Whenever You're Ready

by Rachel Runya Katz

“At the risk of you finally telling me to fuck off,” he says, “you need to let yourself be in love with Nia.”

The receiver picks up his deep inhale in crisp clarity. “Hey, Nia. It’s Jonah.” “I have caller ID,” she says. He sighs. “Everyone is so sassy today.”

She’s glowing. So beyond beautiful. Beyond—because Nia could be the most attractive person who has ever lived, who will ever live on this earth, and it still wouldn’t be enough to explain how she looks to Jade.

“Nia, I am in love with you. Love doesn’t feel like a big enough word, because I’ve told you that I love you so many times before and I’ve never meant it the way I mean it now, but it’s the best I’ve got.

There’re so many ways you can love someone, and I thought I knew the ways I loved you, but, God, I didn’t.

“Are you Nia’s date?” “I am.” “As a friend?” she clarifies. “No, not as a friend,” Jade says. “Don’t tell Gene,” she yells, “but that makes me happier than the wedding.” “Mom, I don’t think that’s good,” Nia says.

LMAO

They exchange greetings, and Jade slots in next to Nia, her hand going straight to her waist. She can’t conceal the shiver that zips through her, and Jade looks down, her smile spreading. Nia is so stupidly in love.

“I love you,” Jade says. “In all the ways.” “I love you, Jade,” Nia says back. “In all the ways.”