look at each other curiously. We have no idea what’s going on with Emani. She is notorious for keeping things to herself. Shelby and I call her the gatekeeper because Emani will never break your trust. She will guard a secret to her dying breath.

“I had a one-night stand,” Emani mumbles.

“Holy shit!” Shelby laughs, sitting up.

I stare at Emani in shock. I’m not judging her at all. But Emani Jackson goes to church every Sunday and Wednesday, pays her tithes on time, and asks for forgiveness every time she swears. I didn’t think she would ever have a one-night stand. I’m surprised she even knows what it is.

“With who?” I finally blink away enough of my shock to ask.

“With a guy that I really liked and after we had sex, he never called me again. The jerk!” Emani purses her lips with a scowl.

“Oh, Mani. I’m so sorry. Men can be asses,” I console, getting up to sit beside her. I pull her into a side hug, and Emani lays her head on my shoulder.

“You know what? Forget that fuck boy!”

“Shelby!” Emani and I admonish as we call her name in unison.

“What? That’s what he is. Don’t defend some… boy.” Shelby rolls her eyes, but she amends her words. “Who can’t handle a woman like you. He will never deserve you. We’re not spilling tears over boys that don’t matter.”

“You’re right. And I’m sorry that I took my frustrations out on you guys. I didn’t lie when I said I felt a little left out. You guys got to have the ultimate millionaire hook-ups, and I get a dud.” Emani pouts, but her eyes twinkle, so I know she’s feeling better.

“I didn’t get a millionaire hook-up.Who said that?” Shelby does her best Porsha Williams impression, and we all start laughing.

“Whatever, Shell.” Emani rolls her eyes but I can see the relief in them.