𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥•𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠
𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 - Multiple OC’s x David Jonsson, Damson Idris, Tyriq Withers & Aaron Pierre
𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 - Four successful women and friends in New York navigate love, careers, and themselves while never missing their weekly table at Alba’s.
𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 - Strong language, adult humor, mentions of sex, drinking
𝐉𝐚𝐳𝐳𝐢𝐞’𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 - hey…….hey, how yall doin?….been a minute. I saw my man David Jonsson again and knew I had to write something for him, but I know that community is small, so I decided to help out all of my small communities and show love. Thinking about changing Aaron’s character to Jacob Anderson maybe…idk. Let me know what you guys think. Sorry for any spelling errors and grammar mistakes.
𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 - 2,734+
𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 - ᯓ★ | ᯓ★ | ᯓ★ |
Alba’s was not the trendiest place in New York, nor was it the fanciest. The restaurant sat tucked between a slower shop and a boutique, marked only by its pale yellow awning that sagged slightly from years of rain. But it was theirs. Louise Alba, the owner and longtime friend of the girls, had made sure they never had to fight for a table. Whether it was brunch after a long weekend, a quick drink between meetings, or, such as today, a lunch date that bled into early evening, Alba’s was like their church, confessional booth, stage and audience all in one.
Gabriella was mid-rant, perched in her chair with her ever perfect posture. Her navy blazer clung to her shoulders just right, a necessary cover for the pale coffee stain blooming across the silk of her cream blouse. She jabbed an un-manicured finger in the air as if cross-examining her friends that sat before he as she spoke.
“Do you all understand the kind of day I’m having? I feel like my blowout is starting to look diabolical, I ruined my favorite blouse. And the heel on my professional Louboutin pumps snapped on my way here—on the law firm steps! I had to use the pair I keep in my desk and they are no where near professional. And to make matters worse, I haven’t had time for a mani-pedi in three weeks. Three. Weeks.”
Her voice pitched higher with each offense.
Across the table, Paloma was busy reapplying her lipstick in her compact mirror. The sunlight streaming through the window caught on her silver jewelry as she twist and turned herself in the mirror to spot any missed imperfections. She hummed faintly in acknowledgment, though her eyes never left her reflection. Even stopping to admire herself a bit, offering her reflection a practiced a smile.
India had ordered a fresh round of drinks—a mojito this time, thanking the waiter silently to not interrupt her friends story. Though the drink was her fourth variation of alcohol since they’d sat down. She lounged lazily in her chair, her short pixie-cut sharp against the collar of her oversized black paint splattered shirt, a fashion catalog spread across her lap. Every now and then, she’d lick her finger to flip a page, making notes in the margins that only she could decipher.
Vivian, the baby of the group and the only one still sporting the flushed glow of athleticism, grinned down at her phone. The dimples in her cheeks deepened as she tapped something back, completely oblivious to Gabriella’s tirade.
Gabriella’s eyes narrowed as she stopped, gaze bouncing from one woman to the next. She sat there silently for a bit before demanding. “Are you heifers even listening to me?” She asked in disbelief.
“Yeah.” They chorused in perfect unison, but none of them looked up from what they were doing. Gabriella scoffed, snatching the napkin from her lap and slapping her linen napkin onto the table. She pushed her chair back, rising to her feet. “Oh, nuh uh.” She mumbled, grabbing her bag from the table and was about to turn her body towards the door, and that seemed to get their attention.
That got their attention.
“Okay, wait.” Paloma said quickly, snapping her compact closed. “Don’t go.”
“We’re listening.” Vivian added sweetly, her doe eyes darting up from her phone as she sat up in her seat.
Gabriella’s lips pressed into a thin line then. She plopped back into her chair with a small sigh. “Yeah, right.” She scoffed.
“I wasn’t.” India said monotonically, finally glancing up from her catalog. Her honesty was brutal but delivered with a sly smile towards Gabriella. Vivian’s head snapped towards the woman while Gabriella pointed at India lazily, glancing between the other two women. “At least she has the balls to tell me the truth.” The lawyers stated.
“I mean…” Paloma began delicately, tucking her lipstick away. “You can be a little… argumentative.” She said with a slight wince.
“What do you mean by that? Expound.”
“See?” Paloma gestured with both hands. “Case in point.”
India sighed and closed her magazine with exaggerated patience. “And also, no one wants to hear about your bad day at work on such a fine evening. No offense.” She smiled with false sweetness. “None taken.” Gabriella replied smoothly, flashing the same saccharine smile back. “Though, just curious—aren’t you currently unemployed?” She snipped.
Paloma and Vivian burst out laughing, while India choked on her mojito, chuckling despite herself. “You are such a bitch.” She said in her usual deadpan, though there was a hint of amusement there.
“I told you I was having a bad day.” Gabriella shrugged with a coy grin. Then, with the honesty of someone who wasn’t at a public restaurant, she added. “Plus, my period just started. So, sorry.” She shrugged.
“You’re not sorry.” India said.
“I’m not.”
“I know.” India smirked, leaning back. “Now enough with your bad juju, girl. I told you about that. Think positively and positive things will happen.”
“I don’t think Gabi’s capable of thinking positively.” Paloma murmured before sipping her mimosa. Laughter rippled through the table again, though Gabriella only shrugged, unapologetic.
“And for the record, I’m not unemployed.” India straightened, brushing the bangs of her short hair aside. “I’m just… in between jobs.” She shrugged. “See? Positive thinking.” She grinned over at Gabriella, raising her glass to the woman, who rolled her eyes at her.
“You’ve been in between jobs for weeks.” Gabriella reminded her.
“At least it’s not months.” India waved a hand, ever the optimist. “And it’s only because I dropped my last two clients, I couldn’t take it anymore.” She sighed, placing her head in her hands. “They were signed to Chanel, and do you know how exhausting it is to beg that company for something wearable? I mean, Chanel ready to wear is good, but haute couture? Chanel only gives the good shit to Kristen Stewart and she’s been signed to them since she was, like, fucking sixteen.” She groaned before lifting her head and picking up her glass and downing the rest of her drink for emphasis.
“I mean, I didn’t drop you as my stylist.” Vivian offered with a small smile. “So, you;re not totally broke.”
India sat up, finger raised like she was shushing a child. “Ah, ah! No one ever said I was broke, don’t put that out there.” She stated firmly, lip turned up in annoyance. Vivian raised her hands in surrender, while India exhaled dramatically. “And yes, Viv, I adore you and I appreciate the thoughts. But you’re an athlete, a runner at that. You live in track suits, spandex panties, and don’t go out much.”
“Fair point.” Vivian admitted with a shrug.
“But, no worries.” Paloma spoke up, a large beam encapsulated on her face. “You can dress me, and everyone else at this table, for this year’s Covey Gala.”She said, and the effect was instant. All three women gasped, leaning closer, and voices overlapping in disbelief.
“No way!” Vivian said, placing her phone face down on the table.
“What?” Gabriella demanded.
“You know where it’s being held this year?” India asked eagerly.
“Well, not officially.” Paloma shrugged casually. “I just know that Mr.Cameron had me put together a list of places large enough to fit around 2,000+ people about six months ago, and today, I’m showing this client one of the places on this list. It’s The Glasshouse.” She explained, and watched as her friends practically freak out even more, eyes widening as they looked at her.
“Are you serious?” Vivian said, reaching over and clasping Paloma’s arm in disbelief. “The Glasshouse? Connected to the aquarium? The one with the sky view? Do you know how long I’ve tried to get in there?”
“Yes.” Paloma said to the excited woman. “Two years.”
“Two years!” Vivian echoed, smacking the table.
India whistled low. “That place’s super exclusive. They wouldn’t let one of my clients set reservations once there once, and it was this whole shit show. But the food is supposed to be life-changing.” Once she was done, Vivian’s excitement died a little, blinking at the woman.
“I was more so just excited about us going actually.” She admitted awkwardly. “But, that’s a big deal too.” She said, offering Paloma a small smile, who
winced at that. “Yeah, about that.” She said, removing Vivian’s hand from her arm. “The invites aren’t really official.” She stated with an awkward laugh.
Their smiles all dropped then, and Vivian deflated visibly. “What? What do you mean?” Vivian asked.
“Well, for one, it may not even be the gala.” Gabriella spoke up, toying with the rim of her glass of wine. “I would think they were more secretive than that considering this is one of the biggest and exclusive events in the country.” She shrugged.
“Thank you, Gabriella Garibaldi, Esquire.” Paloma added with a faux grin.
“Attorney at Law.” Gabi winked, only gaining a laugh from India, who wasn’t as bummed as Vivian and as stressed as Paloma.
“I also still have to show them the place to see if they like it.” The real estate agent began again. “And if they don’t that’s a whole other thing.” She mumbled. “But I also have to work my magic and finesse my way in, and then land us all official invitations.” She stated. She gave Vivian a sad smile, who was obviously bummed at the news that there wasn’t a definitive answer.
“You got me worked up for nothing.” The youngest girl mumbled leaning back in her seat with a disappointed shake of her head.
“Oh, don’t be a baby.” Paloma groaned, reaching over to lightly shove the girls shoulder. “There’s still a high possibility. And if it’s a hot man, that makes it an even higher possibility.” She beamed mischievously, trying to cheer her friend up. Vivian simply nodded before her phone buzzed, vibrating the table a bit. She was quick to grab it, a small smile etching its way onto her face when she looked at the screen.
“What if he’s married?” Gabriella chimed in, catching Paloma’s attention, who let out a small scoff as she brought her mimosa to her lips. “That never stopped anything before.” She chortled.
India chuckled with her, while Gabriella shook her head. “You’re a sick woman, Paloma.”
“You’re a fucking lawyer, Gabi. You’re, like, top five sickest people on the planet.” Paloma stated.
“And who’s the rest?” Said lawyer questioned, and at that, both women turned to the one with the pixie cut, who was quick to answer.
“Excluding rapists, racists and pedophiles because they will all perish from a long death and be burned and tortured in the afterlife.” India began, gaining nods of approval from the other women. “We have, billionaires, politicians, people that do hedge funds or anything stock market related, the HOA, and Lawyers.” She listed, holding up and finger on each name. “And right under that is reality tv producers.”
“And that’s not worse than a lawyer?” Gabi questioned.
“Very close, but no.” Paloma said in faux sadness, shaking her head. A laughed erupted then, causing all of the women to look over at Vivian, who was back to being encapsulated in her phone. They three older women looked at her before eyeing one another.
Gabriella leaned forward, lowering her voice. “How much longer are we going to ignore this?”She began. “It’s already been two months.”
“Damn, two months?” India muttered sharply in shock. “I only noticed last week.”
“I don’t even know what the hell y’all are talking about.” Paloma added, causing Gabrielle’s to roll her eyes before looking over at the athlete.
“So, who’s the guy?” She spoke up, catching Vivian’s attention. She looked up, eyes widening in shock at the sight of all three women looking at her. She looked to her left, locking eyes with Gabriella. “Huh?” She asked, though she heard the woman perfectly clear, simply stalling to come up with a lie.
“You heard me.” Gabi said, seeing right through her, causing Vivian to sigh.
“This guy.” She started, trying to bite back her smile at the mere mention of him, though she had little luck.
“We’ve gathered.” Paloma said dryly. “Now spill, who is he, what does he do for work, how old is he, does he have good credit, and is he in need of a home?”
“Or a stylist?” India added with a lazy shrug.
“Or a lawyer?” Gabi asked with a smile, and Vivian blinked at them all in shock. She hesitated for a bit, trying to take in all their questions, but also trying to decide whether or not she wanted them to know. Sensing her internal conflict, Gabriella leaned forward, edging closer to the woman.
“You’ve been talking to this guys for what, three months—.”
“Four.”
“Four months now.” Gabi finished. “You usually tell us at the two week mark.“
“I know.” Vivian groaned, throwing her head back. “That’s why I didn’t say anything. It’s like, as soon as I tell you guys, he’s turns out to be a piece of shit or a total bum. And then I’m embarrassed a year.”
“That’s why you should tell us.” Paloma spoke up. “So we can see if this guy is a piece of shit or a total bum.”
“Plus, you’re still young, you’re supposed to date, sleep with and steal from pieces of shit and total bums.” India added. Vivian furrowed her brows at her while Gabi looked over in shock. “Steal?” She echoed. “You said you never stole from Brian. Were those diamond cufflinks you gave me his?” The lawyer asked her friend in disbelief, voice rising in shock.
“Brian was rich and stupid and I steal from all my ex’s.” India shrugged. “Now this isn’t about me, this is about Vivian, shh.” She said before looking back over at the youngest girl.
“I know that you guys are helpful and have saved me from plenty of douches.” Vivian started. “But, I really want this one to last. Even if he is some secret loser that I can’t see yet. I really like him.” She said, looking between her friends. “He makes me laugh, he’s great at giving gifts—.”
“Oh, honey, you can stop there. That’s all I needed to hear.” Paloma said, placing her hand on top of Vivian’s. “You keep a man like that.” She grinned.
“Well, at least—“
“Wait!” India cut Gabriella off, causing their heads to snap over to her. “Is the sex good?” She asked.
They all looked back at India, who had heat creep up her neck as she smiled bashfully. “Yeah.” She chuckled.
“Okay, now you can stop.” India said with a nod, leaning back in her seat.
“As I was saying.” Gabriella started again, pausing to give the other two looks incase they wanted to cut in again. “At least tell us more about him.” She said.
Vivian nodded, sitting up more in her chair. “Okay, well, his names Tyriq. He plays football for a living, he’s my age. I don’t know how good his credit is but when we go places, we always fly first class and get access to the lounge areas. In need of a home? No. A stylist, I don’t think so. And I hope not a lawyer.” She listed off, answering all of their previous questions. India nodded while Paloma ooh’ed at the sound of the man’s credit. Gabriella squinted at Vivian then before letting out a soft hum.
“Hm. You better be lucky I don’t know much about sports enough to find out this guys is.” She said.
“I’m pretty sure it would be easy to google.” Vivian stated.
“I don’t care enough.” Gabriella shrugged. “I’ll leave that until we meet him in person.” She said. She then looked down at her watch, which was right on time. “And it looks like I have to get back to work anyways.” She said and then began to get ready to go. She took a few bills from her purse that was on the table and placed them on the white cloth before shouldering her purse and touching up her makeup in the reflection of her wine glass.
“Okay, see you ladies later.” She said with a flick of her hair over her shoulder. She stood up from her seat, faint goodbyes from her friends echoing before she left.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 & 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 🗑️ 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬★ ★ ★ ★ ★
