“Well, they couldn’t possibly think Xavier is anything like Eth—”
“No, of course not. Still, I bet they want to make sure he’s doing right by you.”
“That’s insane,” I retorted, looking down the hall toward where my father’s office was.
“Come on. I have two little people I know would be happy to see you.”
My face lit up as we entered the living room and saw Amalia and Jason Jr. sprawled on the living room floor, watching some cartoon.
“Aunt Nel!” Amalia excitedly greeted me, standing to give me a hug.
My heart swelled as I picked up the little cherub and nuzzled her soft cheek with my nose, causing her to giggle. “Hey, baby. What are you doing?”
“TV!” she pointed at the huge big screen that was playing.
“I see.” I kicked off my heels and sank to the floor on my knees to be closer to Jason Jr.
“Hey, buddy, what’re you watching?”
“Dora,” he answered before standing and giving me a hug.
I released Amalia to allow myself space to sit on the floor cross-legged. She quickly climbed back into my lap. I looked up at Tori, and we both laughed at her precocious toddlers. I played and sang along with Dora and the kids, helping them to pronounce certain words in Spanish that Dora said.
“I’ve been telling Jay we should enroll them in Spanish classes or hire a Spanish nanny part-time. I think it’ll be good for their development and this is the best age to do it,” Tori stated, as she sat down next to me.
“I think that’s an awesome idea. Gabby is fluent in Spanish. Said it was one of the best things she ever did for herself.”
Tori nodded. “Yeah. There’s only so much Dora can teach them.” She smiled and rubbed her hand over Jason Jr.’s head.
I marveled how, even in his profile, Jr. looked so much like my brother. Even their hairlines were shaped the same.
“This will be you one day soon.”
I knew I had to be hearing incorrectly. “What?” I shrieked, causing little Amalia to jump in my lap and look at me with fearful eyes. I cupped her little face and kissed the tip of her nose. “I’m sorry, baby. It’s okay,” I assured her before turning back to her treacherous mother.
“Are you crazy?” I questioned in a whisper. I wanted to fight her when she just gave me a sideways grin. I was about to tell her where she could shove her premonitions when we were interrupted.
“Chanel, I apologize for my absence. I was late from work today,” Marjorie rushed, explaining her lateness.
I picked Amalia up from my lap so that I could stand and greet Marjorie. She looked beautiful in a sleeveless dark blue, polka dot dress that stopped a few inches below her knees. The outfit was topped off by a pair of black strappy heels, and her golden tresses had been pulled back into a bun at the nape of her neck.
“Don’t you look pretty,” she complimented.
I smiled. Marjorie was often complimentary, but it never seemed forced or fake.
“Thank you, Marjorie, you look beautiful as well. No worries about being late. Tori and I were just playing with the kids.”
“Where’s Xavier?” Marjorie’s eyes searched the living room. “For that part, where are your father and Jason?” Her eyes darted between me and Tori, who was still seated on the floor helping Jason Jr. put one of his shoes on.
“They’re in Elliott’s office,” Tori called out, but her head was still turned downward at her son.
“Doing what?” Marjorie wondered.
I shrugged. “I’ve been told Dad and Jay are giving Xavier the third degree about me.” I looked down at Tori. “But they’re probably just discussing business or something.”
Marjorie raised a perfectly arched eyebrow up at me, then looked over at Tori, who I heard give a derisive snort. I shot her a hard look.
“Chanel here doesn’t believe her father or her brother would bother being protective.”
