Page 96 of Just Like Summer

Cairo found relief in that. “How you come across him?”

Only giving parts of the story that mattered right now, she said, “an internship at El Jefe.”

Telling him she only took a fourth of what he left, taking night and online courses until she got her degree because she was pregnant and working were out of the question.

He nodded.

“So…you’re here. How?” Kamilla asked. She truly didn’t know. When she told them to bring him home, she also added that she couldn’t handle the details. “Probation?”

“Nah. Good lawyers thanks to Nate and Fahaad. No prints on the gun, no real eyewitnesses, and ballistics didn’t match for the kill shot. So early release into a half-way house and a year later, I’m here.”

“Mm,” she hummed, looking at the time. “That’s good.”

“I want to know what happened while I was away and I know we can’t get into now because you’re chasing your moon.”

She bobbed her head. “Could we save all of that for when this weekend is over? I know you’re on the hunt for an artist.”

“And what are you on the hunt for?” he questioned.

Kamilla pushed out a sigh then allowed herself to smile. “If I can bring back the trifecta, I’m A&R. I got a lot riding on making sure my head is in the game.”

“I understand that. Got your eyes on anyone?”

“Can’t tell you that. Professionally, I’m watching everyone.”

“That’s fair. I need you to eat so I can get out of here before CiCi comes and undresses me with her eyes,” he stated with detest.

“You’ve been locked up for five years, I’m not going to feel a way,” she replied, earning a scoff.

“I’m not that nigga, K. Don’t position me like one either,” he spoke, uncovering her pancakes and fruit. “Eat.”

She sat in silence, sure to silence her phone. After breakfast was done. He stood, kissed the top of her head and left without another word spoken. She dropped back into her seat and groaned.

“Shit. How am I getting out of this,” she muttered as she turned her phone over. Another call from Fredo. Quickly answering to temper her son, she put the phone to her ear. “Hey, baby.”

“What were you doing, mommy?” Kairo asked, his mouth all on the speaker. “I got six fishes.”

“You got six fish? You’re a big boy now. Did you eat them?” Kamilla asked, her heart aching.

“No, Papa threw ‘em away. But I got fish sticks. Mommy…”

“Yesss,” Kamilla sang.

“When you comin’ home? I want my toys,” he announced.

“I’ll be home Sunday night. I’ll come give you a big kiss.”

“I’m going to sleep with you, okay, mommy?” Kairo propositioned like his father. A demand formed as an ask.

“You can sleep with mommy forever. Be good for Papa, okay?”

“Okay, love you to the moon,” Kairo shouted.

“Not if I steal it,” Kamilla replied.

“Uh uh. I’m taking it first,” Kairo laughed.

“You are my moon, baby. I love you, the most.”