Meanwhile…
"Uh…" Cassandra took small steps toward the kitchen where Kiara was. She squeezed in beside her, gently holding Kiara's arm to get her attention.
"Yes?" Kiara turned to her.
Hesitation swirled in Cassandra's eyes as she shifted her gaze toward the living room.
"What's he doing here?" she asked, looking back at Kiara. "Ki, are you two…?"
"No!" Kiara gasped quietly, glancing toward the living room where Hugo sat watching television. She shook her head and turned back to Cassandra. "Cassy, whatever you're thinking—it's not that. No, we're not together."
"Then why is he still here?"
Kiara paused, pondering the question. Hugo had offered to live with her not long ago, but hadn't pressed the issue when she refused. Even though living alone in a somewhat dangerous neighborhood was a bit scary, the last thing she wanted was a man living in her place.
