Chapter 5 #2
“No, it’s not too late. We have extra forms for those who would like to sign it for their kiddos.” My attempt for him to put his eyes on me worked. Mr. Floyd looked my way, offered a nod, and I smiled.
The counselors dismissed the parents not long after, with some headed to the main pavilion to sign the form, while Jo-Jo was dragging me toward the playground where I had my new book and their snack of the day with me.
The girls appeared not even a minute later with Jo-Jo near the swing. When I noticed little mama trying to get on the big kid swing, I jumped up to help her get into the baby one.
“Whoa, Neela, let me help you, sweetie.” I looked around for their dad who I knew was just here. I didn’t see him though, so I assumed he left the girls since he knew I was here.
Great, Olive, he thinks you’re a freaking babysitter.
I began to push the swing for Neela.
“Thank you, Ms. Liv,” her sweet little voice sang out, making me smile and remember why I even started staying later at the park with them and it wasn’t for their dad.
It was for them and for Jo-Jo.
“You’re welcome, pretty girl. Where did y’all’s dad go?” I asked them both as I looked over at Ceona doing her best to kick her legs out to get the swing started. I chuckled as I stepped away from Neela to assist in the process.
“He’s right here.” His deep, rich, rough voice startled me, causing me to jump back, releasing Ceona’s ropes before I was ready but had her giggling from the high impact.
“I had to stop by my car for you and Jo-Jo’s surprise.
I forgot all about the parent meeting this afternoon at pick up or I would’ve opted for something that wouldn’t have melted in five minutes.
” He had a cup tray in his hand with a variety of slushies.
The two big kids immediately left their swings while I picked Neela up to free her so she could get her cup.
“Oh wow, thank you. Well, we appreciate the gesture, nonetheless. Jo-Jo, can you tell Mr. Floyd thank you?” I said just as he passed me the white one.
“Thank you, Mr. Floyd. Can I have the purple one?”
“Sure can. And you can call me, Lando.” I jumped in adding the proper title for Jo-Jo.
“Aht aht, Mr. Lando to you Jo-Jo.” He nodded and the kids took off while Highland and I made our way to the bench where my book and bag full of fruit snacks and sport drinks for the kids were.
“Well I guess I’ll save these for tomorrow.” I said as I motioned toward the bag.
“Damn, so you really bring snacks everyday for them? I mean the girls said you did but Ceona sometimes exaggerates in her truth telling.” I snickered at him low key calling her a liar.
“Yes. I try to switch it up and always make it something that will hold them over while they’re still here and include something that will hydrate them and me.
It’s a decent eighty-five degrees today and they have been in it all day.
” I shrugged as I took a sip of my partially melted slushie, instantly tasting the alcohol with the coconut flavor.
My eyes bugged out. “Oh wow. Well, I see why I got the white one.”
“Oh yeah, Ceona wanted to do wine, and even though I could’ve added it to a red one, I tried to keep ours different from the kids.” I nodded as my nose scrunched and I tilted my head to the side.
“No, that makes sense. And why wine?”
Highland chuckled before he pressed his lips around his straw, taking a sip of his.
“Jo-Jo told her you like wine, said it puts you in a good mood.” I shook my head in total surprise at these kids and why the topic was even on me and wine. Highland tossed his free hand up.
“In my defense, the source sounded strong as hell, so I didn’t question it too much. Shit, now I feel silly for even doing any alcohol at all. I figured a pina colada would blend in nicely without too much trouble though.” I covered my mouth as I laughed.
“No, it’s much appreciated. Thank you. I swear, these damn kids will spread all your dirty secrets if they knew them.
Well, I do love a good wine, but this is good.
It’s making me wish I was laid on the beach, being greedy, soaking up all the sun I could take.
” My mind went to Byrdie’s vacation idea then I thought about how Jasiel wasn’t coming home; so the idea of even a staycation that didn’t include him was out for me.
I closed my eyes and leaned my head back for a moment, enjoying the heat rays against my face.
Enjoy this moment, Olive, this might be as close as you get to paradise like this.
“The way it’s glistening off your skin right now, I don’t think the sun would mind letting you take as much as you wanted.”
Highland’s words had me sitting back up to see him staring at me with low eyes full of lust. I cleared my eyes and looked away, taking another sip of my drink.
The sound of Neela’s little cries broke our little moment up as we looked up to see her making her way over to us.
I thought she would go to her dad, but she came right to my lap instead, crying about a pretend boo-boo.
I looked at Highland who smirked while giving me the eye to continue as he leaned back, tossing his arm over the rail of the bench, landing it perfectly behind me.
“Oh Neela, let me see.” I picked her up and brushed off the debris before I kissed her little arm.
“There, all cleaned. Is that better, pretty girl?” She sniffled as she nodded before laying her head on my shoulder.
This was new for us. Granted, no kid had hurt themselves on my watch.
But still, we hadn’t had these types of moments.
I wrapped her in my arms, held her closely, and began to instantly soothe her further, getting her to calm down completely.
The girls are getting too attached to you, Olive, and too fast. You have to pull back.
Panic set in and now I was frantically passing her to Highland so I could call Jo-Jo. We had to go, and I meant now.
Olive, what are you doing?
“Well, I think we should be going. Thank you for the quick trip to the beach, Highland,” I said just as Neela landed in his arms. I was sure both were confused by my sudden change of mood.
Shit, I was too as I got up, grabbing my bag and cup at the same time as I called Jo-Jo’s name, gaining his attention.
“Anytime.” Jo-Jo waved his goodbyes and we headed off.
We’d reached the car when Highland called out to me with Ceona next to him and Neela still in his arms.
“Ay, Olive, what about a playdate not on the playground sometime?” Even with my feet moving to get away from him, my mouth responded, doing the complete opposite.
“Sure.” I had no idea why I even agreed to be in another, more closed off space with this man and his family.
It’s for the kids, Olive.
That was my excuse and I was sticking to it. He wore a silly grin as he made his way further into my space.
“Put your number in and we can set something up for tomorrow.” He licked his lips, holding out his phone, that I took and did as I was told.
“See you later, Ms. Liv.” That was Ceona just as she hugged my legs and Neela waved.