I released a low breath before I answered her question without further hesitation.
“Yes. If I felt as if something was there between us and I wanted to explore it. Whateverhisname is might be just as nervous as you or feels like you’re not interested because you’re always short with him or keep the conversation on work. I would at least try flirting first to gauge him though. You do know how to flirt, right?” Tasha rolled her eyes as she kissed her teeth.
“Yes, Olive.” She didn’t sound convincing but I would leave that for her.
“Well, on your next fake date, bat an eye or something and see how he responds. If he doesn’t give you a weird look, then take it a step further and say something about how you enjoy the lemonade from Redmond’s so y’all could at least eat something else besides hospital food.”
Tasha chortled. “And you think just by mentioning that will get me food from there?” I shrugged again.
“We won’t know until you try it.” The timer sounding off let me know our session was coming to an end.
Tasha looked at the clock on the wall and I instantly noticed her mood.
“If you need another session before your next, just let me know. But, you got this.” I rubbed her shoulder for added comfort.
“No, time just feels like it flies when I’m here.” Tasha fake pouted right before we both got up so we could head to the living room.
This was the bittersweet side of my profession. Some might see that as they were growing unhealthy attachments. I didn’t think so though. Yes, it’s been a couple of months for Tasha, and I was sure once she finally got over this situation and stepped into her true feminine power, she would go free like the others.
“Well, until next time.” She waved bye and I prepared to head to pick up Jo-Jo early.
On my way to the park, I decided to make a quick stop at The Marketplace and get a box of popsicles for Jo-Jo and the girls today. They were always the last ones there still playing so I had been coming prepared for my extended stay at the park these last couple of days.
The girl's grandpa, Kelvin, had stepped in and took over picking them up all week, meaning I hadn’t set my eyes on their dad since last Friday. So I made sure to ask him if the girls had any allergies before I started bringing snacks.
Selfishly I hated that their dad wasn’t the one picking them up anymore, but also knew it was best for all involved. I got lucky last week when I claimed they were with me, but I couldn’t keep doing that, especially when the girls didn’t know me that well. The most they knew was that I was Jo-Jo’s mom and I often brought snacks and drinks since they had both me and their grandpa here past camp hours.
By the time I made it, like routine, their grandpa and I made our way to the playground.
“Hello, Ms. Liv. How are you doing today?” he greeted me as soon as we took our seats on the bench.
“Hi, Mr. Kelvin. I’m doing good. I brought popsicles today. Would you like one?” I asked as I pointed to the little cooler. I set it down to open. It wasn’t anything fancy, but I was smart and got all the same flavor. Even though I had one kid, I knew better than to bring multiple options.
“Aww, now I see why you asked if the girls had any allergies the other day. You were covering your bases with all the food groups and snack options. This is really nice of you. I’ll take one please. These kids love to keep an old man like me out in the sun far too long some days.”
I giggled as I passed him one. “Mr. Kelvin, you’re not old, but they do keep us both out here well past the time limit. But these fruit pops should help with that.” I wasn’t that mom who didn’t believe in sugar with kids, but I knew certain fruits helped with keeping them…us hydrated, so I opted for the all-natural, real fruit popsicles this go round.
“And you cover the healthy chart. My son needs a woman like you around all the time.” That had me blushing as I smirked and turned away, putting my attention on the kids to wave them over for a break since they had been out here all day as is.
“Not you trying to put your son on right now, Mr. Kelvin.” He shrugged, trying to feign innocence right now.
“As a parent who only wants the best for his, it couldn’t hurt to try. Did it work?”
Now I shrugged as I smiled just as the kids approached with me passing out popsicles.
I didn’t even know his son’s name and I was sure he didn’t know mine.
You don’t know that, and you could ask for his son’s name.
No, not now. It’s going to look like I’m interested.
I silenced my thoughts long enough to answer the kids’ questions while I caught Mr. Kelvin’s smirk.
Chapter
Four
Highland
