Toya: So what I’m hearing is that you don’t love me?
Me: I do, so there’s a very high probability that I will say yes, but I want to think about it for a minute. I’m at lunch with Makari and some of the other wives. Can I text you later?
Toya: Ohh WAG life. Yep, text me or come by and tell me all their dirty little secrets.
Me: Unfortunately, aside from buying cheap wigs from ClokIt and the group chat where the hot topic is which side piece or girlfriend won’t make it through preseason, there’s not much to tell.
Toya: Well, that sucks.
Me: Indeed it does. I’ll text you later.
I locked the device and rejoined the conversation. Makari motioned to my phone.
“Everything good?”
“Yes, I might have a job.”
“Tears or smiles?”
“Smiles. Football and school for Ryland and Rylee leave me with too much empty time. I don’t want to be stuck staring at four walls all day.”
“Makes sense.”
My phone vibrated with a text from our group chat.
Shiya: Somebody better tell me something because y’all all cute and grinning and I’m feeling left out.
Zina: Me too.
Me: Sorry, I might have a job.
Shiya: Before I respond, is that good or bad because we ride for the foolishness or support the boss shit. Just let us know which way we’re going with this.
Me: Good. I need my own thing.
Zina: Yaaaazzz Congratulations. Let me hold something.
I laughed.
Me: I haven’t said yes yet.
A hand waved, getting my attention, then Layla smiled coyly before she spoke. “So I guess I should go ahead and get this out the way…”
She paused and I frowned, waiting. I felt the bullshit tipping the scale and was prepared for it.
“I mean, so it’s not awkward or anything later.”
“Oh hell, here we go,” Zina said, rolling her eyes.
“What?” I signed, looking from Shiya to Zina to Makari, then back to Layla.
“Nothing,” Shiya said, making me frown deeper when she turned and glared at Layla.
“What’s going on?”I signed to Makari, who shook her head.
“I don’t know,”she signed and spoke, then looked at Zina and Shiya. But before she could say anything, Layla waved her hand again, bringing our attention back to her.
“Ryland and I had a thing.”