From My Best Friend.

"Daniel!", she shouted with every little piece of anger and nothingness she felt. She was frustrated, not only for the fact that her now deadbeat husband has been pending the finalization of the divorce for 6 months but because now he is wasting her precious time and making them late for the finalization. "Hold your f*****g horses, I'm ready," Daniel replied matching her loud tone with an even louder one. "After all this time the least you can do for me is get ready on time and let us finally end this trash of a marriage," Kara said, this time with a calm but still angry tone, placing her fingers on her temples. She stomped outside and locked herself in the car, waiting in silence, trying to summon the few patient cells she had in her body for this man. She couldn't wait for this to be over, not like he even had anything that she could possibly want, she just wanted to leave while she still had a grain of her sanity. It had been 20 minutes and Kara's patience had run out. She starts honking loudly and Daniel replies with inaudible screams, which were obviously curses, as always, Kara ignored it. She let out a deep sigh, picks up her phone, and calls him. "If you waste another goddamn second of mine you are going to walk all the way to the courthouse. Unlike you, some of us actually have things to do," she said, hanging up immediately, throwing her phone to the seat beside her, not waiting for him to speak, making sure he heard what she had to say. If anything at all, what Daniel hated the most, aside from Kara's guts, was walking or taking a bus somewhere when his successful wife was coming in her wonderful car, his fragile ego wouldn't allow it. Her success had been what was even holding them up in an apartment, the main reason why Daniel was clinging to his darling wife for mere survival and Kara was absolutely sick of it. A few seconds after, Daniel came running downstairs. Fully ready in one of the best-tailored suits Kara had ever seen him wear during their entire married life. Probably he had gotten his life together in these six months? She wouldn't know because she's never even at home, she's always out either just to stay away from him and take refuge in her best friend Katherine or she's just working or lodging in a hotel to, of course, also stay away from her supposed husband. She didn't give him a second glance, neither did she utter a word as he stepped into the front seat, placing her phone on her seat. The ride to the courthouse, approximately forty minutes away, was filled with uncomfortable but very much predicted silence. What exactly does a divorced couple talk about? Daniel sat there like a dead possum fixed on his phone and Kara had her eyes on the road, thinking about how she decided to get married early and it ends up like this, she is the one driving the both of them to get a proper divorce in a car she bought for herself, at least they didn't have a child together. That was the only good side, she would have regretted bringing a child into this world with someone like him. Kara has always been a hard nut to crack and boss of her self, but she is also a soft and loving girl even if she would hate to admit it. She's a young 24-year-old, intelligent, elegant, successful biracial woman and she has her own very triumphant boutique, one of the best, if not the best in the state. She wonders day in and day out how exactly she was still with this deadbeat man with only his run-down inherited house to his name when she could easily find a new place and a better person to be with. I mean which man would even say no to her? She smiled as she thought about it, feeling Daniel's disgusted look on her. Kara oozed positivity and confidence, one looks into her beautiful big brown eyes and she would have you dancing on hot coal if she wanted to. With her elegant posture, beautiful golden honey skin, curly long brown hair, and beauty for decades, it's fair to say that she was only wasting her time with this man, and she knew it all herself. At least they were on their way to ending it so they can move on with their lives, separately. She felt the vibrations from her phone from the seat, glancing over the ringing phone to see it was Katherine calling for about the 50th time today. "Hi, Kathy. Talk to me," Kara said, holding the phone up to her face on speaker, not considering if anyone else was in the car "Hi baby girl, come over after the finalization we have a surprise for you," Katherine said at the other end of the phone. Katherine stays on her own in a big condo a few kilometers from the courthouse. Kara has a plan to stay with her till she finds a suitable place on her own. She is never really even home because she works as a large real estate manager and is mostly very busy with deals, meetings, and the like. The only times she's home are usually with her boyfriend, Gabriel. "Sure girl, I'll be on my way after," she said, hanging up the phone, and placing it back by her side. She looked at Daniel from the side of her eye and saw the disgusted look on his face. He had never liked Katherine, but which predominantly white man that is as nonchalant, abusive, and a tad bit racist as Daniel that was only there to suck the living out his wife would like their overly bearing wife going around someone as wise as Katherine who could easily snap her back to reality? On finally getting to the courthouse, Kara stopped in front of the building itself, glaring at Daniel beside her, hoping he'll get the message and get down. Fortunately, he did. She drove off after to find a nice spot to park. They exchange glances as she got out of the car, she gave him a small fake smile before walking off in front of him. ~ Within a few minutes they were done with the proceedings and they were both finally free from the shackles of this unhappy parasitic marriage. All they needed was to finalize it anyway so it didn't take much time. The courtroom is very quiet but Kara is filled with joy with this new development, it was an achievement. Daniel shook hands with her and gave her a warm smile before walking away with one of his friends who looked familiar to Kara. She took her jacket in her hand and strutted out of the courtroom with her beautiful black satin dress shining in the sun. She took a deep breath, noting in her mind that it was over, finally over, she had no Daniel in her life weighing her down. The air felt lighter around her, swaying her hips as she strutted to her car, clicking on the remote to open it. She turned the speakers up, bringing the roof of the car as she placed her sunglasses on her eyes. She got herself back and the road and saw Gabriel glaring at her from his friends' car, of course, it didn't reach her heart. He'll be fine, his precious mommy would take care of him. Other people would probably be sulking or having plans of taking on their side chick freely now but Kara had always been a loyal woman, even to a man like Daniel. She had no plans as it was for dating, talkless marriage, and she definitely wasn't one to sleep around. Even though she was single with no kids now, she was going to use this time to do some extra healing from all the negatives of that marriage. Finally going to fully focus on herself for a while. ~ She parked at her usual spot, picking up her phone to call Katherine but it went straight to voicemail. Although she never calls more than twice when it comes to Katherine, she called four times and she still didn't answer. Probably she's drunk or something, she thought. Kara never just walks into the house before, even if she owns a key because of Gabriel. She doesn't want to walk into anyone putting any body part in their mouths or doing whatever else happy horny couples do. At the same time, she didn't really have a choice, she couldn't just stand outside. She stepped out of her car and proceeded to knock at the door, but still no response. She let out a sigh of defeat and opened the door, it wasn't even locked, she groaned, ignoring the music coming from the backyard. "Kathy?" she called, entering the pitch-black house with subtle fear in her bones. Why did she tell her to come here when she was not even around? She turned on the lights, her soul almost jumping out of her skin as she saw Katherine seated calmly with a wine glass in her hand, glaring at Kara with a cheeky look on her face. She had her normal radiant skin with her curls like she just got them done, very casual sweats, and one of the crop tops she usually wears at home if she's not running around naked or in mere underwear. "Hi, darling. How did it go?" Katherine asked, sipping on the wine with her an unusual mischievous smile. Kara glared at her, trying to hold back her facial expressions, "Of course very well but never mind that. I always knew you were crazy but mind telling me why exactly you're in the dark drinking wine and not answering the goddamn phone?" Kara asked with a confused look on her face and crossed arms. Katherine, with the wine glass in her hand, strutted on her toes to meet Kara, dramatically placing her arm on her shoulder, staring into her eyes with her last eyes and a lazy smile. That alone could tell Kara she was already a little tipsy, or just a dramatic. Could be both. "Darling," she held up a finger to take a long sip, "Sweety, you're single again, we need to celebrate! Stop asking questions girl," Katherine said. Kara rolled her eyes, letting out a loud groan as Katherine dragged her by the arm. Katherine notices she's on heels and releases her hand for a quick second for her to take them off, she placed them on the floor near the staircase and followed behind Katherine. She finally caught up to Katherine, panting as she followed behind her, they both entered Katherine's backyard through the glass sliding door to see it filled with different people and Gabriel working a grill, as he usually does on barbecue nights. Katherine ran to him as if they hadn't seen each other for years before they both came to Kara. "Sister-in-law! Congrats on your divorce. We set up the barbeque for a 'just because' reason but now we have an actual celebration," Gabriel said, giving Kara a small side hug. She gave him a soft smile and Katherine shows her where she'll sit down. Gabriel has always called Kara sister-in-law because he claims he has the intention of marrying her best friend, Katherine. Kara didn't have anything to say against it of course but she knew more than well what happens when men make promises. Gabriel is a black, young millionaire, probably a billionaire, and he is indeed quite handsome if she must say. Above all, her best friend loves him dearly, according to her, she has never had better s*x or loved anyone as much, so she tells Kara. She noticed too, with the way she screams and moans when they're in the bedroom together and how drained and satisfied she'll look after, she could tell. It's much too obvious that he loves her too unless Kara wouldn't allow the relationship to even happen. Kara sat there just going through her emails and munching on the properly prepared grilled fish and meat she was served, getting lost in her thoughts about work and life before the light in front of her was suddenly obstructed by a large figure, the smell of expensive cologne filled her nose instantly. "May I join you?" her core fluttered as she heard a deep, husky voice ask her. She dropped her phone respectfully and raised her head to see a tall man in front of her, wearing a tight T-shirt that enhanced his build. He had a small smile on with his outstanding jawline and facial features. His dark skin radiated under the moonlight with her amazing build, large arms with a goatee and cornrows in. He was the best-looking black man she had ever seen in the country, her heart fluttered just staring at him. Snapping herself back to reality after gawking at him, she realized he was still waiting for her response. "Of course, sit down," she was sure she stuttered, still stunned by his presence. "Thank you," he said. His voice was thick and deep, the words smoothly gliding out of his mouth, she was thirsty all of a sudden. Grabbing one of the chairs in front of Kara to sit down. He stared at her with his deep brown eyes and full lashes, making her core scream, unable to look back at him. He was well aware of the impact of his stare. "Hello, a friend of Gabriel's?" "Yes, I was forced here actually. Where are my manners? I'm Eden," Kara gave him a blank stare thinking of how beautiful the name was. "I'm Kara. Nice to meet you, Eden," she said, smiling as she reached out for a handshake. Eden smiled, gently taking her hand and acknowledging the gesture with a small smile. His handshake was firm, his hand almost twice the size of hers, and warm, very soft too. "Nice to meet you too, Kara. Do you mind telling me a little about yourself?" "Of course, what would you like to know?" she asked, leaning into her seat feeling embarrassed already. "Likes, dislikes, hobbies, jobs, anything at all if I'm being honest. Let's start with how you got to know any of them, I mean Katherine and Gabriel." She let out a deep sigh, "I've known Katherine ever since we were still teenagers, we've been together and best friends since. I only got to know Gabriel when Kathy started talking about him. What about you? Do you know Katherine or Gabriel?" Kara asked, feeling as if she has already said too much. "I am Gabriel's childhood friend and I actually don't know Katherine much but he always talks about how much he loves her and whatnot, I've only seen her like twice. We go way back, right from when we were toddlers," he said as he took a sip of the wine, "I've not really spoken to her a lot because we're all busy people." Kara only nodded in response not knowing what to say yet. Of course, the night was still young and they both sat there talking it away. Eden was a real humorist and Kara was just laughing her head off at every sentence, feeling awkward every time she opened her mouth. For some reason, she was trying to impress him. They talked about how hard it was to listen to lovey-dovey things from their individual best friends and everything other thing. Every time he laughed, she could feel the vibrations from across the table, dodging the eyes that looked once he let out his deep laughs, his laughter sent warmth to her core. Somewhere along the line, they of course start talking about relationships, sipping on the mixed drinks and munching on the food offered to them. Eden talks about how he has been in a few serious relationships that never end up well and Kara mentions her very fresh divorce and how she doesn't want to have anything to do with anyone right now. "So you too aren't a fan of hookup culture?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. "Not at all, I would rather buy a vibrator," Eden almost laughed his throat out and it made everyone's heads turn to their table. Although he seemed like a very reserved person, she assumed the drinks were getting to him a little for him to laugh that loud, she didn't mind though because it wasn't as loud as hers, just because his voice was deep. Kara of course laughed along but an apologetic look spread across his face probably realizing the attention he had drawn. "Of course, a girl has to tell the truth," she said, slurring her words a little as her senses heightened. He shrugged it off, still taking a few sips of the drink in front of him and just went on with the rest of the conversation when they were both interrupted by Gabriel's voice before the clinking of glass, followed by a hushed crowd. "May I have your attention please?" Everywhere went quiet as he took Katherine's hand, leading her to the front of the crowd, he clapped and suddenly seven of Kara's and Katherine's friends with two other women she couldn't recognize came in with their hands behind their backs. They all got lined up and one of our friends, Lilian, gave the already confused but excited Katherine a very big bouquet of Peony flowers, hugging her after. Kara and Gabriel couldn't help but just stare at this magnificent gesture. "Katherine Jemimah Collins," Gabriel said, Katherine immediately turned around to see Gabriel on one knee holding a ring box. She has never been one to hold in emotions, especially tears, best believe she already had tears streaming down her face. Behind Gabriel was each of the women holding one very bright letter each and it spelled 'Marry Me?' altogether. Everywhere was dead silent, the moment had finally come, and Kara already had tears in her eyes. "We have been together for two blessed years now. You have been my confidant, my woman, my funny bone, and my everything in general. Ms. Collins, unapologetically, I am not capable of staying without you in my life. I need you every step of the way and now I want to make it official in the eyes of the Lord, man, and the Law. Katherine, will your gorgeous ass marry me?", Gabriel asked. "Yes Gabriel, I will marry you," she said with her already cracked voice from crying. Gabriel took her hand and put the ring on her finger then grabbed her in his arms, hugging and kissing her while everyone cheered. "Let's take some shots!" Katherine shouted, and everyone cheered in agreement, including Kara. "Don't you think we've had enough drinks today Kara?" Eden asked with a concerned look on his face, still looking completely sober even after all the drinks. "You're probably right, I shouldn't take any more," Kara almost slipped, she held Eden's shoulder for support as they came back from hugging their best friends to sit and enjoy the rest of the night. "You need to sit down, Kara. Relax," placing her on the chair with a very concerned look on his face. Kara was very much aware of her environment but just liked his touch on her skin helping her in her almost drunk state. "I am fine, Eden. I'm 24, I don't need a babysitter, " Kara said rather bluntly, pouting with her eyes closed. Eden smiled and shrugged in defeat, "I could even stand if I wanted to, but I don't want to right now." "Alright, Kara. I really have to get home now though, I have so much to do tomorrow and the main event of the night is done with so I'll take my leave now," A wave of disappointment hit Kara but she also had things to do in the morning so it was best they both got to bed. Preferably together, of course. "Alright then, I'll walk you to your car, I need to take a walk anyway." "I'll be honored, Miss." Kara stood up and they both walked out of the backyard, side by side, where the party was going on. The walk to the car was a very silent but slow one because they already talked about anything that could come to mind for people that just met. "That's a higher model of mine!" she said, laying her eyes on the beauty that was in front of her. Eden smiled a little and bowed his head, "Well I like fine things, it's indeed a wonderful car. My favorite one." Favorite? she thought, thinking he must just be bluffing. "So Kara, can I call you sometime? I really loved your company today. I could probably treat you to dinner or coffee if you are willing of course." "Sure thing," Kara said. She brings out her business card from her purse and hands it over to him in fear of calling out the wrong number. "'Kara's Apparel', I knew your name sounded familiar but I didn't just put two and two together. We love successful black women." Her cheeks lit up at his comment, "Thank you. Call or text me anytime if you can." "May I hug you?" She was shocked by the sudden question but again too drunk to argue or question, "I don't see why not," Eden got closer with every slow step just looking into her eyes, making her quiver with his gaze. She stayed there looking back up at his Amber eyes, waiting for him to embrace her so she could retire to her room. It was probably the drinks but the whole moment felt way more sensual than it actually was. He stopped right in front of Kara, their bodies mere inches away, staring into each other's eyes with straight looks on their faces and after a few seconds of just staring at him, absolutely mesmerized, he pulled her into his arms for a tight hug, leaving no space in between the two, their bodies against each other feeling every little sensation. Everywhere was quiet and calm so they both had enough space to sink into each other. Eden had his chin above her shoulder, of course, he had to bend down a little but he did not mind. Kara had her eyes closed, taking in every second of this warm hug, he felt like a big teddy bear in her arms on the cold night, and she could feel his amazing physique beneath her, filling her nose with the cologne she was sure she'll still be smelling on her after. Eden held on to her back tighter and Kara did the same. He made his way up to her hair with his hands, running his hands slowly into her curls with his eyes closed too, his nose filled with her scent and the smell of cocoa butter, digesting every lingering second. He used his hand to pull her hair to the back of her ear while still in the hug, "We will be seeing each other soon," he whispered in her ear. It sent shivers all around her body, his deep voice even made it sound better to her. Her heart raced from the feeling of his heartbeat against her body with his hard rock chest, Eden must have noticed. It was like time was going slower or it was all because she was a little drunk. After lingering there for what felt like a few minutes, which was actually a few seconds, they pulled away from each other as he got into his car. Giving Kara a warm smile he started the car and drove away while she waved him goodbye. She walked back to the backyard, thinking if how great his body felt against hers. Although she really wanted to go ahead and congratulate Katherine and drink with her, she figured she would be over the top drunk because Katherine's tolerance to alcohol is naturally high, even from when she only started drinking. It's like a gift, lucky for her. She rather just get settled in her room, freshen up, get ready for a Monday, and drift into sleep land. After carrying all the luggage up to the room, arranging everything, and freshening up, she relaxed on the bed and decided to answer a few texts. "I look forward to our next meeting," a recent text read. She asked who it was and of course, it was Eden. They texted for a few minutes and eventually talked on the phone until Kara finally slept still on the phone call. She slept like a log of wood because of how draining her day was, at least it ended right. "Kara boo. You already packed your things I see, make yourself at home baby girl," a mildly drunk Katherine calls out while slurring her words a little to her. Opening the door of the room to see she was already fast asleep, it clicked to her and walked on the tip of her toes towards her. She closed the laptop and placed it with her phone on the nightstand before pressing a gentle kiss on her cheek and retired to her bedroom giggling with her fiancé.