“I’m about to go meet up with a girlfriend of mine, but I wanted to let you know you have a surprise.”
My brows furrowed. “A surprise?”
She stepped aside, and in walked my sisters. They both pounced on me on the bed just like they used to when they were little any time they came in my room when I was laying down. Aunt Penny laughed as she left us be.
“What are y’all doing here?” I exclaimed through my own laughter.
“We were bored,” Amiyah answered.
“Kennedy is out with her little boyfriend, and I didn’t have to work, so we decided to come see you,” Adrienne added.
I couldn’t contain my happiness as I smothered both their faces with kisses like I did when they were kids.
“Why are you in here reading?” Miyah asked, picking up my book. “I thought you’d be withyourlittle boyfriend.”
“Killian is not my boyfriend,” I defended. “He’s just a friend.”
“That’s what your mouth says. I saw the way he looked at you at Burger Bliss. I don’t really remember him from when you were in school, but you must have liked him to bring him to the house.”
“We studied together.”
“And what are you doing together now?” Adrienne asked. “Casual lunch dates with his niece?”
They both made playful dreamy eyes and kissy faces toward me before bursting into laughter.
I rolled my eyes and mushed their foreheads. “Whatever.”
Miyah poked my side. “We’re just joking. You do look cute together, though. Hopefully he’s not just playing the nice-guy role.”
“He’s not. He’s always been very nice and sweet.” I looked between them. “Do either of you have boyfriends?”
Miyah shook her head. “No. The guys at our school are only after one thing. I’m saving myself until marriage.”
Adrienne waved her off. “Speak for yourself.”
My head snapped around. “Are you having sex?”
“Not at the moment, but I have—”
“Adrienne!”
“What! I used protection. I know not to bring Kennedy any babies. I’d be stuck with her forever if I did that.”
“You’re still too young to be out here having sex. It’s not just babies you have to worry about. There are STDs, and condoms break all the time.”
She sighed. “I hear you. I’m not dealing with anybody right now. I’m just trying to stack my money and finish high school so I can get out of here. Are you gonna visit me?”
“I’m on parole. I can’t leave the state without permission.”
“Oh. How long does that last?”
“Three years.”
“You have to stay out of trouble for three years?” Adrienne asked.
“Yes. No trouble, no drugs or alcohol—”
“You can’t drink?” she exclaimed.
