I smiled, feeling that little swell of pride, then nodded toward Kennedi.
“Thank your baby girl. When I asked what she wanted, she sent me a whole video, so I had to try it.”
Kennedi grinned. “My friend was telling me about it the other day. He said it was fire. I couldn’t even remember having pepper steak and gravy before, so I wanted to see.”
Kairo laughed. “Well, good call, Kennedi Kai. Your mom’s gonna have to add this to the monthly rotation.”
I soaked in the compliments, especially because Kennedi was actually in a good mood. With her ass, I never knew what version I was getting. Then my ears caught up with her wording.
“Did I hearfriend,” I asked slowly, “and thenhe?”
Kennedi groaned immediately. “Mom, don’t start. This is why I never say anything.”
I looked at Kairo, waiting for backup. “So you’re just gonna let that slide?”
She beat him to it. “Dad already knows, and he didn’t make a big deal about it like you.”
I turned to Kairo. “Oh. So you knew and didn’t tell me. What other secrets are you holding for her?”
“Relax, baby. I know she has a friend. And like you heard, that’s all it is. No harm. I didn’t want to make it a thing since it was just something we shared.”
I rolled my eyes. “Whatever.”
Then I looked back at Kennedi. “Just be careful. If you start feeling things you don’t understand, you come to me. I understand hormones and sex and—”
She leaned back dramatically. “See? There you go reaching again, Ma.”
Kairo jumped in before I could keep going. “So how was school today?”
Her face brightened instantly. “Today was actually really good, Daddy.”
“That’s good,” he said. “Practice go okay?”
“Yeah. We nailed the routine.”
Then she looked at him. “How was your day?”
“It was good,” he said. “Your Uncle Kordai came by the office. We talked for a bit.”
I was surprised and glad that he was getting out the house more. “Really? How’s he doing? I need to call and check on him.”
“He’s good,” Kairo said. “Still adjusting, but he’s good.”
I nodded, watching Kennedi smile to herself. She adored her uncles, even if she’d never admit who her favorite really was. Between Kordai and Kendrix, she stayed spoiled. Kross was too strict, so she couldn’t run circles around him the way she could the other two.
I was lifting my glass to take a sip when Kairo said, “Yeah… He’s been thinking about getting into day trading.”
I almost choked. I coughed, eyes watering, hand flying to my chest while Kennedi jumped.
“Mom, are you okay?”
Kairo leaned forward instantly. “Baby, what happened?”
I waved them off, still coughing. “I’m fine. I just tried to drink and inhale at the same time like an idiot.”
Kennedi laughed while Kairo shook his head, amused but still watching me like he needed to be sure.
I looked at him. “Day trading?” I repeated. “What made him consider that?”
