The screen flashed a name: Jordan, of course. I shot a quick glance at Ahmir. His expression didn’t change. Not visibly. But something in the room did — a drop in temperature, a tightening in the air.
I answered. “Hey.”
“Imani,” Jordan said, light, easy. “Just checking in. The boys are good. Zarian ate half the pantry, Malik is trying to convince me cereal is a personality trait. How was your night? You made them all bow at your feet yet?”
I laughed weakly. “Something like that.”
“You sound tired,” he noted. “You okay?”
I could feel Ahmir listen. Not to Jordan’s words, but to mine. To tone. To familiarity. “I’m fine,” I said quickly. “I’ll be home soon. Thank you again. Really.”
“You know I got you,” Jordan replied. “I’ll keep them all weekend if I have to. Go be legendary.”
“Bye, J
