“You sound weird,” I said lightly.
She laughed. “I took some medicine, so I’m a little dizzy. But I wanted to get some good rest.”
“Okay,” I said slowly. “Well, I got something to tell you, but I have it handled.”
Her tone shifted instantly. “What?”
“My mom went to get Kennedi. She got into a little trouble with Brooklyn. Walking and not telling her parents the full truth.”
I could hear the panic rising through the phone before she even spoke.
“What do you mean walking? Where were they walking? With who? Kairo—”
“Baby,” I cut in gently. “Relax. It’s handled. They were just down the street talking to some boys. Nothing crazy happened. Brooklyn’s mom caught it early. My mom went to get her.”
Her breathing slowed, but I could still feel the tension.
“I just wanted you to hear it from me,” I added. “Not from another parent.”
She exhaled. “Okay… okay.”
“You don’t have to jump into defense mode. I got it.”
“Okay,” she repeated, softer this time.
“You sure you good?” I asked.
“Yeah,” she said quickly. “Just tired.”
“Get some rest.”
“I will.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
I slipped my phone back into my pocket and walked toward the entrance.
Kemi was standing near the door. “She good?” she asked.
“Yeah,” I said. “Getting some rest.”
Kemi nodded knowingly. “I know that’s right. I don’t blame her.”
“You tired?” I asked her.
She shook her head. “Nah. I was about to go to the bar and order a drink and some chips and wings.”
I laughed. “Me too. I didn’t want to sound greedy.”
She smirked. “Please. After tonight? We earned it.”
20
Khloe
I hung up the phone and just sat there for a second.
