with a deep breath, she pulled the medium sized box containing AZIEL’s gift inside. she handed it to him and opened it, pressing record on her phone and saying. “open,” she hoped he’d like the cuban link and watch.

KRISTINA rolled her eyes dismissively at his response, waving it off before pulling back. “no, shhh. we’re not discussing me yet. i just needed a breather,” she spoke quickly, grabbing his hand and leading him inside. “thank you, it’s good to be on my own. my dad haaaates it, but he knows he can’t necessarily protest right now.” she brought him into the living room, gesturing towards the couch. “are you ready for your gift? close your eyes,” she instructed, going into the hallway closet to retrieve it.

KRISTINA didn’t answer his text, rolling her eyes at his question. the condo situation was temporary, and still a touchy subject even though she wouldn’t admit it. and she didn’t want to put a damper on AZIEL’s day, so she decided she’d just wait for him to arrive. when he did, she went outside to meet his driver, smiling and holding her arms out for a hug. “so, how’s the birthday boy?”

getting an idea, KRISTINA rose her finger in the air before she spoke. “i definitely want to help with the bridal shower.” she was first appalled at CHERI’s marital situation, and she still was if she was honest. but it wasn’t her place. “so, you’re happy about the marriage? where’s your head?”

she waved the woman off with a small scoff. “no, honestly? it’s fine. this past week has been.... a lot. i needed the time alone,” she admitted, finding a seat at the table and offering CHERI to sit with her. “what have you been doing?”

before making her way to her seat, KRISTINA went over to pull CHANTE into a tight hug. “babe, you did amazing on all this! i want one of everything on the menu,” she half-joked, looking around once more. “how are you feeling? i know this is probably overwhelming,”

one thing about MILAN, she could always tell when something was even slightly off with SAV, and this was no doubt one of those moments. as she took a few more pictures of her standing up, making sure to get her shoes in the frame, she peeked from behind the camera to say, “staying out of trouble? that doesn’t sound like you at all,” it was a small quip, but an attempt to pry a little. “i heard you went to the big apple. what was that about?”

MILAN rolled her eyes at her request for both, but obliged nonetheless. “typical of you to be as high maintenance as possible,” she playfully scoffed but took the cellular device from the other woman anyway. she moved around to get favorable angles of SAV, tongue between her teeth as she snapped multiple photos of her. “okay, now come over here.” truth be told, sitting there taking pictures of her ex was the last thing she wanted to be doing, but she didn’t hate being in the opposing woman’s presence. “what’s new with you, by the way?”

MILAN had finally decided that she’d be moving out of the TAYLOR residence this upcoming week, and she still hadn’t spoken to her parents. she had enough money to last her a year, but it was chipping away quicker than she liked. settling on semi-cheap coffee and a cream cheese bagel, she raised an eyebrow when she heard SAVANNAH asking for a picture taken. with a small sigh, she figured she needed all the friends she could get. “okay, do you wanna sit or stand by the rosebush? both are cute backdrops.”

KRISTINA was glad to hear that her stress would be coming to an end, especially since she hadn’t been there. “god, i bet. i’m sorry i haven’t been around. i’ve been avoiding my parents until i figure out the words to say,” she admitted, shaking her head. “are you gonna play with me? i haven’t played in forever, and i need to blow off some steam,” she offered her a racket with a pout.

hearing her name being called, KRISTINA whipped her head around, a delighted expression on her face when she recognized her friend. she put the racket she had down and trotted over to her, opening her arms for a hug. “CHANTE! hi! i missed you,” she embraced the woman before pulling back. “how was this week?”