Micheal

I should be panicking right now. I should be contemplating whether or not I should completely ditch this party and get so high I pass out.

But, I'm not. I'm quite relaxed.

Well, no. I take that back. The death stare Diana is giving me has me questioning whether I'm cut out to run this mafia. Man, that woman is scary.

I glance at a panicked Carina before smiling and returning my attention to Diana. I clear my throat.

"Funny story, actually. " I begin.

Theo laughs. "I doubt that."

I face him. "Really? How about you just tell the fuckin story man?"

He laughs and holds his hands out. "My bad, my bad. Continue playboy."

I clear my throat once again. "See me and Ca-Audrey go way back. Since elementary we've been best friends. And well, you know what they say, male and female friends can never be just friends." I say and Carina's coworkers begin chuckling.

Despite the laughter, this does nothing to ease the tension between the animals staring me down as I've completely murdered their children. Val's leg taps rapidly underneath the table. Lily bites her fingernails and the she-devil herself reaches for something in her purse.

I laugh nervously before I continue. "I had a huge crush on her and she never really knew. Unfortunately, life happened and we drifted apart." I glance at Carina who averts her eyes away from me. "Thankfully, we found our way back to each other and now we're here."

Diana is the first to say something. She claps and smiles evilly. "Beautiful story, Micheal.

"Thank-"

"Almost unbelievable."

With that said, Dante stands up. By the look on Diana's face, I knew she was about one minute away from slapping me. "Well, we should probably get home. Our daughter needs us, right sweetheart?''

Diana brings her eyes to Dante slowly before standing up and faking a smile. "Right.''

When Theo, Lily, and Val stand up as well, Audrey and I follow suit.

"This has been lovely,'' Audrey says as they begin walking away and her coworkers continue gossiping

I smile and bring my attention to Terry. She immediately grabs my arm. "We should do it again sometime!" I manage to shout as Audrey pulls me out of the place.

As soon as we make it outside the yelling commences. All of them gather around me, practically ready to rip my head off.

"Que diablos te pasa Micheal?'' Carina is the first to say.

Val crosses her arm and shakes her head. "See this is why I married a white man. "

Diana takes her makeup bag out of her purse and begins hitting it with me. The woman is abnormally strong. I try to cover myself as Theo laughs hysterically and Dante tries to pull her away.

Lily touches my shoulder. "Have you lost your doggone mind, Micheal? I mean come on sugar, did you fall or some-"

"Enough!" I shout, finally managing to back up. I hold my hands out and step back more. "Just calm the fuck down!"

"Oh come on it was just getting interesting!" Theo says, throwing his hands up.

I take my keys out of my pocket, disregarding his comment. "My place in an hour. I'll tell you everything."

They remain quiet for a second before glancing at each other. Once they have decided their internal decision between one another, Diana speaks.

"Fine.'' she mutters.

Lily holds her hand up. "Can we make it two hours? There are some new sandals I spotted at Ross on the way here and I have just got to-"

''Two hours than Lily!'' Diana shouts irritatedly and storms off in the direction of her car.

Lily smiles happily. "See yall in two hours!''

As Lily begins skipping to her truck, Theo pats my shoulder, chuckling. "Can't wait to hear this one.''

I remove his hand and roll my eyes. ''Fuck you.''

It isn't long before Carina and I are in the car. The whole car ride back to the house is filled with her telling me why it's a bad idea to tell them and me trying to convince her it isn't.

"Just trust me, woman,'' I say, pulling in. ''When have I ever given you a reason not to?''

I immediately regret asking that.

"When-''

"Don't answer that.''

She shakes her head, stepping out of the car. ''This is a bad idea, Micheal. This entire arrangement. It's going to end badly. I can feel it.''

"Everything is going to be fine, Carina. I promise.''

Now if only I could convince myself the same.

Hello readers! It's been a very long time and this is officially me coming back. I am deeply sorry for the wait and this short chapter. I've had a horrible year and writer's block is real. However, I will continue with weekly updates and longer chapters. Thank you!