“That’s great,” Kisa replied sarcastically, blowing the girl off. “It was nice to see you as always, CoCo.” She turned and walked briskly to catch up with her cousins as they entered the party.

“What was that about?” Kennedy questioned with a raised brow.

“Absolutely nothing,” Kisa replied, stepping through the door. “Wow, Strick spent a lot of money in here. This place looks crazy.”

The venue had been an old thirty-thousand-square-foot warehouse. Now it was completely renovated and beautifully decorated. There was big stage set up in the front of the room. A huge dance floor and island bars filled the middle of the old warehouse. The luxurious VIP section was opposite the stage on a raised platform, where fifty circular tables sat topped in black tablecloths, burning candles, and white roses. Each ten-thousand-dollar table came with three bottles of champagne and three bottles of top-shelf liquor.

Kennedy’s table was next to Strick’s in the very center of the VIP section, giving Kisa a perfect view of everything. It wasn’t exactly a perfect seat for Kennedy, since Chaz was partying at Strick’s table. In fact, it was quite awkward for her. They had neither seen nor spoken to each other since the night he had bailed her out of jail two weeks earlier. Just by glancing at his wife, Chaz knew that his presence was making her uncomfortable. Therefore, to ease some of the tension, he went over to her table and sat next to her.

“How was your trip to Charlotte?” Chaz asked.

“How did you know I went to Charlotte?”

“Your aunt Karen told me.”

“Oh. It was nice.”

“How is Big Ma doing?”

“Much better than I expected.” Kennedy smiled.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen one of those on your face.” Chaz pointed out.

“I haven’t had a lot to smile about lately.”

Chaz nodded his head. “I know I have a lot to do with that. I just wish you would give me a chance to make things right.”

Kennedy took a deep breath. “I have been thinking about us a lot and how we could move forward … but I still need some time.”

Chaz decided not too press the issue too much. He was happy that she was even a little receptive. He stood up and placed a hand on her bare back. “Aight, I’m going back over here. If you need anything, come get me.”

“Okay.”

TaTa, along with an unfamiliar friend, approached the table. “Hey, girls,” she greeted.

“Hey, Ta,” they greeted in unison.

TaTa went around the table hugging everyone. None of them could believe that she had actually shown up. “Kane, this is Anya,” TaTa said, waving her friend over. “Anya, this is Kane.”

Anya stuck her hand out to shake Kisa’s, “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”