Page 81 of Crossing Lines

“And?” she presses quietly.

My skin warms with my smile. “I think—”

“Aunt Tanya’s pregnant!” Shanae blurts as she enters the house.

“What?” everyone shouts, except me.

I look at Trishell. She shakes her head, confirming she didn’t say a word.

“How doyouknow?” I ask my nosy cousin.

She glares at me. “Well, she went to the clinic for a checkup, and the nurse in the room knew she was my aunt and told me about it.”

“That’s a violation of a patient’s privacy,” Trishell chastises her.

Shanae shrugs like it’s no big deal.

“Pregnant?” Grandma murmurs, lowering onto the chair at the table. “Jesus.” Grandpa pats her shoulder.

“And who is the father?” Aunt Zandie questions.

Everyone looks at me for the answer. “No idea.”

“So it’s another mystery,” Shanae mocks.

Colin bumps her arm. “Leave it alone, sis. It’s not your business. You’ve done enough.”

She snorts. “Bet Daddy will flip when he hears.”

“Child, stop spreading gossip about your family,” Grandpa scolds her. “Good grief. Tanya will talk to us when she’s ready.”

Uncle Quest enters, wrinkling his brows as he looks around at our faces. “What did I miss?”

“Your baby sister is pregnant,” Aunt Zandie informs him and glares at Shanae. “Your big-mouth daughter just told us.”

“What?” Uncle Quest huffs, eyes enlarged. “Who’s—”

“No one knows,” Grandpa grates. “Let’s have dinner.”

My phone vibrates in my clutch as we sit at the table. Taking a peek at the screen, I tuck it away again when I see it’s Jamir calling. A tsunami of the truth barrels in, confirming what my heart’s been screaming for months, not weeks: it’s time to let him go. I’m just scared to break his heart.

THIRTY

“Is something going on between you and Davia?” Iree questions before I exit the kitchen.

I sniff. “Is that why you were eyeing me through dinner? I couldn’t enjoy the food in peace.”

She clicks her tongue. “Don’t deflect. Y’all hooking up or something?”

“It’s none of your business, Ree.”

Pursing her lips, she folds her arms and shifts to one side. “What’s up with you sending her lunch and cookies at work? And y’all left the club on Friday night after you snapped at me for mentioning her man.”

I splay my hands. “Look, don’t worry about it.”

Her expression tightens. “You’ve been acting different since meeting Davia. I hope you don’t become too attached to her, Kross. She isn’t leaving her man for you.”

I wince at the comment. “The fuck you mean?”

---