Page 8 of Banking on Love

“I mean, no pressure. Just an idea,” I rambled, sounding like a complete idiot. “If you guys, wanted to.”

“What about the diner?” Kimberly suggested. “Have you eaten there yet?”

“They have really good burgers,” Kallia stated.

“No, sadly, I haven’t gone anywhere,” I chuckled. Kimberly and Kallia shook their head in disappointment. It reminded me of my grandmother. “How old are you girls?”

“Fifteen going on sixty-two,” Kensi laughed. Kallia playfully whacked Kensi’s arm, while Kimberly rolled her eyes and groaned dramatically.

“It’s Kensi’s fault, we act older than we do,” Kensi giggled. “She wants us prepared for life.”

“Plus, we have to deal with…” Kimberly frowned and pointed in the direction of the hallway. No doubtpointingat her dad. “Him.”

“He isn’t a bad dad,” Kallia quickly blurted.

“Nope. Just a drunk,” Kimberly shook her head. “Anyway, what day do we get to go to– O.M.G!”

We all looked at her as though she had lost her mind. She went from a whisper to damn near screaming at us all. Poor Kensi and Kallia since they were right next to her. I was lucky enough to be a few feet from her.

“We should all go to the Festival of Love!” Kimberly clapped her hands together. Kallia squealed and clapped her hands. Kensi turned the color of a sheet.

“Festival of Love?” I asked with an eyebrow raised.

“Yes. There will be a Ferris wheel, a band, lots of junk food, and games. Kensi takes us every year,” Kallia wrapped her arm around Kensi and smiled. “She’s the best big sister.”

“The very best,” Kimberly said, hugging Kensi from the other side. Kensi rolled her eyes.

“Kiss asses,” Kensi laughed. Her sisters giggled.

“So it’s like a carnival?” Apparently, my question was stupid because all three of them looked at me and busted out laughing. “Dumb question?” I chuckled.

“Not at all,” Kensi smiled. “But yes, kind of like a carnival.”

“I haven’t been to one in years.”

“You have to come with us!” Kallia beamed. Kimberly nodded her head in agreeance.

“He might have better things to do than hang out with us,” Kensi whispered. Her cheeks pinkened from embarrassment. She looked everywhere but me.

“I’d be game. Would just have to be a day that I’m off work,” I replied. Kallia and Kimberly grinned at each other then high-fived. A trap had been set and I had walked into it blindly or maybe I was hoping to be caught in it.

“What about today?” Kimberly asked. “Like around noon?”

I looked at Kensi. I didn’t want to reply until she gave her two cents. She seemed to be the only one not fully onboard with this idea. Or maybe she was holding back on my account?

“Come on, Kenz! He isn’t going to say yes until you do,” Kallia shook Kensi slightly.

“He’s being a gentleman,” Kimberly added.

“Are you available later today?” Kensi asked softly, looking at me.

“I am,” I smiled.

“Would you like to join us?” Her words made her sisters squeal with excitement.

“I mean, who could say no when they’re that excited?” I chuckled, pointing at Kallia than Kimberly. Kensi laughed.

“So that’s a yes?” Kimberly smiled.

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