Page 218 of Taeja

“Goodnight.” Cassedi hung up.

Damon exited the dining room to wash his hands. Taeja sat, and Zain sat across from her. When Damon returned, he sat beside Taeja. Taeja prayed over the food, and they chatted until the food disappeared.

“Ready for tomorrow?” Damon asked.

Taeja smiled. “I went shopping with Liyah earlier, and I got a bunch of professional clothes. I hope I don’t disappoint anyone.”

“You won’t,” Damon assured, smiling. “Did you decide if you’re leaving after work tomorrow?”

“Mago leave bright and early pon Monday. Remember, I told you I’m gonna start decorating tomorrow.”

“Oh, right,” Damon said.

Zain chuckled. “You and your memory.”

Damon rolled his eyes. “I don’t have a bad memory. I just have a lot on my mind right now.”

“The dinner next Saturday?” Taeja asked, and Damon nodded. “It’ll be fine. You’ve gone to many dinners before. I’m sure it won’t be different.”

“It’s his first time announcing a video game launch,” Zain said.

“Everything ago alright, Damon. Stop stress yu big head.”

Moving the glass of fruit juice from his mouth, Damon snickered. “I know you’re not talking.”

“Exactly,” Zain co-signed.

Taeja gasped, reaching out to kick Zain beneath the table. He grabbed her before she could, and he smirked when she wiggled her foot free. “You’re supposed to be on my side!”

“I’m with my brother on this one,” Zain said, and Damon grinned.

Taeja glared at Damon. “Mi naa bother be yu date to the dinner. And you’re not getting any of the chocolate cake I helped Zain make.”

Watching Damon’s grin fade, Zain scoffed. “You gonna let her threaten you?”

“Shut up, Zain, before mi nuh bother mek yu train mi. I know how much joy you get out of seeing me catch short of breath when I run with you.” Smirking as Zain’s bravado vanished, Taeja innocently batted her eyelashes at Damon. “You were saying?”

Damon cleared his throat. “Are you sure you don’t want to get a transfer to the office that’s closer to your college? It’d be easier than traveling back and forth every Thursday and Sunday. I have an associate at the office who I trust to help you as much as Gavin would.”

“It’s fine, babe. It’s just a two-hour ride. I can do it,” Taeja said.

“I heard that you’re a terrible driver.”

Taeja glared at Zain, who looked down at his empty plate. Rolling her eyes, she looked at Damon. “I know how to drive, and I finally picked up my car from the body shop. It’s at Zain’s house, and I’m driving whether unu like it or not.”

“Hmm…” Damon hummed, unmoved.

“Damon, if I work at that office, I won’t have a reason to come to the city, and that means seeing you guys less than I’m already going to.”

The brothers glanced at each other, then settled their focus on her.

“We just want to ensure you’re not doing more than you can handle in your last semester,” Damon said.

“If mi cya handle it, hack—”

“No,” Damon interrupted, making Taeja sigh. Pushing the plate away, Damon patted his belly. “Where’s the cake?”

Taeja took the napkin off her lap, placing it on her plate. “I’ll go get—” A burp escaped her mouth. Her eyes widened as she covered her mouth. “I’m sorry.”

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