Damn, is it past her bedtime?
I picked up my phone to see it was close to eight and prayed this was close to her bedtime because there was no way I would fight her on this. I put my attention on the ride just in time to see the other three making their way around. I noticed Highland was the only one turning that table and that had me laughing as I waved at the kids. The sound of my name being called had me glancing over to see Byrdie headed my way.
“I told Troy that was you. I’m really starting to feel a way. Why didn’t you tell me you and Jo-Jo were coming? You know y’all could’ve come with us. Speaking of, where is my nephew and who is this?” Byrdie looked around for Jo-Jo while inspecting Neela who was now fully asleep in my arms.
“Girl, it was last minute. Jo-Jo got invited by one of his friends from camp. They’re on the ride, I swapped out to keep their daughter while they took the two oldest. This is Neela, she’s the sweetest. Where is your crew?”
Byrdie shrugged while dropping down to take a seat next to me.
“Oh, girl, I was about to say. It’s bad enough I haven’t seen you in a week. But they are getting candy apples. We’re about to head out in a minute. This was really a food run for Troy and me. He wanted a sausage sandwich and I wanted an elephant ear. We’re planning to come back this weekend if y’all want to join us.”
I was already shaking my head. I was one and done. Just as I got ready to speak my piece on the matter, my crew was making their way over to me with Jo-Jo and Ceona still going on about the ride, talking at once, making it impossible to even understand them.
“Jo-Jo, say hi to your auntie.” That was all I had for a now silent Byrdie who looked between Highland and me.
To the outside world, we looked like a deep family of five, but to Byrdie I was sure she was trying to piece together this whole setup.
Mentally I knew to stop and get a bottle of wine once I left here because she was for sure going to make a special trip over to my house tonight.
“Highland, this is Byrdie, Jo-Jo’s aunt. Byrdie, this is Highland, the girls’ dad. That’s Ceona, Jo-Jo’s friend from camp.” I gave the quickest introduction just as Highland steppedinto my space to retrieve Neela from my arms. I got up, motioning for him to lay her in the wagon. I caught Byrdie’s goofy grin from the corner of my eye but didn’t say anything.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Highland said once he could properly greet her with a handshake.
“It’s nice to meet you too. Your girls are beautiful,” she said politely before putting her attention on me. “Well, let me head out. I’m sure Darius done talked Troy into more than a candy apple at this point. Call me later, Olive.” That was a subtle warning from her, making me smirk before I nodded and tucked my lips, doing my best to conceal my smile.
Byrdie gave one more hug and kiss to Jo-Jo before she got up and headed back in the direction she came from.
“His sister?” That was all Highland said once we finally were on the move headed for the next ride for the kids.
“Yes. But also my best friend who I normally do these types of functions with since she also has a son close in age to Jo-Jo.”
“Are you worried she’ll tell him about this? I never actually asked if you were single.”
I chuckled. “No, not worried. I told him about you before I mentioned it to her. Jasiel and I are just co-parents. Byrdie’s biggest issue will be the lack of information she has on you for herself. And I think we both skipped that tidbit of information about each other though,” I said. referring to whether or not he was single. I mean I assumed he was, but you never know these days.
Highland cleared his throat just as we came to a stop at the next ride for the kids. He passed two tickets over so they could get on.
“We did, didn’t we? Well, we gotta restart; it’s the only way to make sure we’re both on the same page.” I looked down at his hand and snorted.
“Oh, completely. Okay. Hi, I’m Olive. I’m a single mother of one. I own a private practice that offers an alternative type of therapy through cuddling.”
“I’m Highland, a widower of two girls. My wife passed away during childbirth with Neela. I am the owner of Drifted and Anchored. I am a retired Navy man who loves being on the water.” That was news to me. I did my best not to show any emotion about that information. But I was shocked.
“I hope my kid count doesn’t put me out of the chance to get to know you better, Olive. I don’t know much but I do know I’m wildly attracted to you. I mean, your whole aura is pulling me in.” I pressed my lips together as I shook my head.
This man is making me blush.
“Not at all. If anything, the girls helped your chances of me even noticing you. I’m a working mom who has managed to make life all about those two things. And I’m very attracted to you as well.”
Highland nodded.
“Same. Well, it only makes sense for us to blend our waters together, ya know for the kids’ sakes, at least.” My smile was giddy and wide as I nodded.
“No, yeah, sure. For the kids. But I have to warn you. I have a weird job that might be a deal breaker.” That made him laugh and I knew Tunk told him what I did.
“Oh yeah, well since this is a cleansing moment and we’re starting over, I’m here to tell you that I called you a cuddly buddy once, amongst other things.” That had me tossing my head back as I laughed deeply.
“Not too much on my profession though, but I’ll accept that title because I really am good at my job. I would say ask Tunk but he won’t let me hug him. I hope you’re not like him, because I do love a good snuggle. So, you’ll have to ask Neela.” I motioned toward the wagon.
