Page 7

Chapter Six

Mel

I wasn’t gone sit here and pretend like I ain’t notice the way Kilo’s been moving lately. Yeah, he still kissed me, rubbed my belly, made sure I ate—but it all felt like a routine. Like he was going through the motions instead of really being with me.

He didn’t stop loving me. I knew that. But love don’t mean shit when the person you need won’t talk to you.

He was in the house, but not in the moment.

Present, but unplugged. I’d catch him staring off, jaw clenched like he was at war with something in his head, and when I asked, it was always “I’m good, Mel. ”

Lies. And I was tired of trying to figure out if the silence meant he was trying to protect me—or push me away.

By the time I pulled up to lunch with Nic, Kasha, and Sophi, my nerves were already fried. They were posted at our usual spot, cackling about something Kasha said. I slid into the booth with a sigh and dropped my phone on the table.

“You good?” Kasha asked.

I didn’t respond.

Nic cocked her brow. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I muttered, flipping open a menu like I ain’t already know I was getting the shrimp po’ boy.

Kasha leaned back. “I’m guessing that energy got Kilo’s name on it?”

My silence was enough.

Nic shook her head. “I knew something was off. You walk like you got a cinder block on your chest.”

Sophi slid her mocktail across the table. “It’s cranberry and ginger. Safe for the baby, still strong enough to calm your nerves. Go ’head.” Sophi tilted her head toward the drink, and I took a sip.

“He came over the other day to talk to Jackson. You could tell he was stressed.”

Nic snorted. “I asked Buck what was up. That fool told me to stay in my lane before I end up in a ditch.”

I smirked because that sounded like his ignorant ass.

“He won’t even look at me the same,” I finally said. “Like I’m there, but not really. Like he’s holding something and tryna act like it doesn’t show.”

Sophi rubbed my arm. “He’s still showing up, though. That says something.”

“Or he doesn’t wanna deal with the consequences of not showing up,” I replied. “Either way, it doesn’t feel good.”

“What you wanna do?” Kasha asked gently.

“I'on know. I’m tired of guessing. And I’m tired of tiptoeing.”

Nic tilted her head. “So stop and press his ass.”

Sophi’s voice came soft. “Y’all solid. But even solid can crack if nobody talks.”

I let out a shaky breath, rubbing the spot above my belly button.

My phone buzzed.

Kilo: You good?

I stared at it, thumb hovering.

Yeah. With the girls.

My response was short and cold, just like he’s been lately.

We wrapped lunch soon after and I headed home, changed into one of his old tees, and curled up in bed. I was tired as hell and needed a nap.

When I woke up, the sun had set, and the night had fallen. I rolled out of bed and went downstairs.

Kilo was on the couch, hood up, scrolling his phone. He didn’t even flinch when I walked in.

I stood at the bottom of the stairs, watching him for a second.

“You home.”

“Yeah.”

“How long you been here?”

“About an hour.”

I sat across from him. “You good?”

“Yeah.”

I raised my brows. “That’s it?”

He finally looked up. “What you want me to say, Mel?”

“I want you to stop pretending like everything’s fine when you walking around here like your soul left your body.”

He exhaled hard, rubbed his face.

“I’m just dealing with something. I don’t wanna throw it on you.”

“Too late. I feel everything. That’s what happens when you love somebody.”

He stayed quiet.

“I'ain trying to argue, Franklin. I’m trying to understand. But you shut down every time I get close.”

“I don’t mean to. It’s just—” He paused, jaw tight.

“Just what?”

“Just heavy, that’s all.”

I shook my head. “You got me carrying a baby and now you got me carrying this, too.” I pointed.

He stood like he was about to walk off, then stopped.

“I’m trying, Mel.”

“Try harder. Or at least try with me . ”

He stared at me for a long beat.

“I gotta go,” he said finally.

“Of course you do.”

I walked past him without another word. But when I hit the steps, I turned back.

“Whatever this is… don’t wait too long to let me in. You keep acting like I won’t leave.”

He didn’t say anything…he didn’t have to. The silence said enough.