“I get anxious thinking about leaving the house after—” Coast stopped herself, and tears stung her eyes.
Inari paused, a lump forming in her throat as her sister’s face flashed through her memory. It was one thing to know she was gone. But to have the image of it happening constantly on replay, it was a wonder she hadn’t gone completely crazy yet. Swallowing slowly, Inari blinked away tears and nodded.
“I get it.”
“I can’t help it.” Coast shrugged. “She went out to get something to eat, and someone got to her and they… just the thought paralyzes me because it’s not just me. It’s Rara too.”
“Coast…” Inari hopped up from the couch to join her at the island where she stood. “You do not have to hide that from me. I understand. Hell, I’m paranoid my damn self every time I leave the house. It always feels like someone is watching me, and I’m constantly on edge. I hate it! I hate that bitch Mira is still out there.”
“I know.”
“So, your feelings are valid. You also have security, and Brim is not about to let anything happen to you or his goddaughter.”
“No, he wouldn’t. You sticking around for a minute?”
“As long as you need.”
“We can order something to eat and watch a movie or something. After I wash this court smell off me,” Coast insisted.
“Go take care of yourself. I got my girl. I’ll find us a bottle of wine too.”
“Thanks, Nari.” Coast grabbed her fruit and headed back to take a shower.
She didn’t know how long she’d been in there, but she was wrinkled when she stepped out and slipped into a pair of leggings with a big off the shoulder vintage t-shirt over a tank top. Barefoot, she padded through her home, picking up things she’d tossed about earlier in a frenzy when she was leaving the house.
Inari had kicked off her shoes and sat with Rara on the floor getting tummy time while scrolling her phone. It looked like she’d been crying. Coast also caught a whiff of something and glanced toward the kitchen.
“Are you cooking?”
“Girl, yes. I took Rara outside in her car seat for a second and took a few hits of the za and caught the munchies.”
“It smells good.” Coast’s face balled into pleasure.
“It’s one of Ayla’s recipes. Some baked chicken with rice, veggies, and this drizzle over it all that is amazing. I think I gotall the ingredients right. I was scrolling through her videos to see if I could find a link and got lost down the rabbit hole. Some days, I can’t even believe she’s gone,” she muttered.
Coast strolled over to join her, and the minute Iara saw her, she attempted to roll over onto her back. She always did that, then would throw a full on fit because she couldn’t roll her chunky butt back over. Coast told Mozzi it was just a ploy so someone would pick her up.
“It’s like… with my parents, I accepted it, and there was no open casket for them either because of the damage from that building crushing them to death. We only had pictures to remember them by and whatever little home videos we had recorded over the years. It was final. I knew they were gone. You know?” Inari wiped a tear that had slipped to her top lip and glanced up at Coast as she took position on the couch beside her and tucked her feet.
“Yeah.” She nodded.
“This…” Inari shook her head. “This doesn’t feel right.” Her wounded gaze drifted to Rara on the floor as she rolled onto her back and put her chunky fists in her mouth. “And the baby. He would have just been born not long ago. A few months behind this one right here.” Inari palmed Iara’s belly and made her giggle cutely. “I’m guessing it was a boy. I just had a feeling.” She smiled through her misting eyes.
“I think it’s time to crack open that bottle of wine.” Coast sighed.
“I’m with you when you’re right.” Inari hopped up and padded over to the kitchen.
She checked the food in the oven, then grabbed the Pinot Noir and two glasses off the counter before sashaying back over to Coast. Once Coast was able to get Iara down for a nap, the two stepped outside on the patio to enjoy the view and have a smoke session. Coast hadn’t been able to indulge in months. She’d beenbreastfeeding too, so she rarely drank, and this was the first time she was able to enjoy a decent buzz.
About an hour and a half later, she went to pump and dump. She checked on Iara, still sleeping on her back, hands up near her head, with her lips slightly parted as she snored lightly. Smiling, she headed back to the living room and found Inari leaning back comfortably into the couch with her purse beside her. She scrolled her phone and peered up at Coast when she sauntered by.
“Dane texted me. He wants to meet me for ice cream.” Inari sat forward, and Coast settled on the sectional across from her.
She tucked her legs and feet under and grabbed a blanket to drape over her frame.
“How is he doing?”
Inari half shrugged and tucked her phone into her purse.
