Page 80 of The Phyre that Burns

“Busy. How are things in the world of technology?”

“Constantly changing.”

“I’m not sure if that’s good or bad.”

“It’s good, as long as we can keep up. Your sister stays on top of things.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

“Are you serious about this one?” he asked, and I knew he was referring to Ginae.

“She’s the only one I’ve ever been serious about. She is why I refused to marry Kavia.”

He turned and looked at Ginae and Phoenix, who were still wrapped up in their conversation. When he turned back to me,his eyes were glazed over as if he’d been in deep thought or something heavy was on his mind.

“The fire still burns after all this time, huh?”

“Yeah.”

“I hope it works out.”

He walked away, leaving me to sort out my feelings about the exchange. It was the most we’d spoken in over a decade, and it was definitely the most civil conversation we’d had.

“That was unexpected,” Kevin said.

“Very.”

I reflected on the short conversation with my father. He was respectful, and I matched his energy. I couldn’t pat myself on the back because I wasn’t truly tested, but I’d still count it as a win.

“Shit! Here comes Kavia,” Kevin warned.

I braced myself for her bullshit because she’d definitely be the one to test me.

“Hey, Kevin, Phyre. Y’all remember Ethan.”

We exchanged greetings and handshakes before Ginae and Phoenix informed us that they were going to the bathroom. Neither of them addressed Kavia but politely spoke to Ethan as they disappeared in the crowd.

“That was rude,” Kavia said.

“That was probably as nice as they could be. Consider it a blessing,” I responded.

She rolled her eyes. “I guess you forgave her for her indiscretions. How noble of you.”

“Kavia, don’t start with your shit,” Kevin warned.

“What? I’m just making an observation. Phyre’s been holding a grudge against me for all these years for sending a text message, and she aborted his kid, and he forgave her in no time. Make it make sense.”

“Why do you care so much about his forgiveness?” Ethan questioned.

“Huh? I don’t care about?—”

“I’m no fool, Kavia. Just because I didn’t bring it up doesn’t mean I didn’t notice how you goaded that man at the gala.”

“All I did was share some information that I thought he should know about his beloved Ginae.”

“Information that you completely misconstrued,” Kevin added.

“Ethan, I’m not sure if you’re planning a future with her, but before you get too involved, you should know that Kavia is obsessed with me. She goes out of her way to do and say things to piss me off. Besides the pure hatred I feel for her, there’s nothing else on my end, but you might want to reconsider getting serious with her.”