𝐑𝐍𝟒𝐋

TWENTY - THREE

KIYARI "KASH"

BZZZZ.
BZZZZ.
BZZZZ.

Kiyari's phone buzzed again after she'd already hit decline twice. Finally giving in, she snatched it off the nightstand and answered without even checking the caller ID.

"What!?"

"What? That's how you answer your mother's phone call?"

"Oh sh—my fault, Ma. I was sleeping. What's up?"

"You know your nana's birthday coming up, right? You forgot what we do?"

Kiyari groaned, smacking her teeth. She hated this conversation—her mom knew how she felt about going around that side of the family.

"Ma, I'm not going to Chicago. I'll send Nana something and FaceTime her."

"Aht. This will be your third year not going, Kiyari. I'm not fucking playing with you. Just bring your friends with you. You'll be fine."

"Mmcht... aight, Ma."

"Me and your father are leaving tomorrow, so go ahead and get packed and buy your ticket."

"Tomorrow? Oh hell no. I was thinking more like flying up the day of and flying right back out."

"Kiyari Anahni Dukes. I swear for God—"

"Okay, Ma! I'll be there!"

"Perfect! Tell everyone I said hello." Her mom blew a kiss into the phone before hanging up.

Kiyari snatched the covers off herself, swinging her legs out of bed before slipping into her Scooby-Doo slippers. She brushed her teeth, handled her skincare, and headed downstairs.

"Niggas in my house for the free and ain't made no breakfast?" she announced, stepping into the kitchen.

"Girl, boo. Better pour you some cereal," Nunk said through a mouthful of Frosted Flakes. "Ain't no pots rattling today."

"Not like you know how to cook anyway." She rolled her eyes, grabbing a bowl and pouring some Froot Loops. "Where my man at?"

"Why you dick-eating him?"

"Technically, I haven't ate the dick y—"

"Okay! Thank you! No need to continue." Nunk made a face, disgusted. "He and Marc went to drop off Ulani at her mama house. Nene went out with somebody, and Sam hit the gym."

"Nobody thought to wake me up first? Y'all fake."

"And get cussed out? Nah, we good."

"Anyways," Kiyari said, sitting next to him at the counter, "we're going to Chicago tomorrow morning."

"Who's going? I ain't going to that deadly-ass city."

"And Atlanta any better? As if yo' homeboy ain't knock somebody off in front of you?"

"Touché."

Just then, the front door alarm went off, and Niavah walked in.

"Where the hell you been?" Nunk asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

"Out. Why you questioning me? Who's father are you?" she snapped, setting her things down. "Hey, Yari." She leaned over and kissed her best friend's cheek.

Kiyari blinked. "What the fuck is on your neck, Niavah?"

"Um... a hickey."

"Why you letting my brother bite on you like that? Have some class, girl!"