Big Girls Do Cry Read Free

get home. I’m sure you and him can work something out. I ain’t got time for that. I’ve got enough problems of my own.”
    I guess my eyes must have taken on a downcast look, or Tammy realized I wasn’t the one to help with her investment needs, because all of a sudden she asked, “Hey, girl, are you feeling okay?”
    I forced a bright smile, thinking about all the things I had to be grateful for—all except for that one thing. The one thing I wanted most in the world and would give up all our newfound wealth for.
    “Yeah, I’m fine.” I tried to sound cheery, but water was welling up in my eyes. Truth is, I was a wreck inside. “Oh, Tammy,” I confessed, “I don’t know what I’m gonna do. I feel like my world’s falling apart.” I took my napkin and wiped my eyes as tears fell.
    “What? What’s the matter?” I didn’t answer right away. “It’s your sister, isn’t it,” she said with certainty. “You know, I never thought having her stay at your house was a good idea.”
    Tammy had always hated the idea of Isis moving down to Richmond and living with me. She’d given me quite a few valid reasons why I shouldn’t allow it, but I always thought Tammy’s real reason was that she was afraid Isis and I would become closer, and that would somehow affect my friendship with her. What she didn’t understand was that, although I was close with my sister, I was much closer to her.
    “Nah, Isis has been good. Other than her running up my phone bill calling that no-good fool Tony in New York, me and her are good. Matter of fact, I’ve seen some of those black and yellow real estate books lying around, so I think she’s looking for an apartment.”
    “Thank God for small favors.” She reached across the table and took my hand. “It’s not Rashad, is it?”
    “What! No,” I said quickly in his defense, taking back my hand. “He’s done nothing but love me and take care of me. I couldn’t ask for a better man.”
    “So, what is it? What am I missing?” Tammy looked into myeyes. “You’ve got everything a woman could want: a beautiful house, a nice car, and a handsome husband with a good job who loves you and you love him.” She stopped, and whatever scenario she dreamed up in her head in that moment caused a worried look to appear on her face. “Don’t you? You do still love him, don’t you?”
    “Oh, my God, of course I do, Tammy. More than anything in this world.” I gave her a genuine smile, and she seemed to relax a bit.
    She let out an exaggerated sigh. “I knew that. I just wanted to hear you say it. You two make a beautiful couple, Egypt. When I see you together, it really makes me happy.”
    For the first time, Tammy really sounded sincere. I didn’t hear a hint of jealousy in her tone, and the truth is, she had no reason to be jealous of my marriage or our achievements. I guess you could say we were equally matched as friends for the first time—that is, except for the one thing.
    “Egypt, what’s going on? What’s bothering you?”
    Finally, I decided to broach the subject that had been on my mind all night.
    “Tammy, we’re friends, aren’t we?”
    She leaned in closer to the table. “Of course we are. You know you’re my girl. I’d do anything for you.” I was glad to hear that. The only question was, did she mean it?
    “Well, I’m glad you said that, because, Tee, I need a favor—no, I don’t even know if you’d call this a favor. I need your help with something. And you know I would never ask you for a favor if it wasn’t really important to me.”
    Tammy sat back in her chair with a look of disgust that caught me off guard. “No, Egypt. The answer is no!” she said adamantly.
    “What do you mean, no? I haven’t even asked you the favor yet.”
    “You don’t have to, because I’m not having a threesome with you and Rashad. Having one with you and Tim was enough to last me a lifetime,” she said loud enough for half the restaurant to hear. I felt my