Page 16 of Love's Free Will

“No promises?”

I shook my head. “Not a single fuckin’ one.”

Thursday nightsat7evenwere our safe space.

It wasn’t just a restaurant—it was a ritual. A place where we could drink, laugh, talk our shit, and just be ourselves, away from the noise of our high-profile lives.

Sevyn always made sure we had the best private room, a secluded glass-walled space that overlooked the city skyline. The lighting was warm and intimate, the walls adorned with modern art, and the soft hum of R&B played over the speakers, adding to the vibe. It smelled like expensive cocktails, fresh seafood, and black girl luxury. We didn’t get nights like this often, so when we did, we made it count.

Serenity was already sipping on a strawberry lychee martini, Arielle was nursing her usual glass of wine, and Egypt was side-eyeing the menu like it had personally offended her. I exhaled, finally allowing myself to relax. These were my people. My sisters. And after the stressful ass few weeks I’d had dealing with Royal, this night was needed.

“Okay, updates,” Serenity said, setting down her drink. “What’s new with everybody?”

I smirked, sipping on my French 75. “We asking you first, Mrs. Langston.”

She rolled her eyes. “It’s a vow renewal.”

Arielle smirked. “It’s a wedding, Tootie. That man said spare no expense, what baby wants, baby gets.” Arielle was teasing, itwas easy for us to do when it came to Serenity and Creed. Those two had been so back and forth about one another for years and finally, they sneaky asses went and got married without telling any of us last year. Serenity mentioned that after Ari’s wedding, Creed had wanted her to have that experience, so he was throwing this wedding for their vow renewal.

Egypt chuckled. “Nigga, you in here drinking martinis and planning a whole ass ceremony. You married, married.”

We all laughed as Serenity sighed dramatically. “Y’all are annoying.”

“And yet you love us,” I teased.

She shook her head but smiled. “Fine. Well, aside from the wedding—which is coming up way too fast—I’m still trying to find the perfect location for my dance studio.”

I leaned forward, intrigued. “Any luck?”

She sighed. “I found this one spot in Mid-City, but I don’t know… the parking situation is trash, and the space is kinda tight. Then there’s this other location in West Hollywood that’s beautiful, but expensive as fuck.”

Arielle nodded. “Makes sense. You’re trying to build something long-term, so location is everything.”

Egypt hummed in agreement. “And you want somewhere central but also with good foot traffic. You need your students to want to come there.”

Serenity exhaled. “Exactly. I don’t just want a studio; I want a place that feels inspiring. Where dancers—especially little Black girls—can come and feel at home.”

We all melted at that.

Arielle clinked her glass against Serenity’s. “Whatever you decide, you know we got you.”

I nodded. “A hundred percent.”

Egypt grinned. “A thousand percent.”

Serenity beamed. “I love y’all.”

“Okay, my turn,” Egypt announced, flipping her braids over her shoulder. “So… I booked the lead in a movie.” The table erupted in cheers.

“Bitch, what?!” Arielle gasped, eyes wide.

Serenity clapped her hands together. “Egypt! That’s amazing!”

I shook my head, grinning. “And you weren’t gonna tell us?”

She laughed, holding up her hands. “I wanted to wait until it was official. It’s a romantic drama, shooting in Toronto for like three months.”

Arielle sipped her wine. “Big Hollywood shit.” Egypt shrugged casually, but we all knew she was lowkey screaming inside.

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