“I keep telling Nika to send his ass to me, but she just gotta be stubborn. Always gotta be in control.”
“You know how Mom is.”
“Yeah, controlling and spoiled as hell.” He chuckled. “So, what do you say, Basil?”
“If it’s okay with Ms. Alicia, I’d love to. I’m on her time.”
“I’m sure the girls can find them something to do while the boys have a little break.”
“You’ll teach me how to fish, Grandpa?” Carsyn asked.
“I wouldn’t be a grandpa if I didn’t teach my favorite boy!” he exclaimed, palming his head and shaking it.
The waitress finally came to take our orders, then we made light conversation until our food arrived. After, we toured the rest of the park, played games, went shopping, and watched the live shows. The feeling of nostalgia was still present as I watched the little ones enjoy their time here. It was what they needed, and I was happy to witness their happiness.
It wasnightfall by the time we made it back to the house. The kids were pooped as we helped them into their pajamas and into bed.
Alicia asked me if I wanted to watch a movie after our showers, and I didn’t hesitate to agree. Any time I was able to spend alone with her was fine with me. I hurriedly showered and put on some loungewear, then headed down to the living room, where Alicia sat, nursing a glass of wine and flipping through Tubi movies.
“Find something good yet?” I asked, rounding the couch and taking a seat.
“Not yet, but this one sounds interesting.” She put on the movie calledThe Maid Of Honor, then placed the remote on the table. We were silent for a moment before she looked over at me, smiling. “I don’t know if I want you to go fishing with my dad.”
“Why?”
“Because . . . I like having you here with me and the kids. It’s comforting.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Mm-hmm. I want to be selfish, but I also didn’t tell him you couldn’t, so now he’s looking forward to taking you and Carsyn away from me—us, I mean.”
“I could canc?—”
“And have that man curse me out? I don’t think so.” She giggled.
Fucking sexy ass.
“Besides, he loves to fish, and I want him to be happy.” I could tell she may have had a few glasses since we’d been backfrom the park. Her eyes were slightly hooded, and she talked more than she’d ever talked since I’d been working for her.
I didn’t mind that at all. I was happy she was finally loosening up around me.
“Are you really engaged?”
“Never,” I replied honestly.
“Why did you fib?”
I smiled at her. “For you. I knew your moms was embarrassing you, so I wanted to throw you a bone.”
“Oh. That was sweet of you. Have you ever been in a relationship before?”
“I have.”
“What happened, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“You’re good. She was spoiled and hated children. Well, I won’t say hate, but she didn’t like them too much. Anytime I’d have my nieces and nephews over, she’d get an attitude, almost like she was jealous. I loved her though. I tried to make shit work between us, but she had become hard to deal with. When she killed my baby, I knew I had to let her go. She was toxic, spoiled, and wanted me all to herself.”
Alicia gasped. “I’m so sorry. I know that had to be hard for you.”
