Page 147 of The Sweetest Return

So was the reach.

I had called her twice.

Voicemail.

Then I texted.

Me: Talk to me, Mani.

Nothing.

I handled what I could after that. Showered. Answered Omar. Sent a route correction to Jones Outdoor before Pops heard about it from somebody at church. Told North & Vine nobody was allowed to threaten a produce vendor on the Lord's day.

Then I came to brunch with my phone too quiet in my pocket.

Mama watched me across the table.

“She saw the pictures?” she asked.

“I think so.”

Danielle winced. “The comments are doing too much.”

My jaw tightened.

“Oh, baby,” Mama said.

“I don't need that.”

“I didn't say anything.”

“You said baby.”

“Because you look like one of your choices finally came around the corner and slapped you in the mouth.”

Pops made a sound into his coffee that could have been a cough if anybody at that table respected lying.

Danielle glanced toward Kayla, who had moved on from adult business and was currently treating pancake syrup like a controlled substance.

“So did Imani sneak out or politely leave?”

I glared at my sister.

“What? Those are different exits.”

“Dani,” Keith murmured.

“I’m being helpful.”

“You are being yourself.”

“That too.”

Mama leaned back. “She left before you woke up?”

“Ma.”

“Don't Ma me. Your father and I have children, baby. I understand how people end up waking together.”