28.

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When we stepped into the hallway, Yanna kept walking with a purpose, her heels clicking against the tile floor like she was on a damn mission. She led me to a small private room, and the second the door shut behind us, I started feeling a little nervous. I mean, what did she want to talk about that was so serious she had to pull me away like this?

She took a deep breath, like she was steadying herself, then looked me dead in my eyes. "Has Ren ever mentioned me?"

I blinked, caught off guard. "Huh?"

"Ren. Has she ever talked about me?"

I tilted my head, running through every conversation Ren and I ever had—most of which I didn't listen to because she talked too damn much. I shrugged. "I mean... probably? I usually tune her out when she talks too much. She so damn demanding."

Yanna let out a soft giggle, and for the first time since I met her, I saw the tension in her shoulders relax just a little. "That sounds like Ren." She smiled to herself, but I could tell she was nervous—her fingers were twitching slightly, and she kept shifting her weight like she couldn't get comfortable.

Then, like a light bulb flickering on in my head, it hit me.

This was Yanna. THE Yanna.

The Yanna Ren talked about all the damn time. The Yanna she used to look up in interviews, the one she'd get all quiet and moody about, the one she'd bring up randomly like she wasn't still stuck on her.

My eyes widened, my brain scrambling to put everything together. "Wait... hold on. You're Yanna? Like, THE  Yanna?"

Yanna pressed her lips together, smiling softly before nodding. "Yeah... that's me."

I damn near felt my knees buckle. "Oh, shit."

This was wild. Ren had been talking about this girl forever, and now she was standing right in front of me, looking nervous as hell.

I didn't even know what to say. I just stared at her, trying to process the fact that I was literally face-to-face with the girl who had Ren wrapped around her damn finger without even knowing it.

I scratched the back of my neck, not really sure what to say. "So..."

Yanna tilted her head slightly, looking me over before smiling. "You're even prettier than the pictures."

I smirked. "Oh yeah? I like you already."

She laughed, and for the first time, she seemed to relax a little. I wasn't gonna lie, now that I knew who she was, I was mad curious about what actually went down between her and Ren. It didn't make no damn sense how my sister could be so obsessed with someone she wasn't even with no more.

"So," I started, crossing my arms, "why did y'all end?"

Yanna's smile faltered, and she let out a small sigh. "It's... complicated."

I raised a brow. "Mhm. A picture of you two kissing in the press almost a year ago is complicated?"

She laughed a little, shaking her head. "It's more than just that. A lot more."

I gave her a look, but she just smiled and said, "I'll explain another time, I promise."

I rolled my eyes but let it slide—for now. I had a feeling there was some deep shit behind that breakup, but if she wasn't gonna tell me yet, I wasn't gonna press too hard.

She glanced down at my phone in my hand. "Can I see that video of Ren again?"

I smirked, pulling it up. "Damn, you thirsty."

She didn't even deny it. The second I held up my screen, her whole face softened like she was looking at the love of her life or some shit. Her eyes followed every movement Ren made in the video, and I swear she was damn near drooling on my screen.

I shook my head, laughing. "Girl, breathe."

Yanna didn't even acknowledge me—she was too busy staring at Ren like she was trying to memorize every little detail. She bit her lip slightly, and I saw the way her fingers twitched, like she wanted to reach out and touch the screen.

"Damn," I muttered. "You still in love with her, huh?"

Yanna snapped out of it real quick, clearing her throat. "I—It's just been a long time."

I side-eyed her. "Uh-huh. Sure."

She looked away, but I could see the small smile on her lips.

A genius idea popped into my head, and I smirked. "Yo, you wanna come for dinner?"

Yanna's whole face lit up like I just told her she won the lottery. "Are you serious? I would love to!"

I chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. I could be nice sometimes."

Truth be told, Ren did a lot for me. Like, a lot. Even though she was bossy and overbearing, I knew she'd do anything for me, so I guess it was only fair I returned the favor every once in a while. And this? This was gonna be the biggest surprise ever.

I pulled out my phone and handed it to her. "Put your number in. I'll text you the details."

Yanna eagerly took it and typed her number in quick before handing it back. "Thank you so much, Zuri."

Before I could respond, she suddenly pulled me into a tight hug, her arms wrapped around me like we'd been besties for years. I was a little caught off guard—not because I didn't like hugs, but because she was so touchy. She was almost the exact opposite of Ren.

Ren? She wasn't the type to be all soft like this, at least not with most people. She showed love in her own way, but she definitely wasn't a hug you and hold you for thirty seconds straight type of person.

Yanna, though? It was like she needed this. Like she was holding on to me just to keep herself steady.

I hesitated for a second but then hugged her back. "Aight, aight," I mumbled, trying to keep my usual tough act up. "You good?"

She let out a small laugh and pulled away, wiping her eyes real quick like she was trying to hide something. "Yeah. I just... this means a lot."

I looked at her for a moment, debating if I should ask what she meant by that, but I decided against it. That was Ren's business. They needed to figure out their mess, not me.

I gave her a nod and stepped back. "Aight, well, I gotta get back. I'll text you later."

"Okay," she said, still smiling, her eyes filled with something I couldn't quite place.

I turned and walked back to the main area where everybody was still hanging out, and I made a decision right then and there—Ren wasn't finding out about this until Yanna walked through that damn door.

I pulled out my phone and texted Ren.

Me: Can u pick me up early?

Ren: Why?

Me: Cramping.

Ren: Say less, omw.

Fifteen minutes flat, she was outside. I barely had time to say my goodbyes before hopping in the Benz. Ren was parked up with her seat reclined like she been there waiting for me all day.

She gave me a once-over as I buckled up. "You good?"

I nodded, keeping my face neutral. "Yeah. Just wanna lay down."

She hummed, eyes still scanning me like she didn't fully believe it but wasn't about to press. "Aight."

The ride home was quiet, just the hum of the car and the occasional bass from whatever song she had playing low. When we pulled up, she put the car in park and looked over. "You want me to stay? Get you some tea or something?"

"Nah, I'll be good," I said quickly, already unbuckling my seatbelt. "Just need a nap."

She gave me a small side-eye but let it go. "Aight, call me if you need something."

I nodded, hopping out. "Appreciate you."

The moment I stepped inside, I locked the door behind me and exhaled.

Ren was gone. Good. Now I had work to do.

I threw my bag on the couch and rolled up my sleeves. This was about to be the fastest, most efficient cleaning spree of my damn life. I couldn't have Yanna walking in here thinking we lived raggedy.

First, I grabbed the broom and started sweeping every inch of the apartment. The kitchen, the hallway, even the damn corners that nobody ever looked at. Then, I hit the counters with disinfectant, scrubbing hard until everything smelled fresh.

Next, the living room. I fluffed the pillows, straightened up the coffee table, even lit a candle for extra effect. The bathroom? Scrubbed it down like we was expecting a five-star inspector to come through.

By the time I was done, I was sweating.

I checked my phone. Still had a couple of hours. Good.

I took a step back, hands on my hips, and looked around. Everything was perfect.

Now all that was left was dinner. And then?

The grand reveal.

I pulled out my phone and sent Yanna a text.

Me: Here's the address. Also, don't murder us.

She sent back a bunch of laughing emojis and a "No promises" and I just shook my head, tucking my phone away.

As I was double-checking everything—straightening a candle, making sure the kitchen was spotless—I heard slow, deliberate footsteps coming down the stairs.

Nanny.

I turned just as she made it to the last step, her sharp eyes already scanning me like she was onto me. "What are you doing home early?"

I put on my best I'm innocent smile and shrugged. "I got a big surprise for Ren. For her birthday tomorrow."

She crossed her arms, not convinced. "So why are they coming tonight?"

I hesitated for a second. Damn, she was too quick. I should've known she'd catch that.

I sighed, leaning on the counter. "Because it's part of the surprise. You know how she is, Nanny—always acting like she don't care about her birthday. But I know she do. So I got something planned."

She narrowed her eyes. "And you planned this all on your own?"

I grinned. "Look at me, being thoughtful and considerate."

She still wasn't buying it. "Who's they?"

I almost slipped, but I caught myself and played it cool. "You'll see. Just trust me, Nanny."

She stared at me for a long moment, then sighed, shaking her head. "You and that girl are always up to something."

I smirked. "And you love us for it."

She muttered something under her breath, but I could tell she was amused.

Good. That meant she wasn't about to pry too hard.

Now, all I had to do was make sure everything was perfect before Ren got back. And before Yanna walked through that door.

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A few hours later, the doorbell rang, and when I opened it, I almost understood why Ren was so obsessed with this girl.

Yanna stood there in a fitted pink Skims dress, hugging every curve just right, with her hair swept up into one of those effortless claw clip styles. She looked like she walked straight out of a Pinterest board.

I blinked. "Damn. You almost turned me gay just now."

She giggled, stepping inside, her perfume hitting me immediately—something soft and sweet but still expensive as hell. "Almost?" she teased, winking.

I shook my head, laughing as I closed the door behind her. "Come on, Ren ain't here yet, but I gotta introduce you to my Nanny."

She nodded, slipping off her shoes and following me into the living room. Nanny was already sitting there, sipping her evening tea like she had nothing better to do than watch me act suspicious all day. When she saw Yanna, she did a little double take, then looked at me like I had some explaining to do.

"Nanny," I started, gesturing toward Yanna. "This is the Yanna."

I swear I saw the exact moment it clicked in her head. She sat up a little straighter, adjusting her glasses. "Well, well, well," she said, giving Yanna a once-over. "So you're the one."

Yanna smiled, a little shy. "It's nice to meet you, ma'am."

Nanny hummed, taking another sip of her tea before setting the cup down. "Mm. You're prettier than I expected."

Yanna laughed, looking at me. "You expected me to be ugly?"

"Nooo," I dragged out, smirking. "Just... I didn't expect Ren to be as down bad as she is."

Yanna blushed at that, tucking a loose curl behind her ear.

I pulled out my phone, sending Ren a quick text.

Me: Where you at?

She responded instantly.

Ren: 20 mins. Why?

I smirked, sending back a "No reason."

I tucked my phone away and looked back at Yanna, who was sitting there all poised and put together, making Nanny look at her like she was studying her for a test.

Oh yeah. This was definitely gonna be interesting.

I hate to break it up sm, but ik loads of people cannot do long chapters!