I Promise by Adrianne Byrd

feel.” She scooped another serving into her mouth.
    â€œHäagen Dazs?”
    â€œI had a rough day,” Christian answered, crossing into the living room. She plopped down on the sofa and continued eating.
    â€œIt must be going around.” Alex joined her.
    â€œDo you want to talk about it?”
    â€œNot really.”
    â€œWell, aren’t we a pair?” Christian shook her head, then frowned at the now-empty carton.
    â€œAre you all packed?”
    â€œYeah. I finished about an hour ago.” Christian exhaled and slumped her shoulders forward. “I guess this is my last night in Atlanta.”
    Alex clapped her hands together as if to jolt them both out of their blue reveries. “Okay enough of this pity party. I know what we need to do for our last night together. Let’s go to the Industry.”
    â€œOh, I don’t know. I don’t feel like hanging out at a club tonight. Maybe we could just rent some old movies and make popcorn.”
    â€œYou have to be kidding.” Alex bounced to her feet. “We have to go out in style. Who knows when we’ll see each other again?”
    â€œDon’t make it sound so final. We’re going to see each other every chance we get. We’ll write, call—”
    â€œAnd die broke.”
    Christian smiled as she pulled herself up and went into the kitchen. “I guess it will seem kind of strange.”
    â€œCome on,” Alex pleaded, following behind her. “I need to do something to lift my spirits. And going clubbing is just what the doctor ordered.”
    Christian turned and looked at her. From the bright gleam in Alex’s eyes, she doubted any further protest would do any good.
    â€œCome on,” Alex continued to coax, while moving her body to imaginary music. “Don’t you want to paint the city one last time with me?”
    Shaking her head, Christian couldn’t stop the smile that slid into place. “You know, I’m going to miss you when I leave. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you.”
    â€œIn Amarillo, you’ll miss everything. I still don’t know why you would choose the country life over the city anyway but—” She held up her hands. “That’s another story. Besides, Bobby is going to take real good care of you.”
    Christian nodded. “I know. Thanks.”
    â€œFor what?”
    â€œFor always being there. You’re the best friend a girl could ever have.”
    Alex’s playful expression remained light. “You ain’t so bad yourself, kid.”
    Christian shrugged, but was unable to prevent the sudden sadness that ebbed at her heart.
    â€œHey,” Alex caught her frowning. “You’re going to be fine.” She opened her arms and embraced her friend.
    When they pulled back, they smiled and wiped their eyes dry.
    â€œSo what do you say?” Alex asked. “Do you want to go out and party?”
    Christian found herself warming to the idea. “You got it.”
    Â 
    The music at the Industry pumped the dance crowd. Everyone from the players to the player-haters came to get their groove on. Alex and Christian pushed their way through the throng of people, but they didn’t get far before someone grabbed Christian’s arm and asked her to dance.
    She politely turned the gentleman down with a smile, then continued through the crowd. They found a table close to the dance floor.
    â€œWhy didn’t you dance with him?” Alex asked, signaling for a waiter to come to their table.
    â€œI don’t know.”
    â€œChris, we came here to have a good time. You have to loosen up.”
    A voice spoke over her shoulder. “Excuse me.”
    Christian looked up to see an attractive Blair Underwood look-alike. “Would you like to dance?”
    â€œThanks, but—”
    Alex kicked her under the table. “Go ahead, girl. Enjoy yourself,” she