Opting not to tell a lie that would just morph into another lie, Chaz told her, “’Cause. I don’t know.”

Kennedy let out a slight chuckle, then turned serious. “You don’t know what?” She wanted to hear him say it.

“I don’t know if it’s my baby or not.”

Kennedy felt like a grenade had just exploded on her heart. She dropped her head and stared at her feet. Then suddenly she reached up, palmed the microphone that hung from the ceiling, and slammed it into the side of Chaz’s head, knocking him off balance. He stumbled to the side. Kennedy jumped on him, hitting with a barrage of hard punches as both fell to the floor.

Strick jumped up, “Everybody out! Now!” he yelled. While everyone ran from the room, Yatta rushed to the booth. Kennedy and Chaz were now on the floor. Kennedy was still hitting him while he tried vigorously to get her under control without hurting her or the baby.

“Kennedy, stop before you hurt the baby,” Yatta screamed while trying to catch her sister’s flailing arms. Even though Yatta was small, she was strong. She bear-hugged Kennedy from behind and dragged her off of Chaz.

Kennedy kicked him hard in the thigh with the stiletto heel of her boot as she was being pulled away.

“Yo,” Chaz screamed, “You wilding now, kicking me with them sharp shits! Calm the fuck down already.”

“Fuck, nigga, you better be glad I ain’t stab ya nasty ass.” Kennedy tried to rush him before he stood all the way up, but she was unable to free herself from Yatta’s grasp.

“Kennedy, chill before you hurt the baby,” Yatta reiterated.

“Yeah, cut that shit out, you gon’ mess around and miscarry,” Chaz added.

“And why the fuck would you care? You got another one on the way. You bum-ass dirty-dick-having nigga!”

“I don’t even know if that’s my baby. She could be lying. Did you think about that?”

“Who cares if it is yours or not? That don’t change the facts! You still fucking that slut. I can’t believe you broke our vows for her. The same bitch that had my face sliced open. Fuck that—the same bitch that burned you!”

“I didn’t break our vows … this happened before we got married, when I was tight with you about Brian. That’s the only time something happened with me and her since I’ve been with you.”

“You must think I’m stupid now. You been fucking her. I’ve just been too foolish to see it.” Kennedy could feel tears stinging the backs of her eyelids, but she refused to let them out. “You are so whack for doing this shit to me. I’ve been nothing but loyal to you, and this how you choose to play me?” she screamed loudly. “Having a baby on me with that slut whore of all bitches?”

“Kennedy, listen—”

“For real, for real, I don’t wanna hear shit you gotta say no more, my man, ’cause now I don’t even see you, nigga.” Looking over her shoulder, she told Yatta, “You can let me go. I’m done here.”