TWO DAYS AFTER THANKSGIVING.
LILY'S POV— BLACKWOOD INSTITUTE.
The corridor stretched wide, polished floors reflecting the overhead lights as Lily walked alongside Megan and Hailey. Megan's voice carried first, one hand clutching the strap of her handbag, her tone animated.
"This holiday has to be the best ever. I traveled to Mexico to visit my aunt— the one that married the lawyer. We all went sand diving in Cabo San Lucas. It was real fun. I really enjoyed myself."
Lily smiled, her lips curving softly. "Really? That sounds nice."
"It is," Megan replied, her own smile blooming.
"What did you guys do for Thanksgiving?" Megan's gaze shifted between Lily and Hailey as they descended the stairs toward the lower floor.
"I spent mine in France," Lily said, her voice light, casual.
"Yeah, I saw on your WhatsApp status," Megan nodded.
"You?" Megan turned to Hailey, who was busy tapping on her phone screen, her attention elsewhere.
Lily, walking closer, reached out and tapped her softly on the arm.
"What?" Hailey's gaze lifted, her phone slipping into her purse.
"Megan was asking how your Thanksgiving went," Lily explained.
Hailey's eyes flicked to Megan, a faint smile forming. "It was fine. The usual. Church, family gathering, all that."
Megan nodded. But before the conversation could continue, a voice cut through the corridor.
"Hello, ladies."
All three turned. A young Black man in a crisp white shirt and black pants strode toward them, a backpack slung over his shoulder, confidence in his step.
"How are you doing, ladies?" His smile was gentle, his tone smooth.
Lily exchanged glances with her friends. None of them responded.
The man extended his hand toward Lily, waiting for a handshake. She didn't take it. Her eyes narrowed, one brow raised, gaze fixed on him. His hand hung awkwardly in the air.
"What do you want?" Megan's voice chimed in, sharp, protective.
"A name would be nice," the man replied, still smiling.
"And why the fuck do you need our names?" Megan shot back, her tone cutting.
His smile faltered, his brows furrowing. "No need for that. I'm not here for you anyway. I'm here for your friend." His chin tilted toward Lily.
"Me?" Lily's lips curved into a smile, amusement flickering in her eyes as she glanced at her friends.
"Yes, you. I find you attractive. Can I have your number?" His voice was gentle.
The three friends exchanged glances, then burst into laughter.
"No thank you," Lily said, laughter spilling from her lips.
"You're very funny," Megan added, her grin mocking.
The man's lips parted, embarrassment flooding his face.
"Fuck off, man. We're out of your league," Hailey hissed, rolling her eyes as they walked past him.
Their laughter echoed down the corridor, widening the distance between them.
"What a fool," Lily spoke again, her tone dripping disdain. "Why the fuck would he see someone as classy as I am and have the confidence to approach?"
"I honestly wonder. Dudes be so funny this days." Hailey shook her head, smirking. "You should have told him who you're fucking with. You should have told him you're Tony Blackwood's girl."
Lily's smile deepened, her lips curling with satisfaction. "I should have," she whispered, her voice low, almost conspiratorial.
"There's something I need to tell you guys." Her smile widened, her eyes gleaming as memories flickered in her mind. "Me and Tony… we've done it."
"What do you mean 'done it'?" Megan's voice rose first, her brows arching. Hailey's mirrored her expression, both of them leaning closer.
Lily didn't answer immediately. She only winked, her lips pressed together in playful secrecy.
"Don't tell me you guys have had sex," Megan whispered, her hand flying to cover her mouth.
"Yes." Lily nodded, giggling, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
"No way. We need the full gist," Hailey's voice brimmed with energy, her eyes wide.
Lily leaned in, her voice dropping, teasing. "Girl, I didn't know I could squirt that hard. He was so good. The best experience I've ever had."
Megan and Hailey's mouths parted, shock etched across their faces.
Lily's words flowed, each detail richer than the last, painting vivid pictures that left her friends in a deeper, mouth‑watering state. Their laughter, gasps, and whispers filled the corridor as they walked.
Her smile never faded. If anything, it grew sharper, brighter, as she basked in the power of her revelation— Tony Blackwood was hers, and now her friends knew it too.