Keep That Same Energy, Candace! — Amber Prepares for Battle at Ernestine’s BBQ! 😤🔥
The air was already thick with the scent of Ernestine’s famous barbecue ribs and tension. The invitation list was supposed to be tight, exclusive, and drama-free. But someone didn’t get the memo—Candace was coming, and when Amber found out, it was like lighting a match in a gas station.
“She what?!” Amber froze mid-text, her phone nearly slipping out of her hand. She had just read the group message: "Hey y’all! Candace said she’s bringing the potato salad 🥗 See y’all at 4!"
That was all it took.
Amber’s jaw clenched. Her eyes narrowed.
“Oh, she bold bold,” Amber muttered, her voice trembling with disbelief and rage. “She really think she can show up like nothing happened? Nah… not today.”
The kitchen fell silent. Amber’s cousin Janelle looked up from her corn on the cob and raised an eyebrow. “Girl, what’s up now?”
Amber didn’t even look her way. She was already pacing. “Candace. This chick got the nerve to step foot at Ernestine’s house? After what she pulled? She better keep that same energy when she sees me.”
Janelle smirked, sensing the volcano about to erupt. “Well… you did say you were done with the drama. Remember that whole self-care phase last week?”
Amber stopped mid-step and glared. “That was before I knew this snake was slithering into family BBQs like she wasn’t out here being messy.”
Janelle shook her head. “Girl, you need to let it go.”
Amber took a deep breath and exhaled through her nose. “I will. Right after I look her in the eye and ask her if she still talks slick when someone’s standing in front of her.”
Meanwhile… across town
Candace was trying on her fourth sundress. She was excited. She had been on good terms with Ernestine lately, and though she knew not everyone was thrilled with her popping back into the circle, she figured it was time.
She smoothed her curls, checked her lipstick, and grinned at her reflection. “It’s just BBQ, not a battlefield,” she whispered to herself. “I come in peace.”
But little did she know — peace was not on the menu.
Back at Amber’s apartment...
Amber was dressing like she was headed into a courtroom and a club at the same time. Fitted jeans, hoops, the classic “don’t test me” eyeliner.
Janelle watched from the couch. “So... what’s the plan? You gonna throw hands over ribs and sweet tea?”
Amber grabbed her bag. “Nope. I’m just gonna let her know she don’t run nothing over here. Last time I checked, this ain’t her barbecue, and I ain’t scared of a fake smile and some store-bought potato salad.”
4:17 PM – Ernestine’s Backyard
The vibe was laid-back. Marvin Gaye played in the background, uncles argued about spades, and kids ran under the sprinkler in the grass.
Then — like a movie scene — Amber stepped through the side gate.
Silence didn’t fall completely, but there was a definite shift. People noticed. Some nodded. Others sipped their lemonade and gave side-eyes.
And then… Candace showed up.
Wearing white. Carrying a glass bowl.
Amber spotted her from across the yard. Time slowed.
Candace’s smile faltered the second she saw Amber. Her steps slowed, but she kept walking. “Hey, y’all!”
Amber folded her arms.
Candace came up, keeping her voice light. “Hey Amber… didn’t know you’d be here.”
Amber didn’t blink. “Funny. That’s exactly what I was thinking about you.”
Candace’s smile tightened. “Well, I was invited.”
Amber nodded slowly. “Yeah. Lotta people get invited. Doesn’t mean they should show up.”
The energy was thick. Tension so real it felt like another heat wave hit.
Candace glanced around, suddenly aware that everyone within ten feet had stopped chewing.
“I’m not here to argue,” she said calmly.
Amber took a step closer. “Good. Then don’t talk slick. And don’t act fake. Just keep that same energy you had when you were running your mouth last month.”
Candace raised an eyebrow. “I said what I said, Amber. You were acting messy.”
Amber stepped in, toe to toe. “And you’re about to find out what real messy looks like if you try me again.”
Someone coughed. Ernestine — trying to defuse — clapped her hands. “Alright y’all! Chicken’s ready! Let’s not forget why we here.”
But it was too late. The backyard now had two centers of gravity: Amber and Candace.
Candace gave a slow smirk. “I’m not scared of you, Amber.”
Amber leaned in close and whispered, “You don’t have to be scared. Just be respectful. Or next time, don’t show up.”
5:45 PM — A Cold War Over Coleslaw
Both women sat at opposite ends of the yard. Smiling. Laughing with other people. But never letting the other out of their sight.
The war hadn’t gone nuclear, but it was on — silent, steady, and ready to erupt at any second.
Amber poked at her plate. “She better not say another word.”
Janelle sighed, “You said you were just gonna ‘look her in the eye.’ That was a whole stare-down from the gates of hell.”
Amber shrugged. “I said what needed to be said. She knows now. Don’t play with me.”
Bottom Line?
This wasn’t over. Not by a long shot. Amber made it clear: keep that same energy, Candace. And next time… don’t just bring potato salad — bring armor.
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