CHAPTER 25
TREY
Nia’s crisis arrived over brunch.
Not a catastrophe.
A life decision.
“I quit,” she said.
Paula froze with her mimosa halfway to her mouth.
Danielle said, “What?”
Sunday stretched without urgency. Laundry ran downstairs.
Something simmered on the stove. Paula read on the sofa with her feet under Trey's thigh, occasionally making a disapproving sound at whatever was on the page.
He answered emails until she reached over and closed his laptop with one finger.
He looked at her. She looked back. No speech was necessary. He left it closed.
Nia looked terrified and thrilled.
“I quit Friday.”
“Your job?” Paula asked.
“Yes.”
“Without another one?”
“Yes.”
Paula slowly put down the glass.
Trey watched from across the table.
This brunch included everyone: Paula, Trey, Danielle, Anthony, Nia, Marcus and Malcolm.
Nia looked at Paula.
“Please don’t make the face.”
“What face?”
“The five-year-plan face.”
Trey coughed into his coffee.
Paula glared.
“I’m supportive.”
“You’re horrified.”
“I am processing.”
Nia laughed.
“I want to start a political communications shop.”
Paula’s expression changed instantly.
“Okay.”
“I’ve been thinking about it for a year.”
“Okay.”
“I have six months saved.”
“Okay.”
Danielle said, “She’s doing the questions.”
Nia smiled. “I know.”
Paula leaned forward.
“Do you have clients?”
“Two possibilities.”
“Contracts?”
“Not yet.”
“Entity?”
“Filed.”
“Insurance?”
Nia groaned.
Marcus said, “Let her breathe.”
Paula sat back.
“You’re right.”
Trey looked at her.
Progress.
Nia reached across and squeezed Paula’s hand.
“I want your help.”
“You have it.”
“But not your takeover.”
The entire table went silent.
Anthony whispered, “Damn.”
Paula stared.
Then laughed.
“Fair.”
Trey smiled into his coffee.
Paula kicked him beneath the table.
After brunch, Nia and Marcus walked ahead discussing referrals.
Anthony and Danielle lagged behind, arguing about whether he had flirted with the waitress.
“I was polite.”
“You were smiling.”
“I smile.”
“Not like that.”
Trey looked at Paula.
“Not dating?”
“Apparently not.”
They laughed.
Then Paula became thoughtful.
“Nia was right.”
“About?”
“My takeover.”
Trey took her hand.
“You care.”
“That excuse sounds familiar.”
He looked at her.
Paula stopped walking.
“Oh.”
“Exactly.”
She laughed.
“Oh my God. I’m you.”
“Terrifying.”
She shoved him.
Trey caught her hand.
“You see why I do it?”
“Yes.”
“Does that make it less annoying?”
“No.”
“Good.”
They kept walking.
Relationships were mirrors.
Sometimes cruel ones.
Sometimes useful.
Paula squeezed his hand.
“Thank you for not saying I told you so.”
“I considered it.”
“I know.”
“You have a face.”
“So do you.”
They smiled.