wasnât prepared. But are we ever really prepared?â
Leaning back in her chair, she shook her head in bewilderment. âNikkiâ¦this is some shit. Iâm so sorry, girlfriend. I used to envy the two of you.â
I gave her a weird look. âEnvy us?â
âHell, yeah. The two of you have been together since junior high. You knew someday you would get married. And as far as I know heâs the only man youâve ever fucked. Now thatâs amazing.â
âI guess for you it is.â
Trinette started laughing, and I laughed along with her until she pressed a finger to her lips.
âOh, shit!â I whispered. âI forgot Leonâs home.â
Trinette gave me a dismissive wave. âDonât worry. Heâs out like a light.â
Maybe she wasnât worried, but I was. âGirl, my bad. The last thing I need is for Leon to hear.â I looked around to make sure he wasnât about to walk in the room. âEnough about me, what did he say about buying another car?â
Her lips curved mischievously. What was her ass up to now? âI decided I want another house instead.â
âWhat?â I gave her a weird look. Her announcement had come out of nowhere. âA new house? Uhhh, uhhhâ¦I thought you wanted a new car?â I decided to play along. âWhere at?â
She had a shit-eating grin on her face. âIn Webster Grove.â
I frowned. Bougieville USA. âHow much?â
Trinette took a long sip while looking quite pleased with herself. âAbout four hundred.â
Goodness, there was no way I could even dream of spending that much. âWhat about your condo?â It was hard keeping the envy out of my voice.
âIâm gonna put it on the market and try to sell it.â
I nodded. âWith the housing market the way it is, you might wanna do that first. I know too many people having a helluva time trying to sell their homes. Not to mention the value has dropped tremendously.â
She gave me a shrug that said she wasnât worried. âIâm sure I wonât have a problem selling this place.â
âAnd what does Leon say about that?â I pressed.
âThere was a little resistanceâ¦but I used the power of persuasion on himâ¦a.k.a. Ms. Kitty.â She purred, then tilted her glass to her lips.
I sat there shaking my head. âYou are too much.â
âYeahâ¦I know. Leon will let me take money outta the account for a down payment, but the earnest money, inspections, etcetera, all have to come outta my own pocket.â
My brow rose. âAnd how you hope to do that?â
Trinette frowned as if she didnât have a clue what I was talking about. âWhat do you mean? I work.â
I sat there with my arms folded against my chest. Who was Trinette trying to fool? âYepâ¦you work. I also know your entire check is spent on your credit cards and supporting your expensive shop habit.â
âNot all of it,â she retorted with major attitude.
âUh-huhâ¦whatever. I bet you Leon thinks youâve been saving money, right?â
Trinette pursed her lips. She hates when Iâm right. âTrue, but I can get around that.â
âReally? And where are you planning to get the money?â
She stuck out her tongue. âYou know I have my way.â
I leaned back on the couch and shook my head. Trinette was playing a dangerous game. âI just bet you do. I ainât mad. If you can buy your dream home, then Iâm happy for you.â
âNow thatâs what Iâm talking about. Everyone else is always trying to hate on my ass.â
âI wonder why,â I mumbled. Trinette is one of those women you either love or hate. There is no in between. I reached for the bottle and poured us both another glass, and for the longest time I just sat there sipping my wine.
âWhy you need a new house if youâre planning to move to
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