“Hello. You must be Simone. Zero has told me a lot about you. I’m Rachel Clark, Jasper and Isla’s social worker.” She offered her hand, the shake professional and not too tight.
“Simone Brooks,” I greeted, brows furrowing as I looked between her and where Elias stood in the open doorway, Isla on his hip and a relaxed smile on his face. I didn’t think he’d look like that if there was a problem, but I had to ask, “Is something wrong? It’s really early.”
Rachel shook her head, still smiling. “Nope. I try to mix in some surprise visits, see how a family interacts at different times of day. You have no idea how many times me showing up early has shown me exactly how the family truly functions. Mr. Fletcher seems to be doing well. Jasper told me he’s doing much better at not burning food thanks to lessons from you.” She chuckled, tipping her head at me. “I don’t suppose you’d be willing to provide those lessons to other new parents? I knew a few who could’ve benefited and had to learn the hard way how not to burn supper.”
Letting out a quiet laugh, I told her, “I tutor math, not cooking. The only reason I got involved with Elias’s cooking is because when I showed up to tutor Jasper, the fire alarms were going off and his attempt at dinner was nothing more than black charcoal on the pan. I didn't want the kids to starve.”
Elias wasn’t offended by my comment, shrugging with a sheepish grin when Rachel looked in his direction. “She’s not wrong. Simone was the first person to tell me turning up the heat didn’t make the food cook faster.”
Laughing, Rachel nodded like she understood. “That’s a common misconception. I’m glad things are working out.” She turned to me again. “Mr. Fletcher says you’re watching Isla today while the boys have some alone time. Can I ask what your plan is for the day?”
It was her job to ask, and I was happy to answer her, lifting up the reusable bag I’d brought with me. “Spa day. Nails trimmed, hair washed, that kind of thing. Also, Jasper and I have been working on teaching her how to count.”
“Sounds like a fun day,” Rachel beamed. “Have fun. Thanks for meeting with me, Mr. Fletcher. I’ll call next week about your final court date.”
He lifted a hand in farewell, stepping back and holding the door open so I could come in. I frowned at him as I passed him. “Court date?”
He nodded, setting Isla on the carpet with all her toys. “Yeah, final meeting with the judge to decide if this is where Isla and Jasper should stay. I think it’ll be fine, or at least I hope so. Ms. Clark seemed optimistic. She said it’s just a formality.”
He shrugged nonchalantly, but I could see the tension around his eyes. He was worried about the outcome. Putting a hand on his chest, I leaned in for a quick kiss. “You’ll do fine. I’ve seen the improvements in both kids firsthand. They’re thriving here. A judge would have to be blind not to see that.”
Rubbing the back of his neck, he sighed. “Yeah. I think I’d feel more confident if all this sh—” he cut himself off, looking at Isla, then tried again “—stuff with Battle’s crew wasn’t happening. I don’t want the judge to lump me in with them just because I’m part of a crew, you know?”
I could understand that. It wouldn’t be the first time he or someone in his crew was blamed for something they weren’t responsible for. He’d explained a little in the past week, just to give me a better idea of what was going on with him, and I understood better now why his crew was so quick to put in restrictions. There was a lot of animosity between their crew and the local police department, and safeguarding themselves from taking the blame was more than a little necessary.
“I’m sure it’ll be fine. The social worker seemed to like you fine. And you’ve got a clean record, right?”
He nodded, settling himself on the floor next to Isla while I took off my shoes and coat. “Nothing worse than a speeding ticket when I was like twenty.” He chuckled at the memory. “The old crew Sergeant at Arms, a big guy named Vince, threatened to knock me into the next century if I did it again.” He shook his head, his smile fond. “I still hear his voice if I go more than five over the speed limit. He made Butch look like a pussy cat.”
He didn’t run off the minute I got to the house, hanging around and talking to me while tracking Isla as she cruised along the edge of the couch. She gave him a big grin when she came back to him, proud of herself, and Elias chucked her gently under the chin with an affectionate smile. “Good job, baby girl. Keep at it, and you’ll be walking in no time.” His smile faltered and he shot me a mildly panicked look. “I’m gonna need more baby proofing.”
Laughing, I shook my head at him. “You’ll survive. When do you have to go?”
He looked at his phone with a frown. “Soon. Jasper’s been grumbling, he doesn’t like that I haven’t told him what we’re doing yet.”
“That’s because I don’t like surprises,” Jasper grouched as he stomped down the stairs. He crossed his arms and scowled at Elias, giving him a pointed look in silent demand for answers. Elias just grinned at him.
“Turnabout is fair play, cousin. You kept the last outing from me, it’s only fair I get to do the same. We should head out, though.” Pushing off the floor, he snuck a kiss before straightening fully. “I made lunch for you ladies, it’s in the fridge. Just pop it in the microwave when you’re hungry. Call me if you need anything.”
Jasper hesitated near the door, looking at Isla uneasily. Knowing how careful he was with his sister, I promised him, “I’ll send pictures and updates every thirty minutes. Does that sound good?”
He let out a breath, flashing me a small smile. “Yeah, thanks. The formula is in the cupboard.”
I waved him away, putting a hand out to support her when Isla plopped onto her butt. She knew how to fall now so she didn’t hurt herself, but we were all still cautious. Hearing her smack her head the one time was enough for all of us.
The boys left after Elias brought the car seat in just in case I needed it, leaving me and Isla alone. I smiled at her when she crawled into my lap, supporting her when she stood on my thighs to better grab at the bandana I was wearing.
“It’s protection from grabby hands,” I explained with a smirk. “Both yours, and your cousins. That man doesn’t understand curls don’t like fingers in them. You’ll understand one day.”
She babbled back, beaming at me, and bouncing a little on my lap. I smiled back. “Come on, baby girl. We’ll start with lunch, then you can play in the bath for a little while.”
ZERO
Picking up Xander on our way, we headed to the mall to meet Rooster and Flash. I was a little apprehensive after the last trip to the mall ended so poorly, but neither Rooster nor I would be wearing our cuts or riding our bikes. Hopefully that was enough. Besides, I found it hard to imagine one of Battle’s guys in anarcade. It even had its own entrance, so we didn't have to go into the mall proper.
“He tell you where we’re going?” Jasper asked Xander, twisting around in the front seat. It was the first time he’d willingly sat up front. It felt a little stupid to be so happy about that, but I was feeling pretty good about our progress now. Once he realized I wasn’t trying to replace his moms, he settled more around me.
“No. He planned it through Mel, and she refused to tell me,” Xander complained. “Which reminds me. Call her Mel-Mel from now on.”
