“Hey, Rosie. What are you up to today?”
I shrugged. “Nothing much. I haven’t done much since the incident. Russell doesn’t want me to leaveThe Compound.”
“Oh, I know. Russ made sure that everyone who could drive knew you weren’t allowed to leave.”
“Sounds like something he would do. I’m getting a little antsy, though.”
“Antsy, huh. What are you trying to get me involved in?”
I giggled because he was on to me.
“Nothing big. I want to surprise Russell with lunch at the center. Do you think you can take me to OC Grill, then drop me off at the center? I’ll buy lunch for you too.”
“I guess that’s not too much, and buying me lunch isn’t necessary. Are you ready to go now?”
“If you are.”
“Let me go find my wife and let her know. She’s out doing something in the garden.”
“Okay. I need to get my purse. I’ll meet you in the garage.”
About ten minutes later, we hopped in Papa Rush’s Cadillac and headed to Onyx City Grill, making small talk on the ride. After picking up the food, we headed to the youth center.
When we arrived, I thanked Papa Rush with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. He didn’t drive away until I entered the building. Before heading to Russell’s office, I stopped to speak to Cinda, the woman who worked at the front desk.
“Hey, Cinda!”
“Hey, Rose! I haven’t seen you in a while. I heard what happened. How are you?”
“I’m good. Thank you for asking. How you been?”
“Pretty good. The Rush brothers keep us busy around here.”
“I’m sure they do. I heard the day care and preschool are doing well.”
“Yes! Have you seen it? There’s a wait list.”
“No. Not yet. I’ll have Russell take me over there. Is he in his office?”
“He should be. Can I just say how happy I am that you two are back together? Between you and me, that nigga has been hell for the past year.”
I laughed. “I’ve heard that from a few people, but Russell and I were just friends.”
She gave me the side-eye while pursing her lips.
“Girl, you can go tell that lie to someone else. You can go back.”
We shared a laugh before I headed to Russell’s office. I found him sitting behind his desk with his face buried in some documents.
“Hello, handsome,” I greeted, causing him to lift his head.
“Damn. You’re a sight for sore eyes, but what are you doing here? Did someone bring you?”
“If you must know, Papa Rush brought me, and I came to surprise you with lunch.”
I lifted the bag that he’d clearly not noticed.
“Thank you, baby. I’ve missed your random pop-ups. Close the door and c’mere.”
