Page 170 of Tainted

Dinner somehow went off without a hitch, considering all the emotions swirling in the room. Nana worked her magic like always, keeping everyone busy enough to avoid more tension while we prepped the food, set the table, and eventually sat down to eat. The conversations were surface-level, mostly about Sasha.

But we made it with no shouting matches or plates thrown. After dinner, I slipped out the front door to avoid cleaning duty, and I found my dad already there, with a cigarette between his fingers.

“Secondhand smoke is bad for the baby,” he smiled as I approached him.

“Firsthand smoke is bad for you. I thought you quit,” I said, sinking into the porch swing.

Dad chuckled, taking one last drag before flicking the butt into the yard. “Sometimes I need a little reminder of the old days. Don’t tell your mother.”

“I’ll try.”

We just sat there, listening to the soft rustle of the wind in the trees and the occasional murmur of voices from inside the house. The night air was cool against my skin, and the distant sound of crickets filled our silence.

“My baby is having a baby. I don’t know how to feel about that,” he admitted, sliding his hands in his pockets.

It was more so how babies got here that bothered Dad the most. In his eyes, I was still the little girl he used to bribe with candy to spend time with Mom.

“All babies have to grow up one day, you know.”

“We’ll see if you’re singing the same tune when yours grows up.”

“Anyway, Papa,” his smile was too wide for me to take the scowl on his face seriously. “I’m just glad you guys are here. I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” he said, his voice low and steady, “So Kenyon.”

“What about him, Daddy?” My eyes rolled up, anticipating what he would say next.

“You must like him more than you did Calvin.”

“How is Calvin doing anyway?”

“He and Georgia got married.”

“Wow,” my eyes blinked in shock because I expected Calvin to move on, just not with Georgia. “I’m happy for them.”

When the door creaked open, he took a deep breath as if preparing to speak again. I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. The air shifted the way it always did when Kenyon was near.

"Mind if I join?" Kenyon's voice was low, but I could feel him searching for my mood as he stepped onto the porch.

Dad gave him a nod, waving him over with a slight smile. “Have a seat. She’s more yours than mine these days.”

“Real cute Daddy.”

Kenyon settled beside me on the porch swing, the old wood creaking under his weight. He didn’t say anything at first, just reached over, gently brushing his fingers against my leg.

“So what’s next for you, boo?” Dad asked.

“She’s taking a position at a dance studio,” Kenyon replied before I had the chance.

We had spoken about it, but I was still on the fence. This opportunity wasn’t just about dance. It was a pipeline to my wildest dreams because Sonya had connections.

“That’s great boo! I’m so proud of you,” Dad congratulated.

My eyes narrowed while Kenyon smiled.

“Thanks. I haven’t decided yet if I will take the position.”

“She’s decided,” Kenyon maintained, making Dad chuckle.

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