Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 98524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
After cleaning the table and giving Aleesa a puzzle to do at her kid-size Hello Kitty table, I realized what it was that I saw.
Appreciation.
That was genuine appreciation.
Now we were getting somewhere.
Eight
Octavia
“Why did you agree to this again?” my sister asked, laughing.
“Because he needs help, Vina.” I wedged my phone between my shoulder and ear so I could finish scrambling eggs. “And because maybe he’ll stop being so much of a dick toward me if he sees I can hold my weight around here. I thought he was going to fire me. At least now I know my paychecks are safe until her birthday.”
“Please. He’s not going to fire you,” Davina muttered.
“How would you know, know-it-all?” I placed the bowl of eggs down and grabbed the phone again to hear what she so confidently had to say.
“I just know. With the way he talks about you to Deke . . . let’s just say Javier doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who brags, yet he’s always talking about how patient you are with Aleesa—and don’t even get me started on your cooking. Deke says Javier won’t shut up about the meals you make. It’s gotten to a point where he doesn’t even think Javier realizes he’s talking about you or the things you do.”
My heart fluttered, hearing that.
No, wait. Stop fluttering, heart. We don’t flutter for men anymore.
“And even though all of your views don’t align with his regarding Aleesa,” she went on, “he’s told Deke you’re doing a really good job with her.”
“Really?” I huffed a laugh. “I wish he’d tell me that himself.”
“You know how Javier is. He probably has to unthaw. I’m sure he’ll get there with you one day.”
“No, see, that’s the thing. I don’t know how he is. I mean, other than the fact that he’s a basketball player, has a daughter, and was previously married, I barely know the man. I don’t expect to know his deepest darkest secret, but he doesn’t talk about himself much. He hardly even talks about his mom or sister, yet I hear him on the phone with them all the time. He’s like a vault.” I bit into a strip of turkey bacon. “Can’t get a morsel out of that man.”
“Yeah, well, just try and cut him a little slack,” Davina said. “He’s been parenting alone, and his schedule is insanely busy, I’m sure. He probably needs a break from the hustle and bustle. Deke is glad the summer is approaching.”
“Why? ’Cause he’ll get to dip his thing in your thang nonstop?”
“Tavia, please.” She tried to use her serious big sister voice, but I could tell she was stifling a laugh. “I want to see you soon. My schedule is pretty clear for the first time in a while next week. I can come see you at Javier’s.”
“Ugh. I would love that,” I sighed.
“I bet. Let me know what day. We’ll figure it out.”
“Okay.”
“Love you, Poop-Butt.”
“I love you, too, Stinky V.”
I placed my phone on the counter after the call ended, then got back to my eggs. After scrambling them and making a quick breakfast wrap, I searched for my shoes.
It was when I had both shoes on that I heard my phone vibrate on the counter. I headed back to the kitchen and collected it from the counter, seeing an email with the subject line O, we should try again.
I figured it was spam, but I gave it a tap anyway.
Then my heart dropped as I read it.
What’s up O,
It’s been a while since we last spoke. Just wanted to tell you that I got a new job in Atlanta. I work for a tech company.
I saw you on TV sitting front and center during one of the Ravens’ basketball games. You were holding one of the player’s kids and the camera panned to you.
You nanny for him now? The Javier Valdez dude? Your sister’s engagement was all over the place, so I assume that’s how you got that job, connected with the team somehow? That’s cool. I know you wanted to be a nanny so I’m happy for you.
Let me know when you’re free. I’ve been trying to make myself a better man. I miss you and would love the chance to see you.
With love,
Luther
My mouth became sour, while my throat thickened. How the hell did he even find my email address? I didn’t care that he saw me on TV, but contacting me personally? I’d blocked all contact from him years ago . . . yet he’d found me.
Hands shaking, I collected my breakfast wrap and hustled out the door of the guesthouse. My legs could hardly carry me with how shaky they were, but I eventually made it to Javier’s mansion.
Before I could unlock the back door, I heard someone wailing. My heart dropped and all thoughts of Luther vanished when I recognized the cry. I burst into the house, and the cries became twice as loud.