Page 28 of Juke
“Yeah. Thanks.”
He stepped in closer and leaned down, pressing a kiss to my forehead. That kiss wasn’t like the others… it lingered.
“I’ll check in later,” he assured before he left.
I nodded, too stunned to speak. He left without another word, and the door clicked behind him. I stood there still feeling the press of his lips on my skin. That kiss felt way more than protection. It made me feel wanted, and that scared me even more than Rio ever could.
***
Mel glanced at Nic’s midsection, eyes narrowing like she knew something we didn’t. “So… you gone tell them or should I?”
Nic shot her a look. “Mind your business.”
Kasha perked up. “Tell us what?”
I blinked. “Wait… tell us what?”
Nic sucked her teeth. “Don’t act like y’all don’t already know.”
“You’re pregnant?” I gasped.
Nic sighed and threw a chip at Mel. “Yes. And before y’all start—Buck already knows. That man has been acting as if I sneeze hard my water gone break.”
Mel cracked up.
“He tried to tell me not to go to the store by myself the other day. I said, ‘Boy, I’m seven weeks pregnant, not seven months.’ His response was, ‘Don’t piss me off, Goldie.’”
We all laughed.
“You must’ve forgotten who you’re married to,” Kasha laughed.
“He’s stupid,” Nic said. “He’s already thinking of baby names. Talking about Benny needs a brother.”
“He kinda do, though,” Mel said.
“Well, how about you have him another cousin and stay out my uterus,” Nic fussed, causing us to laugh.
“I’m really happy for you, Nic. For both of you.”
She softened. “Thanks, Soph. It wasn’t planned, but… it feels right.”
For a little while, the fear faded, and all that was left was sisterhood. My phone buzzed again, and when I sawMamaflash across the screen, I stepped out into the hallway to take it.
“Hey, Mama.”
“Hey, baby girl. Just wanted to hear your voice. You alright?”
“Yeah,” I said, pushing a little smile into my tone. “I’m good. The girls are over. We’re just hanging out.”
“I figured. I know they keep you lifted. And how’s Rashad?”
“He’s doing okay,” I simpered.
“You sound different when you talk about him,” she announced, like she was teasing but also like she knew something. “You like him?”
“Mama…” I groaned.
“Alright, alright. I won’t pry.” She giggled.
