Page 70 of Jaeda

“Nice to meet you too. It’s about time I met the man putting such a big smile on my baby girl’s face.”

He leaned over and kissed Jaeda’s cheek, making her blush.

Mrs. Jenkins pulled Kerrion in for a hug and kissed his cheek before her eyes settled on Donna.

“Well, who is this beauty?” she asked.

“Donna,” Kerrion answered. “She’s a friend.”

“You’ve never brought a friend to dinner, so she must be special.”

“You could say that.”

Donna pulled her into a hug. “It’s so nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins. I’ve heard a lot about both of you. I’m very happy to meet you.”

“In that case, you and Quaid come on into the kitchen so we can have a private conversation.”

Jaeda and Kerrion protested, but their mother waved them off as she linked her arms through mine and Donna’s before pulling us toward the kitchen. Her husband followed close behind, chuckling at their children’s antics. Mrs. Jenkins motioned for us to take a seat at the kitchen island.

“Can I offer you anything to drink?” she asked.

“Just a water,” Donna answered.

“I’m good right now,” I said.

Mr. Jenkins grabbed a water from the fridge and handed it to her.

“So, Quaid,” Mrs. Jenkins said, turning back to the stove. “You ready to meet the entire Dillinger clan later?”

I chuckled. “As ready as I can be, ma’am.”

“Don’t let those fools intimidate you, my son included. They talk big shit, but deep down, all of them are soft as hell for each other.”

“I’ve gathered that much from our interactions. I get it, though. I’m an only child, and if I had a sibling, I’d be on people’s head about them too.”

“Your parents still married?”

“Yes, ma’am. Been together since they were eighteen.”

“What about you, Donna?”

Donna cleared her throat. “My father passed away when I was fifteen. I’m an only child, so it’s mostly my mom and I.”

Mrs. Jenkins turned to face her. “I’m so sorry for your loss, baby.”

“Thank you. It’s okay. He died fighting for his country, so there is no greater badge of honor.”

“Has Kerrion met your mother?”

“Yes. She adores him.”

“I have to ask, . . . what are you two?”

“Baby,” Mr. Jenkins said, placing a hand on the small of her back. “You’re being nosy.”

“What? I just wanna know. You know Kerrion doesn’t bring women home. Donna is the exception, and I want to know why.”

Donna giggled. “Kerrion and I have a very special relationship. I’m not his woman, he’s not my man, but we share something pure and beautiful. He’s really my best friend. We just wouldn’t make it in a traditional relationship.”

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