I follow the signs to curbside pickup, park in space number six, then check in. After about ten minutes, my stuff is brought out. I really didn’t think this shit out because I don’t have anything to keep the flowers standing upright. The vase is too big for my cupholder so I actually hold it as I drive with one hand to Adora’s.
After parking in her driveway, I get out, grab the strawberries and the baskets, and walk to the door. She opens it right after I ring the bell, looking gorgeous as hell in jeans hugging her hips and thighs and a black shirt with a pink rabbit on it.
“What’s all of this?” she gushes as she checks out my full hands.
“I fucked up the first time I came over. I was so amped about being with you, I fumbled. So this,” I say, then hand her the bouquet. “And these are for you, pretty girl.” I hand her the strawberries. While holding them, she leans in and kisses me passionately. Then she looks down at the baskets. “And these are for them. I hope it’s cool.”
“Of course, it’s cool. It’s so sweet. They are going to love these. Thank you,” she says and I exhale loud as hell.
I’m nervous and hadn’t even realized that shit until right now. This is a big ass deal and I want to make sure I don’t fuck it up. I meant everything I said to Adora about her and her daughters. I know there’s no her in my life if the two cute little girls on the other side of this door don’t vibe with me.
“You welcome,” I finally manage to get out.
“I told them they were meeting my special friend today,” she begins. Although I know she knows what’s best for her daughters, the friend word constricts my damn chest. “And they are excited. Just know I’ve never done this, so they might take a minute to warm up to you. Give them time, especially Averi. She doesn’t warm up as easily. You ready?”
“I’m ready,” I assure her, then kiss her again.
She widens the door and I follow her in, holding the baskets behind me. When we walk into the living room, the girls are sitting on the sofa, dressed like her in jeans and the same shirt in pink.
“Romi, Averi, this is Mr. Xai.”
“Just Xai is cool,” I tell them. “Hey.”
“Hi,” they sing together.
Adora places the roses on a table next to the sofa then walks to the kitchen. She places the strawberries on the island and stands behind it, watching us. I step toward the small table in front of the sofa and pull the baskets from behind my back. Before I can place them on the table, Averi is off the sofa and Romi is squirming in her seat. Excitedly, they squeal.
“These for us?” Averi asks, gushing.
“That’s mine?” Romi asks as she slides off the sofa, rushing to the one with the slime. I intentionally place their respective baskets in front of them.
“Yes, and this one is for you, Averi.”
“Mommy, can we open them?” Averi exclaims.
“Yes. Mommy, please,” Romi pleads excitedly.
They are both smiling from ear to ear, looking just like their beautiful mother when she does. That small rush of nervousness I felt at the door is gone because of their smiles.
“Tell Mr. …I mean Xai thank you first.”
“Thank you,” they sing together, then Romi rushes over to me, quickly hugs my legs, and gets right back to her basket. I glance back over at Adora and she’s smiling just as hard as they are.I owe Peaches big.
“Wait,” Adora says. “Let me get the scissors,” she says but that doesn’t stop them from trying to remove the large bows from the baskets. They keep trying until she walks over and cuts them. When she does, they tear into the baskets, pulling out and examining each item.
“I got slime, Mommy!” Romi yells.
“I see baby,” Adora says as she walks over and hugs me from the side. “You’re a hit,” she whispers.
“The baskets are,” I utter back.
“But you bought them for them. That’s big,” she assures me before pecking my lips.
“What did you get, Averi?” Adora asks.
“Some stickers, a cup, and a charm. I’m gon’ put it on my backpack.”
“I don’t have a charm,” Romi pouts and I instantly feel like shit.
