ri's

* * *

ng. Her glance was shifted by a mere sight of Johnny and Beth making their way to her. Lori stared at her watch to confirm the time, and it was 9:15pm. Her moth

new that she would be in for yet another awkward conversation, and she had no time to prep herself. She had no problem with Johnny,

g one another and only talking briefly when they both needed to. Lori carefully placed her magazine on the table as she proceeded to making sure ther

ether. Johnny joined the equation at fourth grade, and all three were unstoppable. They would do and talk about almost anything, they watched out for each

, but nothing was serious then. It was mostly late night calls, texts, which later graduated to video calls on any platf

away by Clay's decision, she was the happiest girl alive. Clay spent a week with Lori before leaving and they both made the best of i

d, six months later. Lori didn't care how long she had to wait, heck, she counted patiently until he came. Clay would go on to visit five more times and

tend her best friend's marriage with her boyfriend (Clay). But things would take a drastic turn when Beth sh

information Beth told her about Clay and what she knew, she had to face the truth. Lori didn't know what next to

never forget. Beth had tagged her as a relationship destroyer and not someone who revealed the truth. Their friendship had been sour sin

hat is what they both did. Lori believed Beth had come to terms with it, who was she to not concur. Beth was upset with her without giving her a chance to feel

* * *

nny greeted with

ny. " Lori

Lori to exchange awkwar

ed. Beth rolled her eyes whic

ed, " Can I get yo

something. " Johnny rep

think it is? " Her eyes were glued on Johnny as he was the only o

hink this is? "

d a brow,

hnny playfully said, " T

e? " Lori was immedi

a mask and threw it

is this? " Lor

it look like? "

erplexed stare at the mask, " D

forget about the ma

nxious to know what th

e a... " He made a dramatic drumroll,

th Jonny's and Beth's eyes to hopefully get an understandin

sk party? " Lori

Johnny

you came all the way h

y. " Johnn

Lori was determ

ct time for a NIGHT par

searching for another excuse, " I

bag from Beth and

ring that up, so

Lori was speechless, "

rfect siz

rd left to play, " I

problem? "

's needs me to

Johnny jumped to his

ready gone far. It was the moment Lori wished s

red it was probably time to put an end to the friction. She wasn't going to talk about Clay or anything related to the issue, but maybe

So... you've been to masq

ith her phone in her ears now

fully aware of Beth's pret

Be

y covered Lori's voice with hers as she go

the fact that she may ne

Johnny came back to

Your mom said