Page 169 of Taeja

Watching her mom drive, Taeja whispered a confession, “They’re not my friends… They’re my boyfriends.”

Cassedi pulled her brows together. “Bothof them?” she asked, and Taeja nodded slowly. “Oh… well… that’s… new. Are you happy?”

Taeja nodded. “Yes.”

Cassedi smiled. “Okay. Then I’m happy for you.”

Taeja smiled. “Thanks, Cassedi. At least you aren’t judging me.”

“I mean, I don’t understand it, but I’m not judging. I know the new generation is a bit different. Who was judging you?”

“Jerry…”

Cassedi frowned, then smiled. “Jerry’s always miserable. How’s he been?”

“Uh… Good. I think. He doesn’t really talk to me anymore.”

Cassedi’s grip tightened around the wheel. “What?”

“Can we talk about it when we’re at your house?” Taeja asked. “I don’t want to talk about him right now.”

“Of course.” Cassedi smiled. “I’m so happy to see you, baby girl. And you two as well. Is it your first time in Jamaica?”

Damon nodded. “Yes, Ma’am.”

“You’ll love it here. I don’t live in a fancy house, but I’ll ensure you enjoy these three days.”

“I’m sure you will,” Zain muttered.

Taeja glared at the trace of attitude in Zain’s tone while Cassedi smiled, oblivious to it. Cassedi pulled Taeja back into casual conversation as she drove. They spoke about trivial things such as the weather and music on the radio — ignoring the purpose of the visit.

They headed to a quaint community in St. Ann. When they arrived, the stars and moon dotted the sky.

“I’m sorry for the small house,” Cassedi said, watching Damon and Zain drag the suitcases inside.

“It’s fine,” Taeja said, smiling as she looked around the living room.

It was much smaller than she was used to. It felt like the closet she had at her old dorm, but it belonged to her mother, so she’d accept it. Besides, it was still a decent-sized house. Aside from the living room, there seemed to be two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen.

“I made dinner earlier,” Cassedi said.

“Dinner?” Damon piped up.

“Yes,” Cassedi said. “Fried dumpling, fried breadfruit, and salt ting.”

“Salt ting?” Zain asked while sitting on the sofa.

“She means saltfish,” Taeja said. “And I’m not hungry. Thanks though.”

“Okay. How do I feed you…three? In a specific order or…”

Taeja chuckled. “It doesn’t matter.”

“Okay. I’ll be back.” Cassedi smiled and went to the kitchen with Damon trailing behind her.

“Are you okay?” Taeja asked Zain. She sat beside him and ran her fingers through his locs.

He nodded. “You?”

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