They sat comfortably in the cozy café, the rich aroma of cocoa wrapping around them like a warm blanket. The soothing atmosphere worked wonders on frayed nerves.
"Hmmm, ah!" Riley sighed dramatically after a gulp of her steaming espresso.
Peace winced. She couldn't understand how anyone could stomach that bitter concoction. Savoring her sweet mocha instead, she sighed contentedly. "Just perfect."
"So, how were the kids today?" Riley asked, her engagement ring catching the light as she rested her hand on the table.
Peace's eyes flicked to the ring, a subtle reminder that she was days away from turning twenty-nine and still hadn't settled into anything remotely resembling a relationship.
The café itself was a modern haven of comfort—rich cocoa mahogany wood paired with sleek stainless steel, golden pendant lights casting a warm glow, and the intoxicating scent of freshly brewed coffee.
"They were wonderful," Peace replied, her tone brightening. "Amber's reading is getting better and better. I'm so proud of her."
Riley snorted, a playful sneer tugging at her lips. "At least something is improving."
Peace raised an eyebrow. "Meaning?"
"Nothing," Riley said, a little too casually, setting her cup down with a soft clink.
Peace didn't need to count to ten. The words tumbled out before she could stop them. "So... any plans this Saturday? Any man... woman... anything?"
She looked out the glass walls, watching cars roll by. "Nothing, really," Peace said with a shrug. "I'll probably watch a documentary, take some long naps, clean my house, do laundry, take more naps, and work on next week's notes for my pupils."
Riley groaned, throwing her head back dramatically. "Ugh! I'm losing brain cells just hearing that boring outline! You're twenty-eight, Peace. Live a little!"
Pulling a magazine from her bag, Riley flipped through it with a wicked glint in her eyes. "There's this strip club—"
"No," Peace interrupted firmly, cutting her off before she could elaborate.
"But—"
"You're getting married, Riley," Peace reasoned, raising a pointed eyebrow.
Riley shrugged nonchalantly. "And? My wife is coming too."
Peace frowned, folding her arms. "Why would she?"
"Because there will be hot, ripped men on poles, doing whatever we throw money at them for. No offense, but we dabble in a teensy bit of misogyny," Riley said, sipping her espresso with a sly smile.
Her eyes stayed locked on Peace over the rim of her cup. "Don't pretend you don't enjoy men on their knees. You're straight."
Peace rolled her eyes. "I'm not into that type of thing."
Riley leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "When was the last time you got laid?"
Peace choked on her mocha, sputtering as she pounded her chest. "Girl!"
"What? Haven't they heard the word 'laid' before?" Riley asked with a stone-faced expression. "Spill. How long?"
Peace blinked uncomfortably, avoiding her gaze. "Three months ago," she mumbled.
Riley smirked. "Damn. Must be lonely down there."
Peace fought back a laugh, grabbing her purse. "I'm going home."
"Just think about it!" Riley called after her, tossing some bills on the table to cover the check.
Peace whirled around at the door, shouting at the top of her lungs, "NO!"