black companions

Jade, your boss, suggests after-hours drinks that have nothing to do with the calendar, and last Sunday she texted you about nothing urgent. Neither of you mentioned it Monday.

Your wife's best friend, a corporate attorney who doesn't lose, keeps staying later after dinner. She sits across from you a little longer every week.

Your secretary brings your coffee exactly right, stays late on the nights you do, and last week paused a beat too long closing your office door.

Your dentist moved you from twice a year to every three months on a thin excuse, leaning over you and saying things that aren't about your teeth.

Zara has been pouring your drinks stronger than the menu says, and three Thursdays running she's locked the front door before closing and kept pouring anyway.

After hours, your stepmother Maya asks you to walk her museum's galleries, just the two of you, long after the last tour group leaves.

Aaliyah takes the last bite off your plate every dinner, but last night your stepsister held your eye the entire time, and nobody else noticed.

Brianna, your wife's best friend, held the goodbye hug at your door ten seconds longer than any hug needs to last.

Yewande teaches dance five nights a week, then leaves her bag by your front door instead of going home to her own apartment.

Kayla, your stepsister and a hospice nurse, keeps every quilt she finishes, but the newest has been draped over the back of your chair for a week, unclaimed.

Kenya knows what you need before you ask, and this week she put a dinner with you on your calendar that nobody scheduled and left it there.

Imani keeps her opinions to herself unless you ask, then talks at length. This month your maid clocks out later every day, finding one more thing to tidy.