“And then,” Nalani prompts.
“He wanted to meet her. I agreed to come, knowing he’s not in the position to be a father. He said he made a reservation, and well, he didn’t.”
Nalani glances at me, sympathy flickering across her face. Sofie, however, looks ready for battle.
“He hasn’t even called?” she says sharply. “Fuck him.”
I choke on a laugh. “I certainly hope she doesn’t repeat that anytime soon.”
Sofie leans down, all sweet affection again. “Aunt Sofie apologizes. I’ll stop teaching you bad words when you’re old enough to mimic me.”
Nalani clears her throat, trying not to laugh. “What do you ladies want for breakfast? I was going to make—” She holds up a bag of greens and frozen corn from the grocery haul she brought in.
Sofie’s face scrunches up. “You two are not eating that on your first morning in this city.”
Nalani rolls her eyes. “No, not this. I have eggs and turkey bacon. The salad’s for the Henny and Cock.”
“The what?”
Sofie’s eyes go wide. “I’m sorry, what?”
Nalani laughs so hard she has to grab the counter for balance. “Oh my God, no. Not what it sounds like. Last night, when I came back down for the luggage, there was a hen just strutting around the hallway. I opened the back door to let her out, and there was a rooster waiting for her. It was adorable.”
I blink, torn between disbelief and laughter. “Chickens?”
Nalani smiles with a shrug.
Sofie points toward the door. “You need to move. This is not a farm. This is New York City.”
Nalani waves her off. “The whole reason I rented this place was because it has outdoor space. The hen house was the deciding factor.”
Sofie groans dramatically, pressing a hand to her forehead. “I came here to save you, and you’re out here adopting poultry.”
I can’t help it — I start laughing. “If it helps, they’re probably happier than most people in this city.”
Nalani grins at me over her coffee cup. “That’s what I like about you, Claudia. You get it.”
Sofie rolls her eyes. “You’re both insane.”
“Maybe,” I smile, already deciding I also like Sofie.
“Go get dressed.” Sofie orders and looks down at Savannah. “Then you, Mommy, me, and Aunt Nalani are going to get breakfast.”
“After we feed our new pets.” Nalani smiles.
“Whatever,” Sofie rolls her eyes. “Go get dressed.”
“I don’t knowif I should be appalled or enchanted,” Sofie says quietly as she looks out over the small yard.
Nalani is halfway down the ramp when Sofie throws out a hand to stop her. “Tetanus!”
Nalani laughs. “There are no nails, no metal.”
“Well, pick from one of the other nus’s then,” Sofie scoffs.
I can’t help laughing under my breath, “She means lockjaw.”
Nalani hops down from the chipped cement landing like it’s no big deal. “You two are dramatic.”
