Page 174 of Tainted

Mother In Love: No but I was prepared too.

Me: Thank you.

Mother In Love: You’re welcome baby.

“Oh, sorry. What did you say?” I asked, slipping my phone into my pocket.

“Studio A is all cleaned up,” Bella announced.

“Thank you so much.”

“Welcome, girl. See you tomorrow.”

“See you,” I waved, slipping Kenyon’s sweatshirt over my head and grabbing my bag.

I had been on my feet all day, and as much as I loved my baby, I needed tonight to cuddle with my man without his other woman wedging between us, yelling, ‘My daddy.’I played like it hurt my feelings, but it warmed my heart to watch their relationship unfold. Becoming a father changed Kenyon in ways that only Kyce Amour and God could, and I was glad to be a part of it.

Climbing into my truck, I cruised home while arranging dinner with Kenyon. His occasionalhmms andwhatever you wanttold me I would have to pry him from his desk when I arrived.

Mom’s name illuminated the dash, and I ended our call to answer hers.

“Hey, Mama.”

“Hey, what are you up to?” she asked.

“Leaving the studio. You?”

“Leaving Mom’s house. Trying not to drive across town and whoop Misa’s ass. I’m so sick of her,” Mom sighed while I chuckled at how I’d become one of her little friends.

“What did she do now?”

“She told Brandy she would go to her prenatal appointment on Thursday. Now she’s backing out, and Brandy is a wreck. Lily had to be on some hard stuff when she got pregnant with Misa. I just don’t understand.”

Banana Girls’ speech worked for a while, and Misa did well until Brandy announced her pregnancy. Now, she was back to being avoidant and inconsistent. I knew the lonely feeling that came from needing your mother during a pivotal time in your life. My heart ached for Brandy because she deserved better.

“I should’ve beat her up in the hospital when I had the chance,” I admitted.

“Get in line. If anybody is delivering that ass whooping, it’s me,” Mom vowed.

“You sure? I don’t need you throwing out your back and letting her get the best of you,” I joked to lighten the mood.

“I can handle Misa. Trust me,” Mom sighed and paused. “But I’m going with Brandy since her trifling ass Mom won’t.”

“I think she’d appreciate that. How’s Banana Girl.”

“She’s good. Missing Kyce.”

“I don’t like how she’s kick me to the curb for my baby.”

“She kicked me to the curb for you. How was your day?”

“Exhausting, but Loriann has Kyce tonight, thank God.”

“Juggling multiple hats can be exhausting. How can I help?” Mom offered.

“When I think of it, I’ll let you know.”

“Just know I’m here. You have a great support system. Don’t be afraid to use it.”

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