Chapter Eight
CHAPTER EIGHT
FRENCHIE
I could barely sleep last night thinking of Stassi moving in because I don’t live with women. Hell, I don’t even bring them back here. I like my privacy. I paced the kitchen, checking the clock every few minutes. The clock reads 7:58 AM.
I look down at Avalynn who is currently sitting in her bouncer staring at me wide-eyed. "Hey there, princess," I coo at Avalynn. "Ready for your nanny to move in with us?"
She gurgles and kicks her little legs. I can't help but smile.
The door opens and my mom walks in. “Sorry I’m late but they’re setting up road construction on my block.” She kisses my cheek as she puts her keys down on the counter. “How is my sweet pea?” She picks up Avalynn and begins talking to her about the road construction.
“You know she doesn’t understand you, right?” I remind her as I put on my work boots and grab my truck keys.
“It’s a way for her to get used to my voice. Go get Stassi. I’ll get her fed, changed, and all ready for the nanny. I figured I’d stick here today to help Stassi and make sure she has what she needs. You can go into work.” I nod before walking out the door. I put Stassi’s address into my GPS and head out. I pull in front of the house and notice the driveway has three cars, which is odd because Stassi said she didn’t have a car. I hop out of the truck and walk up to the front door. It swings open and Stassi is standing there with a big smile on her face.
“Hi!” She seems nervous as she fidgets with a loose string on her hoodie.
“Good morning. I brought my muscles so we can get you moved in.” I flex making her laugh.
“Come on in. My family is finishing up breakfast.” Her stomach growls and I look at her stomach. “Sorry.” She blushes.
“You can finish eating. I can wait.” She looks back to where there is laughing and banter.
“I’m not welcomed here. I’m ready to go. Follow me.” We walk upstairs and I see a few garbage bags, suitcases, and some boxes.
“Are you taking any of the furniture?” I scan the room to see one dresser and a bed. It’s a twin. The house screams money and it seems like none of it was spent on her. Well, I’m going to spoil her and make sure she knows she’s valued. Where the fuck did that come from?
“No. It belongs to my stepdad. I’m not allowed to take anything with me but my clothes and the things I had on my walls.” She swallows hard, and I can see she’s trying to hold back the tears. I want to pull her into a hug.
“Who are you?” A man’s deep voice is behind me. I turn to where it came from, and see a man about five feet ten inches with brown hair.
“I’m Stassi’s new boss. I’m here to help her move things into an apartment.” I’m not giving this man any information. He mutters something about not taking his belongings. I roll my eyes at his retreating back. “Ready to go?” She nods. We make three trips and she goes in to say goodbye to her mom and siblings. I lean across the back of the truck waiting for her to come out. A woman who looks a lot like Stassi walks out with her.
“Now don’t be a stranger. Come back to visit anytime.”
“Sure thing, Mom.” She hugs her again. “Ready to go? I’m sure you have to get to work and I can’t wait to spend time with Avalynn.”
I salute her, making her laugh. We drive back in silence as I’m sure she’s thinking about leaving her family home. I want to know more about her family life.
“When we get back to the apartment, I’ll have the guys bring the stuff up so you can see Avalynn and my mom.”
“That sounds good to me. Your mom is a sweetheart. I’m so happy I met her yesterday.”
“I’m thankful she met you too. I just want you to know that I never knew Avalynn’s mom was even pregnant. We were very casual; I guess you could say it was more of a bar hookup.”
“I’m not judging. I’m sorry you missed out on the joys of childbirth and watching her grow inside the woman’s belly. From my years of taking care of kids, listening to the father’s side of the pregnancy is a beautiful thing.” I never thought of what I lost. It got me thinking. I have no baby pictures for Avalynn when she’s older, and I need to correct that soon. I pull into a parking spot close to the stairs.
“Come on.” We get out and head into the apartment. “Come on in.”
She steps inside and takes one look at Avalynn, “Good morning, little lady.” She addresses Avalynn, and is rewarded with a gummy smile back.
I chuckle. "Looks like she's already won over."
Stassi kneels down next to Avalynn's bouncer. "Aren't you just the cutest?"
Avalynn blows some spit bubbles happily, reaching out her tiny hands.
"She likes you," I say, watching them interact.
Stassi looks up at me, her green eyes sparkling. "I like her too. We're going to be great friends, aren't we, Avalynn?"
I feel a warmth spread through my chest. "So, uh, let me show you around."
We tour the house, and Stassi asks thoughtful questions about Avalynn's routine.
"And this is her room," I say, pushing open the nursery door.
Stassi gasps. "Oh my goodness, is that a racing-themed mobile?”
I grin, feeling a surge of pride. "Sure is. Custom-made by yours truly."
Stassi walks closer, examining the tiny race cars dangling above the crib. "This is incredible, Frenchie. You made this?"
"Yeah, couldn't find anything in the stores that felt right." I shrug, trying to play it cool.
She turns to me, eyes wide with admiration. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?"
I feel my cheeks heat up. "I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."
Avalynn starts fussing in my arms, reminding us of her presence.
"Sounds like someone's hungry," Stassi says, reaching for the baby. "Mind if I feed her?"
"Go for it," I say, handing Avalynn over. "Formula’s in the kitchen."