Page 193 of Taeja

Taeja looked at Sakara. Even at school, Sakara made it her point of duty to make simplicity look expensive. Her face had light makeup and extra shiny lip gloss. Her hair was combed into a sleek ponytail.

“What thing?” Taeja asked.

“Being fascinated by everything.”

“Oh… I was wondering what my life would’ve been like if I grew up here.”

“We would’ve been inseparable, that’s for sure.”

Taeja frowned. “I’m sorry I don’t remember much about you.”

“It’s fine. Most people don’t have any memories before age— See Jaheim ya.”

A car stopped at their feet and the window went down. A man of a light-brown complexion with his hair in braids looked at Sakara from head to toe before his eyes settled on Taeja.

Sakara smiled and ran over, yanking open the back door. She frowned when Jaheim chuckled. “Weh mi baby?”

“Your aunt,” he said, his voice cool as he looked at Taeja.

“Way how yu pull up so slow, I thought you had ZsaZsa.” Sakara rolled her eyes at Jaheim as he came out of the car and leaned against it. She stood beside him, and he threw an arm over her shoulders.

“Easy yuself, mami,” Jaheim said. The gold chains resting atop his white Tee gleamed as the sunlight touched it.

Sakara huffed and looked at Taeja. “Tae, this is Jaheim.”

“Yu shame a mi?”

Sakara’s brows furrowed. “No. How you reach deso?”

“Yu nuh introduce me as yu man.”

“She knows.”

“Tell her again. Nuh know how yaa leff off the title.”

Sakara rolled her eyes. “This is Jaheim, my boyfriend.”

Jaheim grinned before looking at Taeja. “Nice to meet you, Tae.”

Taeja smiled. “Likewise.”

“I’m going inside before they start wondering where I am.” Sakara tipped to kiss Jaheim, leaving a glossy mark on his cheek. “Get her home safely.”

“See you later, mami.” Jaheim slapped Sakara’s ass as she walked out of his hold.

Sakara stopped before Taeja and tugged her into a hug. “Let me know when you’re at Aunty. Wear something sexy tonight,” she said, then lowered her voice. “You should take it easier when you’re in your bedroom. The back of your throat is bruised.”

Taeja’s eyes widened. She was speechless as Sakara released her and walked away.

The evening was justlike yesterday — Damon, Cassedi, and Taeja were atthe front of the house while Zain was in the backyard, barking at someone on the phone. The only difference this time was that ZsaZsa was here, and Taeja was searching Damon’s skin for ticks.

“Mi nuh know why you tek up yourself bout yago ketch cow,” Taeja said.

“I was trying to help Miss Pansy. Her husband died, and she has no one,” Damon grumbled.

Taeja smiled at Damon’s back. “You’re too sweet for your own good. And I think you’re good.”

“Thanks, baby,” Damon said.

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