“I’d never do that, baby.”
“Thank you. I just pulled up at my parents’ house. Can I call you later?”
“Are you just saying that to get off the phone with me, or are you really gon’ call a nigga?”
“I promise I’ll call you once I get back home and settled.”
“Okay, beautiful. I’ll talk to you later.”
The call ended as I parked in front of my childhood home. I sighed with a smile as I let my head fall onto the headrest. I liked Sylas, probably more than I should this soon. I’d had one-night stands with men who became a distant memory before we parted ways.
Not Sylas. I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him since the moment we met. I wasn’t sure if that was good or bad, but I planned to go with the flow. I finally got out of my car and approached my parents’ house, letting myself in through the garage. Inside, I followed the voices to the kitchen.
“Hey, family!” I greeted with excitement.
My mother turned away from the sink and gave me the biggest smile as she wiped her hands with a paper towel.
“There’s my baby,” my mother said, opening her arms for a hug.
Breanne Reid gave the best hugs, making anyone who had the privilege of being on the receiving end feel welcomed and loved.
“Hey, Yandy. I didn’t see you or Blaine’s car outside.”
I embraced my sister-in-love, who was seated at the breakfast bar.
“Him and Papa K went to the store. They should be back soon. I can’t wait to hear about this new job. I’ve always wondered what it’s like being a flight attendant,” Yandy said.
“I don’t have much to tell yet, but I can’t wait to share. What’s for dinner? It smells delicious.”
“Pot roast, mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes, and cornbread,” my mother responded.
“Dang, that sounds good. I haven’t eaten since breakfast, so I’m starving,” I said.
“Is that my baby girl I hear?” my father questioned as he entered the kitchen holding a few plastic bags.
“It’s me, Daddy.”
He put the bags on the counter and pulled me into a hug. Karim Reid gave great hugs, too, but only to his baby girl. His arms were where I ran when I wanted to forget about all my problems in life. In my thirty-three years, I’d lost count of the number of times I’d cried in my daddy’s arms over one thing or another.
“How’s my baby girl doing?” he asked after kissing my forehead.
“I’m good, Daddy. Being stuck in Denver wasn’t so bad.”
“That’s good. I want to hear all about it when we sit down for dinner.”
“Wassup, baby Sis?” Blaine greeted, pulling me into a side hug and kissing my temple.
“Hey, Blaine. I feel like I haven’t seen you and Yandy in forever. Y’all been hiding from me?”
“Nah, but life has been busy. We’re all ready to hear about the new job.”
“Well, dinner is ready. Everybody, go wash up.”
A few minutes later, my parents brought the food into the dining room and set it in the center of the table. We sat down, joined hands, and my father blessed the food. Once everyone had what they wanted on their plates and were chowing down, Blaine asked about my job.
“Let’s hear about the job, Khy. Do you think it’s something you want to do long-term?” Blaine asked.
I shrugged. “It’s too soon to tell. I like it, but I only flew to Denver and back. Being stranded was unexpected, but I was happy to be safe.”
