Between the Lines

20

"Yet you stayed over at his house, Lord knows what yall did."

Ari and Giselle's eyes widened as they looked at each other and back at Kimora, who was giving Kennedy a death stare.

"Who the fuck is Darius? Kimora spill." Giselle said, pulling her closer to her by the arm.

"He's nobody. We just met at the tournament."

"So that's where you were that night?"

"Ma nothing happened. I swear. I ended up falling asleep, that's all."

"So are you two like friends...or?"

"Friends? I don't even know if you can call it that. He's Nia's brother. So we're well aquatinted with each other."

"Please like she like that man. And he want her bad." Kennedy said.

Ari raised an eyebrow at Kimora's words, her curiosity piqued, but she kept her tone calm. "Well, if he wants you so bad, what's stopping you?"

Kimora sighed, rubbing her temples. "It's not that simple, Ma. I don't know him like that. And besides, I don't... I don't trust myself to get involved with someone right now."

Ari's gaze softened at the vulnerability in Kimora's voice. She could hear the uncertainty, the fear of opening herself up again. Ari knew how hard it had been for her daughter to trust people, especially after everything she'd gone through in the past with men.

"You don't have to rush anything, baby," Ari said gently, placing a reassuring hand on Kimora's shoulder. "But I'm glad you're opening up about it. I know it's not easy for you to talk about stuff like this."

Kimora gave her a small thankful smile before Giselle started to speak. "So you admit you like him?" She asked making the three ladies look at her waiting for an answer.

Kimora didn't know herself whether or not she liked him, but she knew she wanted to know more about him, what he was about.

I don't know," she replied slowly, her eyes darting from her mom to her aunt. "I mean, I like him... I guess. But I'm still trying to figure it out. I don't wanna rush anything"

Giselle smirked, clearly not satisfied with the vague response. "Kimora girl you remind me so much of your mom when she first met your dad" She laughed as so did Ari. "But don't stress it for real. You'll know as time passes if you like him or not."

Kimora nodded slowly before their conversation took a shift. After finishing their meal, the family headed back home, the evening winding down. As Ari opened the door, Junior, was waiting by the entrance, his eyes lighting up when he saw his mom. "Hey, Ma! You're home!" he said, rushing to hug her. Ari smiled and flattening his braids, relieved to be back. The house felt peaceful, and with the day coming to an end, everyone began heading to their rooms.

By the time night had fully settled in, the house was quiet, each of them getting ready for bed. Kimora climbed into her bed, her mind still on Darius, but for now, she could push the worries aside as she was thinking about the outfit she would wear tomorrow to see Sade and Nia. Kay tucked Junior in, and Kairo and Kennedy settled into their own rooms. The house was calm, and despite everything, Kimora felt a sense of comfort, knowing she didn't have to face it all alone.

Before she knew it Ari knocked on Kimora's door before pushing it open slightly. "You up?"

Kimora was lying in bed, scrolling through her phone, but she sat up when she saw her mom step inside. "Yeah, what's up?"

Ari closed the door behind her and sat at the edge of the bed. "Let's talk about Darius."

Kimora let out a deep sigh, already knowing where this was going. "Ma..."