Kavina's words spilled out like a river, "I feel betrayed. I thought we had something real."
Kamiri listened intently, his eyes locked onto hers.
"I know he's your brother, but..." Kavina trailed off.
Kamiri's expression softened. "Look, I'm not excusing what he did, but Killian takes certain things for granted."
Kavina's voice rose. "Naveah told me about that girl he thought he was dating, the one who cheated on him."
Kamiri nodded. "Yeah, but that's no excuse."
Kavina shook her head. "No, it's not."
As they talked, the wine flowed, and their conversations meandered like a lazy stream.
They discussed everything from Atlanta's vibrant music scene to their favorite foods.
Kavina laughed, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders.
Time slipped away, unnoticed.
The next thing Kavina knew, she was waking up to loud bangs on her door.
"Oh my God," she whispered, her heart racing.
Kamiri stirred beside her, his eyes snapping open.
He grabbed his gun from the coffee table, his movements fluid.
Kavina's eyes widened. "What are you doing?"
"Just being cautious," Kamiri replied, his voice low.
Together, they approached the door.
Kavina opened it to find Laila and Neveah standing on her porch.
"Hey," Kavina said, relief washing over her.
Laila raised an eyebrow. "We came to check up on you."
Neveah added, "And make sure you're still alive."
Kavina chuckled. "I'm good."
Laila scoffed. "No, the fuck you're not."
The two women pushed past Kavina, their eyes scanning the room.
"Double homicide?" Laila joked, spotting Kamiri.
Neveah snickered. "What's going on here?"
Kamiri smiled. "Just keeping her company, y'all know I'm like family."
Neveah raised an eyebrow. "Sure."
Kavina intervened, "Guys, stop. He's just being a friend."
Laila teased, "Friend-zoned already?"
Kamiri stood up. "I'm gonna dip. Call me, Kavina."
"Thanks, Kamiri," Kavina said.
As Kamiri left, Laila and Neveah exchanged knowing glances.
"Couldn't be a man, so Kamiri's stepping up," Laila whispered.
Kavina rolled her eyes. "That's not what it is."
Neveah chimed in, "Oh, but it is though."
Kavina shook her head, smiling.
After a quick shower, Kavina dressed in casual clothing – distressed denim jeans and a fitted graphic tee.
She returned to the living room to find Laila and Neveah lounging on the couch.
Wingstop bags and containers covered the coffee table.
"Food!" Kavina exclaimed.
Laila grinned. "We figured you needed some comfort food."
Neveah added, "And some girl talk."
As they devoured wings and fries, the conversation flowed.
Laila shared stories about Theo's strict but loving nature.
Neveah giggled about Jerome's hilarious antics.
Kavina listened, feeling grateful for her friends.
The day dissolved into laughter and inside jokes.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kavina realized she'd found solace in the chaos.
In the warmth of her friendships.
In the kindness of Kamiri's listening ear.
And in the promise of new beginnings.
