Page 63 of K.I.N.: Karma Is Near

I shoved one arm into my jacket.

My stomach did that little weird thing it always did when somebody said shit like that.

Because Xay did see Carter.

“He sends money,” I said.

“I don’t care about money.”

Of course she didn’t.

“He should be here.”

“Ma, I gotta go.”

“I’m serious. A child needs her father.”

“I know.”

“You keep protecting that man.”

I stopped.

“I’m not protecting anybody.”

She stared at me.

I stared back.

Then Carter made some little squeaking noise between us.

Conversation over.

Thank God.

I walked over and kissed Carter’s forehead.

“Mommy loves you.”

Then another kiss.

“Be good.”

I headed toward the door.

“And don’t let her sleep past twelve-thirty or she’s gonna fuck my whole evening up.”

“Avery! Watch your mouth around the baby.”

I stepped into the hallway before she could answer.

The door shut behind me.

I exhaled.

Every time.

Every fucking time.