Page 36 of K.I.N.: Karma Is Near

“You better make it fifteen.”

Xavier sucked his teeth.

I looked between them.

“What ya’ll got going on?”

Xavier glanced at me.

“Just gotta handle something.”

“What something?”

“Something.”

I stared at him.

He smiled.

I rolled my eyes.

Like I said.

I didn’t ask too many questions about whatever Xavier and Levin did outside this house.

They were grown.

As long as nobody brought bullshit to my front door, I minded my business.

“Okay.” I pointed toward the stairs with my spatula. “Well, handle brushing your fucking teeth first.”

Levin damn near choked on his food.

Xavier looked offended.

“My breath don’t stink.”

“It absolutely does.”

“Man, fuck you.”

“You came down here breathing hot ass morning breath on my neck. Go brush your teeth.”

“Sam.”

“Go.”

He stood there staring at me.

I pointed upstairs again.

“Bye.”

Xavier shook his head.

And just like that, they were back to talking shit like Levin hadn’t lost seven years and come home to an entirely different version of our family.

I figured it had to be weird for him.