Marshall: The Manny

Chapter 5

5

D emi

One Week Later

Today was so long and draining. We’d encountered a bug in the demo version of the app that needed to be corrected. What was usually an eight to ten hour workday was fourteen. I went in early and still left late, but I didn’t complain. It was only right that I be the first in and last out for my business. My app. As I drove home, I made plans with Jessica to thank my small team. I only had four people working for me currently, and with the size of the app, it should have been thirty. Before I expanded, I wanted to be able to offer a great salary, insurance benefits, and vacation time.

That was another reason why the launch of Demi Bot 2 was so important to me. It was estimated to do three to five times as well as the initial app at the start of its launch and ten times as well within six months. This app wasn’t going to change just me and my son’s lives, but my employees, and the creatives who used the platform to stream as well. So far thousands of creators had signed up for the demo version of the app and trusted me with streaming their work. I had to make it perfect for them.

It was so late when I finally got home that I didn’t expect Marshall to be in my home. With it being past Denver’s bedtime, I expected Marshall to be in the guest house. Imagine my surprise when I walked into my home and found him in the living room waiting for me. The lights were off and the volume on the TV was at a low level. He stood and stretched as I walked in his direction.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” I asked.

“Waiting for you. You’ve had a long day.”

“True. So sorry about that. I know we agreed you’d have time for yourself after dinner.”

Marshall gave me a dismissive wave of his hand. “It’s cool. Don’t even worry about that. Have you eaten?”

“Um… not since my coffee this morning.”

Marshall chuckled. “Coffee isn’t food, so you haven’t eaten all day?”

With a shrug, I yawned. “I guess not.”

“Come on.” He took my hand into his. “Let me take care of you.” Instead of telling him it wasn’t necessary as I usually would, I followed his lead. It only took three days for me to realize Marshall was serious about making my life easier. As he said he would, he had my coffee ready every morning and dinner every evening. If I was late, he didn’t complain. I was truly blessed to have him. “I want you to start taking better care of yourself, Demi,” he continued, helping me into a chair at the kitchen table. “I know how important this app is, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. To be at an optimum level of productivity, you need nutrients and rest. Do I need to start calling you throughout the day to make sure you’re eating and taking breaks?”

I couldn’t stop myself from smiling even if I wanted to. I tried to tell myself he cared so much because… well… I actually wasn’t sure why he cared so much. It made me feel good knowing he did though.

“I’ll do better,” I promised.

“Good.”

He busied himself with making me electrolyte, chlorophyll, and magnesium water to ensure I was hydrated and that I’d sleep peacefully throughout the night. I was more tired than I realized, or maybe it was because I was finally home and at peace. Either way, my body relaxed and I started yawning instantly.

“Aw hell, let me make you something quick,” he said, making me giggle. “Tell me about you so you’ll stay up.”

“Okay. Hmm…” I thought back to what he’d shared with me the first day we met, and I provided the same information. He was surprised to learn I was only twenty-eight and that I’d accomplished as much as I had. I was an only child, and my parents spoiled me. They made it easy for me to be a mom and would do more if I allowed it. I was super grateful for them and Jessica. My tribe was small, but it was mighty.

We continued to talk about our hobbies, interests, likes, and dislikes. The conversation was so easy I forgot it was a distraction until he put chili rubbed salmon, broccoli, and seasoned rice in front of me.

“Mm… This smells good, Marshall. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Enjoy. Get some rest, okay?”

“I will thanks to you. Thank you.”

I was surprised when he planted a kiss to my forehead. It was the same thing he did to Denny, and I now understood why my son would cheese so hard when he did it. There was nothing romantic about the gesture, but it was tender and filled with care and love. For some reason, that made me get emotional as I ate. I hadn’t been with a man romantically since Denver’s sperm donor, and having Marshall around often reminded me that I was alone. The way he cared for me made that an easier burden to carry, but it also made me want more.

The Next Evening

I was determined to leave work early today. I made it before Denver was supposed to go down for his last nap of the day before dinner time. Following the sound of music, I found them in Denver’s room. While Marshall sang along to Al Green, Denver danced as if he knew what the lyrics meant. As if he felt them in his soul. All I could do was laugh, gaining their attention.

Denver raced over to me, and I quickly scooped him up before showering him with kisses.

“What are my two favorite guys doing?” I asked, and the phrase slipped out before I could fully process it. Not bothering to correct myself, I waited for Marshall to answer me.

“We just finished going over some new words before it’s time for little man’s last nap.” Marshall handed me the word sheet with several pictures underneath. “Ask him about anything on the picture.”

I did, and I was so proud when he was able to name eight of the ten things, including a dog instead of calling it woof like he usually did. “You did such a good job, Denny! Yay!”

“Yay!” Denver cheered and clapped, causing me and Marshall to do the same.

Since I was early enough, I put him down for his nap, and I thought it was kind of cute that Marshall had a watchful eye.

As we walked out of Denver’s room I told him, “Thank you for taking such great care of my son.”

“I could say I’m just doing my job, but it’s truly my pleasure. He’s a great kid, Demi. You’re doing so well with him. He’s one of the most advanced toddlers I know. If you keep up with what you’re doing, he’ll be reading and doing basic math before he even starts kindergarten.”

“Thank you.” I beamed as we made our way into the kitchen. “I’m really proud to be his mom. He’s so bright, and I owe him a foundation for the best future he can possibly have. That’s why even though I hate being away from him, I’m dedicated to doing everything I can to set us up financially. He deserves that and so much more.”

Marshall stared at me for a while but didn’t say anything. When he headed for the refrigerator I told him, “No, you always cook. Let me cater to you for a change.”

“Oh no.” His smile was sexy as he shook his head. “I can’t let you do that, Demi.”

“You can, and you will. If it makes you feel better, I’m not cooking. I’m doing takeout.”

His body relaxed. “Aight, that’s cool. What did you have a taste for?”

“I love Mexican. The spot up the street has the best birria tacos and quesadillas.”

“Sounds good. You can’t have Mexican without tequila though. I’ll be right back.”

Excitement surged through me at the thought of spending time with him. Usually when it was time for dinner, he left me alone. I appreciated the solitude at first, but now, I craved his company.

When he returned, it was with two different bottles of tequila and Jameson.

“I wasn’t sure which you’d prefer, plus, I wanted you to see the bottles weren’t open.”

I smiled. “Seeing as I trust you with my most valuable treasure, I think it’s safe for me to trust you with me too,” I said, pointing to the bottle of reposado.

“Your trust means a lot to me. Thank you.”

We held each other’s gaze for a while before he set the bottles on the table and looked away. Note to self: Do not fall for Marshall the manny.