“Yeah. She’s riding home with her friend after school,” I said. “And you already know I’m watching that location like a hawk.”
He laughed. “Baby, relax.”
His phone buzzed in his hand. “Kendrix just texted. He’s ten minutes out.”
I sighed and pushed myself out of bed.. “Let me brush my teeth and wash my face. I’ll pack you some snacks for the road.”
I made it downstairs in one of Kairo’s old t-shirts and a pair of shorts, tying my hair up into a loose bun as I walked into the kitchen. I grabbed a tote from the pantry and started packing Kairo’s snacks for the road. He leaned against the counter, talking while scrolling on his phone.
“So the house I mentioned yesterday? It’s perfect for that young couple. Renovated kitchen, spa bathroom, and the closet is basically another room.I think if we move fast, we can get it before anyone else even sees it.”
I nodded. “That’s good.”
He kept going, explaining the layout, the upgrades, the location. His voice was animated with so much passion and focus.
I smiled in the right places. I nodded like it made sense. I even asked a light question here and there. But I wasn’t really listening. My mind was somewhere else.
Why are all the good girls taken every time…
The lyrics replayed in my head and wouldn’t shut off. I could still feel the way Stacks’ message had made me feeling like he woke up thinking about me. Meanwhile, my husband was in front of me talking about square footage.
I hated that my mind kept comparing them because it wasn’t fair. Kairo had always been a provider. He loved loudly in responsibility, protection, and long-term planning. Stacks loved in moments, intention, music, and deep conversations.
I caught myself wondering—why can’t Kairo be a little more spontaneous? A little more soft? Why does everything have to be structured?
I immediately felt guilty. Kairo is my husband. The father of my child. The man who never missed a bill, who showed up when it mattered, and built a life most women prayed for. So why was I standing in my kitchen fantasizing about another man’s voice in my ear?
The doorbell rang, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“It’s open!” Kairo yelled.
Kendrix walked in like with sunglasses on his face like he was going to a resort for vacation.
“I hope you packed enough for me,” he said, stepping into the kitchen.
I didn’t look up as I zipped the tote. “I didn’t. I packed enough for my husband and Kordai.”
He smacked his lips dramatically. “There you go with that favorite brother-in-law shit. Now when I start saying Rivah my favorite sister-in-law, it’s gon’ be a problem.”
I laughed because he knew not to try me. “It’s not even like that. Kordai is the only single one without someone to prepare his snacks.”
Kendrix paused. “That’s that nigga problem. But I guess you got a point.”
He leaned against the island. “Niv packed me something, but it’s all granola bars and protein cookies. I don’t want that shit.”
Kairo laughed. “You started your couples health journey?”
Kairo dropped his head like he was tired. “I told her I would try and stay committed but man I miss my little Debbie’s and greasy ass food late at night. Shid, she’s headed to workout now.”
We all laughed.
“Yeah,” I said. “She mentioned going to yoga.”
Kairo raised a brow. “You going?”
“Hell no,” I said immediately. “Me and Rivah already said no. Niv has the upper body strength of a damn ox. That is boot camp, not yoga.”
Kendrix burst out laughing. “She is strong as fuck though.”
