Page 87 of Tainted

My eyes skirted to Brandy because we agreed not to tell her anything.

“She figured it out. I didn’t have to say much,” Brandy explained, shrugging her shoulders.

“You know she can’t hold water to save her life,” Nana chuckled softly, a twinkle of mischief dancing in her eyes. “Just like when you two tried to hide that broken vase behind the couch.”

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment at the reminder of our childhood antics. Brandy and I were playing tag indoors and accidentally knocked over Nana's vase. The irony of Brandy snitching on us when she was the one who pushed me into the table where the vase rested.

"I should have known," I muttered sheepishly before changing the subject. “What’s Sonny been up to?”

“Pissed off, Carly got the hotel back and let that bitch Ava control him.”

“Watch your mouth, Banana Girl.”

“Sonny and Jason have been fighting, too,” Brandy added.

“Who’s side are you on?” Because if anyone could rival her love for Sonny Corinthos, it was Jason Morgan.

“A mother doesn’t take sides when her children fight. They need to make up. They don’t have no business being at odds after everything they’ve been through anyway,” Nana scolded, like only a grandmother could, “So whatever the two of you have going on, work it out.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked.

“Y’all are the only family each other has. The problem isn’t bigger than that. It can’t be, so hug it out and let it go,” Nana demanded, ignoring my stall tactic.

Brandy hesitated a second because she wasn’t sure if I would comply.

“My chest is getting tighter by the second!” Nana groaned, clenching her chest like she was on the set of General Hospital. “Hurry up and hug! I don’t want to spend my final moments with you girls at odds.”

Brandy tinkled a laugh, and even though I knew Nana was full of it, I obliged her request anyway.

“Your heart is just fine, woman,” I groaned, walking around her bed to hug Brandy quickly.

“When I’m dead and gone, all you two will have is each other. Don’t let anything come between that.”

“Why do you have to go straight to death?” Brandy asked, taking the words out of my mouth.

“We’re all going one day anyway.”

My phone vibrated as I nestled into the chair beside her bed. My cheeks grew warm with excitement seeing Kenyon’s name on my phone.

Kenyon: I miss your pretty face and big forehead.

Me: You have an odd way of showing it.

Kenyon: That attitude is cute.

Kenyon: I’m sorry Babygirl. Let me fix it tonight.

Me: Can’t. I have plans.

I desperately wanted to cancel because I missed Kenyon, too. I hadn’t seen him in a few days, and it felt like torture. He’d send sporadic texts asking if I ate or saying good morning, but that wasn’t enough. I was officially hooked on Kenyon, and I didn’t like it.

Kenyon: What fuckin’ plans? ?? ??

Me: You’re not the only one busy ????‍??

Kenyon: I’m just trying to love you, and you’re not letting me

Me: You are full of it Kenyon. I’m visiting Nana right now.