It’s natural for Zaza to be here, of course, but what about this newly attractive shadow?
“Za,” I call out, stopping them both. They’re like reflections. “Lemme talk to you for a second.Alone.”
With that, Frankie wastes no time moving past Za and disappearing into the kitchen, breaking the illusion. She isn’teven slightly curious about what I might have to say to my sister. Or anything to do with me, for that matter.
When Za is close, I snag her elbow and pull her closer.
Zaza raises an eyebrow with suspicion. “What?”
“Don’t ‘what’ me,” I jerk my chin toward the girl who moved ahead of us. “What’s the deal with her?”
“Who, Frankie?”
“No, the Queen, God rest her soul. Obviously, Frankie! She’s…” I trail off, words sticking in my throat. I hate that I even have to ask. “She’s changed.”
Zaza’s face screws up even more. “What do you mean by changed? She grew up.”
“Nah, she didn’t grow up. She’s still short as hell.”
“Well. Besides that.”
Grew up.No fucking way that’s it. ??We all grow up, but I ain’t talking about puberty, and Za knows it. She herself changed while I was in Gombe, but at least I saw her on holiday when she and my parents visited. I’ve also changed, especially in mass.
But that she-wolf she brought with her had grown beyond comprehension.
“Why didn’t you mention she looked like this now?”
Za shrugs out of my hold. “Why would I? And what do you care?”
“I don’t. I just—” my hand drops to my side. “I don’t know.”
Her eyes widen.
“Oh my God,” that already annoying voice rises an octave. “Jabari, no! Don’t you dare.”
“Dare what?”
She places both hands firmly on her hips. “Look at Frankie likethat.”
Ha.
“I ain’t looking at her like anything.” My jaw clenches. “She just looks…come on, the piercings? Tattoos? Mum didn’t say anything?”
“She did,” Zaza says with something in her eyes I can’t place. “But Frankie doesn’t care.”
My eyes widen, “Really?”
Heat crawls under my skin.
I hate this.I hate being this curious. Hate that Frankie, of all people, has my mind running like this. And yet, I can’t stop wondering what else has changed.
“I’m not joking, Bari,” Zaza says calmly when she sees my thoughtful expression. “Leave Frankie alone.”
I suck my teeth at my little sister, trying to tell me what to do.
“You actually think I’d move to her?” When she doesn’t answer, I click my tongue. “Don’t gas your friend. She ain’t even my type.”
“Yeah. Okay,” Za scoffs.
