Between the Lines

22

Kay exhaled sharply, shaking his head as he looked at his daughters. Despite his attitude, he couldn't deny how beautiful they both looked. His gaze softened as he stepped forward, placing a hand on Kimora's shoulder and then turning to Kennedy.

"Y'all look nice," he admitted, his voice low but genuine. "Beautiful girls I raised."

Kennedy grinned. "I know. Thank you."

Kay gave her a look before sighing in defeat. He pulled Kimora in first, pressing a kiss to her forehead, then did the same to Kennedy, even though she dramatically leaned away for a second before laughing.

"Alright, go before I change my mind," he muttered.

Kimora gave her mom a quick hug before grabbing her purse. "Love y'all," she said softly.

"Love you more, baby," Ari replied.

Kennedy was already halfway out the door, calling back. "Kimora hurry before we're late." She said as Ari closed the door behind them two.

Kimora started the car, and Kennedy was already hyped, pulling out her phone to record herself. "Yo, I can't believe Dad actually let me out to a party like this," she said, grinning at the camera. "Usually, I gotta lie about where I'm going, but tonight, it's a straight pass. Bitch we ain't come home til 4."

Kimora shook her head with a laugh, eyes on the road. "You're dramatic. I don't know why you act surprised. Mom must've had a talk with him."

Kennedy rolled her eyes. "Or it's that guilt from making me cry. Miracles happen." She gave the camera one last smile before turning it off. "Alright, enough of me. We here yet?"

"Yeah." Kimora said parking the car.

As they arrived at the rooftop lounge, the neon lights from the city reflected off the sleek building. Music pulsed from inside, and the night air was warm.

"This place is tea," Kennedy said, stepping out of the car. Kimora followed, locking the doors behind them as they made their way inside, ready for the night ahead.

As Kimora and Kennedy walked inside the lounge, the sound of music and chatter filled the air. It didn't take long for them to spot Nia, who was standing by the bar, chatting with a group of people. She waved excitedly when she saw them.

"Y'all made it!" Nia said, giving them both hugs. "You look so good girl."

"Thank you." She smiled.

"Kennedy you giving older sister tonight I love it."

"Thank you girl, Happy Birthday love."

Sade, who was standing nearby, stepped forward with a big smile. "Hey, girl!" she said, her eyes sparkling.

As they exchanged greetings, Sade motioned to the man standing next to her. "This is my boyfriend, Derek," she said with a smirk. Kimora waved at him, keeping her comments to herself. This was the older guy Sade was raving about.

Kennedy raised an eyebrow, eyeing Derek up and down before she burst into a sly laugh. "I thought you said he was fine?" she teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Kimora tried not to laugh but couldn't help it. Sade shot Kennedy a playful glare but couldn't hold back a laugh either. "I'm sorry about her. She's young and got no filter."

Nia, who was still catching up on the conversation, laughed as well. "Y'all are messy, I swear."

Derek, a little embarrassed but amused, just chuckled along with the group. "It's all good, I'm used to it."

Nia grinned and waved for the girls to follow her. "C'mon, let take y'all to the VIP section." She led them through the crowd, past the bar and into a private corner where a plush velvet booth awaited, surrounded by glowing neon lights. The section was decked out with bottles of champagne on ice and a DJ booth that added to the electric atmosphere.