“Naw, I can’t take that little traitor's word on shit when it comes to you. I love my baby but she’s already traded me. Anything Neela says will be biased at this point. I’m up for holding my own case study on the matter though. Of course, in a more private session. There is no way I’ll be laid up at your office with my head on a pillow where everybody else has had theirs.” By now I was doubled over, doing my best to gain control over my body full of giggles. I blew a breath out just as I stood to see Highland was serious and I couldn’t be mad.
“Um… excuse me but you’ll need to earn thoseprivate sessions. Some of my longest clients don’t even get those, sir. So how about we start slow with holding hands first?”
I held out my hand just as the kids came running in our direction.
Highland smiled as he took possession of my awaiting hand and held it tightly in his warm embrace.
“Olive, I’ll go as slow and steady as you need me to.”
Slow jams playedthrough the speakers while I sat out on my deck with my glass of wine in hand. I had just made it out here after putting Jo-Jo to sleep who didn’t even fight me for time on his game. It had been a long day for both of us.
The headlights pulling into my driveway had me getting up to greet Byrdie who texted me when she made it home after seeing me at the fair that we would be having a wine talk about Highland. And I agreed. It was time. Especially after he and I decided to get to know each other better.
I’m not even sure what all that meant.
Like had I agreed to being with him? I was so out of touch from this part of adulthood. I wasn’t even sure if people still had talking phases anymore. Or what all that included.
Again because what is that?
I didn’t even like the concept back in my young days and here I was entering one in my thirties.
“Okay heffa, I was on my best behavior earlier tonight but yo’ ass got some fucking explaining to do. Just weeks ago you weren’t trying to hear anything about getting dicked down and now you doing family outings with a fine ass stranger and his kids?”
I tilted my head to the side as I held out her glass as she climbed the three steps up on the deck.
“First of all, you were talking about going on vacation getting some strange dick and this was a kid-friendly outing for our kids. It was a playdate,” I said as I shrugged and proceeded to reclaim my seat.
The playdate that ended with you and the dad agreeing to get to know each other, Olive.
“Olive, please don’t piss me the fuck off. Speaking of, what does this mean for said vacation? Have you talked to Jasiel?”
That had me taking a sip of my wine because Byrdie was about to be pissed.
“Yeah, he waited too late to request time, so they denied him. He’s not coming so our vacation will have to include the kids because I don’t have anyone to watch Jo-Jo.”
“Ugh, I swear sometimes Jasiel does the weirdest shit. But, okay. Well, we can rent a house down on the island for a weekend because you and I deserve some sun and Troy can keep the boys entertained.”
I pressed my lips together at the idea of getting an airbnb for a weekend. It wasn’t the worst idea for a summer vacation.
“That may work. I’ll share my schedule with you so we can plan it. Jo-Jo’s day camp will be over in a couple weeks too, so if you have a Thursday or Monday free, we can extend it.”
“Oh snap I can’t believe we’re actually sitting here planning a mini getaway. So, my crew plus you two. We can do onehouse and the boys can room together. Ooh wait, what about your boyfriend and his girls? Should we make a plan to include them?”
“Not my boyfriend, but I mean, if you want me to invite Highland and the girls, I can,” I said nonchalantly as I sipped my wine, feeling Byrdie’s eyes on me burning a hole into my side. I glanced over at her and caught her side eye and twisted up lips and chuckled.
“What, Byrdie? He’s not. I just became acquainted with the man a couple of weeks ago. What type of girl do you take me for?”
“Someone who is holding back information. Y’all looked far too comfortable and cozy for meeting a couple of weeks ago, so dish this shit and start talking. And don’t give me that for the kid bullshit you tried to throw at me before.”
“I can’t tell you much. I know he’s a widower with two amazing little girls. Ooh, wait girl, how about his brother Tunk works for me as my security.”
“Wait, tall and deadly is his brother?” I snorted as she called Tunk by the silly nickname she gave him after meeting him once. Back then Tunk didn’t say much of anything which Byrdie was convinced was a serial killer trait.
“What did I tell you about calling that man that. But, yes. I also met his dad during the second week of camp, who is extremely funny and nice.”
“Well shit, heffa, you might as well call yourself a member of the family at this point. Who’s left to meet at the reunion?”
I playfully rolled my eyes. “Please shut up. I don’t know but Highland is fine as hell. The first time I saw him he was running late picking up the girls. But it was the second time I knew I wanted to know more about him. Mind you, which was yesterday. Today was the kids’ first official playdate and Highland and I kinda agreed to getting to know each otherbetter. But what the fuck does that even mean? Oh, Byrdie, I don’t even know what the hell I’m doing. At least I can say I still know how to flirt, but do people still talk or is it just instant, like damn we met and now we’re together.”
