Malika wiggled her butt, closed her eyes, and leaned in so that she could blow out the candle on the slice of cake in front of her.

Everyone, all of our friend group, started clapping as she blew it out.

What did you wish for? cried her best friend, Kira.

I can't tell you! Malika said with a tipsy giggle, drinking the last sip of her fruity cocktail.

She looked absolutely stunning. Her dark hair

sleek and strayed around her face. Her lashes were thick, with shiny green eye shadow that

matched her mini dress. After a long goodbye to everyone, Malika and I left the restaurant.

She put her hand in mine, and we headed to the car.

Pulling away from me, Malika walked to the driver's side and opened the door.

"'Baby, you can't drive,' I said.

"'Then get me out of here, Leah,' she said.

"'Make me.'

She stuck her tongue out, and I knew immediately what she was up to.

She was fully in her bratty side now, and as much as I enjoyed it, now was not the time.

"'I stuck out my hand, wiggling my fingers with impatience.

"'I narrowed my gaze at her, showing how serious I was.

"'But Malika stayed put, so I leaned into the car and gave her a deep stare, my lips forming a straight line.

She wiggled her eyebrows at me and started to do a little dance in the driver's seat.

Malika! I said sternly. Get out. Now! We'll talk about this at home. After another five minutes of this,

and finally, Malika was prancing from the driver's side to the passenger side. Her heels

clacking over the pavement. She gave me a kiss on her way over, and something roared inside me.

Back at home, after Malika had kicked off her heels, she went to the kitchen for a glass of water.

...