“Don’t do that. You know I love him, and I’ll do anything for him or you. That hasn’t changed.”
“It has, and you either can’t or don’t want to see it, Heavy! It’s either them or it’s us! You can’t have both,” Prischa presented.
“Then, I choose them. My kids. I’ve already missed time with them, and I’m not about to let you or anybody else make me miss more.”
“Fine. I guess it is what it is then.”
Hurt flickered behind her stare, and her jaw tightened. For a heartbeat, neither of them spoke, and crickets fill the space between them. Finally, she shook her head, eyes still glistening with tears.
“Don’t come to me when she burns you… again.” She turned and stomped off.
All Heavy could do was stare after her. The last person on earth he wanted to hurt was Prischa, but he knew he was doing what was best. Although they got together and tried to make it work, there was always a disconnect. Now he had something far more significant to focus on. He’d never discount Pierre, and he hoped Prischa would eventually come around.
“Well, it looks like they enjoyed themselves.” Remi cackled, holding the screen open to Giselle’s home as she and Heavy started up the steps, each carrying a sleeping twin.
All she smelled was good food and laundry softener as they stepped inside. New curtains hung from the windows, and a newarea rug to match. Remi had moved some things around and bought new throw pillows for the couch. Giselle took it all in. She was the designer, and these were all things she’d added to her amazon cart.
“Give him here. I’ll put them in their beds,” Heavy urged, reaching for Heir in her arms.
She caught her breath and watched him move down the hall with each twin against his chest.
“How did you know I wanted these things?”
“I was on your laptop, about to order some stuff, and saw your wish list, so I clicked on it. It ain’t everything, but it’s what I thought might make this place a little cozier. How did things go today?” Remi strolled to the kitchen, and Giselle removed her jacket and tossed it on a bench in the hall.
“It was cool. The kids had a ball.”
“And the twins?” Remi chuckled. “Because the kids are Crew, Maisie, and Lou.”
“We decided to link at the club tonight. Do you mind keeping them later?”
“Oh, not at all. They can help me in this kitchen, so we can bake some things for church tomorrow.” Remi went to the stove and pulled the oven open. “I baked chicken, and we got some cheesy au gratin potatoes, with some green beans, and honey cornbread. I need to run by the house and grab the stuff I need for the cookies and cupcakes, but I’ll be back before you leave.”
“I really don’t know how to thank you for everything.” Giselle leaned against the counter.
She noticed that her plates, cups, and bowls had been moved on the open shelves, and her appliances on the counter had been rearranged. She didn’t even mind because the system seemed to make some kind of sense.
“I see those kids have changed you,” Remi acknowledged. “Made you a little less defensive, more vulnerable. You knowthat’s okay, right? You don’t have to be hard, carrying the weight of the world all the time. We’re your family. We’re supposed to be there for each other, through the good and the bad.”
“There were a lot of times I wanted to call you when I was pregnant. So many.” Giselle’s eyes fell on the ceiling. “I didn’t know what to say, and I didn’t want to give you one more reason to be disappointed in me.”
“I love you, Giselle Knox. Nothing could ever change that.” Remi grabbed her face and kissed her cheek before bringing her in for a warm hug.
Giselle held on a little tighter, savoring it before they pulled apart.
“I think I’m gonna have something to eat and try to take a nap. The club scene hasn’t seen me in quite some time.”
“I’ll call you when I’m on the way.” Remi went to the table to grab her jacket and purse off the back of the chair at the kitchen table.
Giselle made herself a plate and wandered into the living room to eat on the couch. She kicked off her shoes and dropped into the cushions. The chicken was so tender it practically melted in her mouth.
“Those two are going to be out for a minute.” Heavy appeared in the doorway.
“I hope so. I don’t need the third degree from Heir when I get dressed tonight. He swears he somebody’s daddy.” She scooped some mac and cheese into her mouth. “You coming out?”
“I’m thinking about it. Got some shit I been putting off that I need to handle.” He joined her on the couch, and Giselle set her plate on the table half eaten.
“It’s not any of my business whatever is going on with you and Prischa.”
