Page 44 - Interior_SPRING SUMMER FALLING_2021

44 | FRANCESCA PE NN

immediately left the apartment and driven back to the office to fuck you on your
desk, it would be none of her damn business.”

Her head snaps in my direction. Her face is a mask of shock – her eyes big,
eyebrows touching her hairline, and her mouth falling towards her chest. Her red-
tipped fingers grip the steering wheel unnecessarily. The car isn’t on. Sanya is so
cute in that moment, that a smile etches itself on my face before I realize it.

“I didn’t mean to shock you; I used a dramatic example to illustrate that I give
zero fucks about her opinion.”
Her grip on the steering wheel relaxes. I tug at one of her loose tendrils and
watch as it bounces back into place. Sanya giggles, and I grab one of her hands –
it’s soft, small, and warm – and rub my thumb across her knuckles.

“Sanya, if it bothers you that Cassie has painted our relationship as some sort
of sordid affair, or if you feel that I’ve somehow failed to defend your reputation, I
will go correct her. I just didn’t feel it was worth my breath, but I am aware that I
did not consider how her words could affect you, and I’m sorry.” I tuck the tendril
behind her ear. “I know you’re not a homewrecker in any form.”
“Thank you,” Sanya accepts before turning her key in the ignition. She worries

her bottom lip with her teeth like she’s making a big decision. “I don’t think it’s
necessary. She is going to believe what she wants no matter what we tell her.” She
squares her shoulders and lifts her chin. “I know who I am. Let her sweat.” She
shifts her car into drive. “Now, let’s go home and finally start our weekend.”
Her car burns through the parking lot and lurches into traffic. Various parts
of my life roll like a slideshow through my head. I have no idea where our friendship
will take us, but one thing is a definite.

I’m driving.