Page 25 of The Phyre that Burns

My sister and her husband were already there when I arrived. Since my father and I hadn’t been on good terms for over a decade, she only invited me over when he was out of town. Unfortunately, that meant I didn’t get to see my mother as often, but it was what it was.

She greeted me at the door with her arms outstretched. We shared a warm embrace before I stepped completely inside.

“I was beginning to think you’d changed your mind,” she said.

“I’m a man of my word, Ma. What’s for dinner?”

“I made salad, lasagna soup, and garlic sticks.”

“You cooked?” I questioned with surprise.

“Yes, I cooked. Don’t sound so shocked. Linda is on vacation.”

“You don’t cook often, so I’m a little surprised. It smells good.”

“It tastes good too. I’m not sure how I feel about you questioning my culinary skills.”

We made it to the dining room, and I stopped in my tracks when I saw Kavia.

“What the fuck are you doing here!” I spat.

“Phyre, watch your mouth. That’s not how we talk to guests.”

“This ain’t my house, so she’s not my guest. I’m out.”

I headed toward the front door with my mother a few steps behind me.

“Son, wait. Please don’t leave.”

“Ma, I refuse to break bread with her. Hit me up this weekend, and I’ll take you out.”

“Phyre, you promised,” my mother pleaded.

“I wouldn’t have promised if I’d known we would have company. You weren’t transparent.”

“I know, and I’m sorry, but please don’t leave. I saw her downtown and mentioned we were having dinner. She kind of invited herself.”

I was pissed and prepared to be on my way, but the pleading in my mother’s eyes weakened my resolve.

“Fine.”

I followed her back to the dining room, and when my eyes landed on Kavia, I felt disgusted, and I was sure my expression showed it.

“Phoenix and Kevin, since you’ve already washed your hands, would you mind helping me bring the food from the kitchen? Phyre, you and Kavia can go wash up.”

My sister looked at me apologetically, while Kevin held no expression. He knew where I stood with his sister, and there were no hard feelings between us. As soon as Kavia and I were alone, she spoke.

“Still holding a grudge, I see.”

“Until the day I die.”

I went to the powder room to wash my hands, and unfortunately, her messy ass followed me.

“You’re so tense.” Her tone was almost teasing.

“I’m doing my best not to say something disrespectful, so please get the fuck away from me.”

I brushed past her, intentionally bumping her with my shoulder. When I returned to the dining room, my mother, sister, and brother-in-law had returned with the food. I wanted this meal to be over and done with as quickly as possible and planned to inhale my food. After my mother said a quick blessing, we served ourselves.