Za cringes at that, like she’s reminded me and her brother are still together.
“So,” I say again, because apparently that’s all I’ve got. “How was?—”
“Long,” Za cuts in, stretching her arms. “Good. Exhausting. Amazing. But long.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
Another pause.
Nia looks between us, then back to Za. “I told you this will feel weird.”
“This feels very fucking weird.” Me and Za say in sync.
I look at her to see her already looking at me.
Then we chuckle.I guess some things stay the same.
“Finally,”Jabari appears behind us, looking at Za first. “You took your time.”
Za turns, her face lighting up just a little more naturally now. “I was busy being booked and busy.”
He steps forward and hugs her properly.
“Good to have you back little sis,” he says.
“Mhmm” she replies.
Then his eyes shift to Nia.
“You must be her friend,” he says easily, offering his hand.
Nia shakes it, relaxed. “Nia.”
“This is Jabari,” Za says, unnecessarily.
He scoffs as if he’d need introduction.
“Yeah, I figured,” Nia replies, glancing at him now and I pray she isn’t checking him out. “I’ve seen you on the Telly.”
“Most people have.”
And she laughs like it’s the funniest thing in the world. “Wow. Chinaza has a famous brother. Your parents must be so proud of both of you.”
I scratch the back of my neck.
Can this get any more awkward?
“And you’re dating Za’s childhood friend? I don’t know how you do it, Nana. If my friend dated my brother, I’d flip.”
Oh my daysssssss. This is torture.
But Jabari is unfazed.
“How ‘bout I get some drinks? You lot thirsty?” He offers.
“I’m good,” Za waves off politely but Nia is excited.
