Chapter 19
Chapter
Nineteen
Olive
I sat in Nawlins with the girls and Byrdie.
We had just spent a day getting our hair done in braids for our vacation.
I got the girls’ hair similar to mine, just no added hair.
I didn’t want to do too much and Highland had an issue.
So far, whenever I took the girls for our weekly girl’s day, he hadn’t said too much about what I did with them.
But still, I didn’t want to overdo it for their ages.
Being a girl mom was something new for me, but I had to remember they weren’t really mine.
“Ooh, Liv. I swear you and your minis are too cute. You got me about to tell Troy we need one.” I laughed out loud as I put Neela’s napkin on her shirt.
My phone dinged and I knew it was the picture Byrdie had just taken of us so I could send it to Highland.
I wanted him to see their hair, and of course, Neela wanted our picture we sent Daddy to be together.
“Oh girl hush, you not having another one. You said Darius is already giving you a run for your money these days.”
She shook her head while she sipped her drink.
I glanced at the picture once more, Neela in my lap with her arms around my neck and Cece leaning into my side with my arm around her.
Our smiles were wide. I loved it. I typed the message underneath that said your girls are beach ready before I sent it to him.
Even though I wanted to include myself in that conversation, I knew Highland would read it as only his daughters, which made sense but didn’t soothe the ache.
“No, I said he be spending all my damn money, but I think I could squeeze a couple more coins out of Troy for one. It’s like you have two little best friends you can dress like you.”
I snorted while I began to look at the kids’ menu so I could help the girls decide what they wanted to eat since I already knew what I was getting.
“Girl, I’ve had a little best friend for the last six, almost seven years now. Did you forget about your nephew?”
“No, but you have to admit, the boys are different. You have two forever nail and hair salon dates. Darius nor Jo-Jo are going for that. Speaking of, I talked to Jasiel. Have you told him yet?”
I shook my head frantically as I looked toward the girls. Cece was like a spy and I didn’t want Jo-Jo to know about Jasiel not coming home until after vacation. She caught my eye as she opened her mouth then pressed her lips closed.
“Nope. Jasiel requested to do it. That’s his area with Joriel, so I stay out of it until I’m needed. So you’re all set for our drive down on Friday?”
“Girl yes, and I can’t wait to be laid out on the beach, sipping something fruity and strong.
I already told Troy one night is just for us.
I want to hit The Tavern or something. Momma ain’t been out for fun without the crew in a minute.
And yes, this is your heads up to pack something worth being seen in.
None of your mom clothes because you won’t be nobody’s mommy while we’re making you a new friend. ”
“Uh huh, she’s going to be our mommy.” Neela’s little voice sounded out, shocking both me and Byrdie. I looked over to see Cece silently cosigning with a nod.
I knew Highland said Cece wanted to ask me, but I wasn’t expecting it to be so soon.
Hell, Olive, they didn’t ask.
So I figured I would.
“Y’all want me to be your mommy?” Cece spoke up while Neela snuggled up, nodding.
“Yes. And can we call you that? I know you and Daddy aren’t married, so you might not want us, but pretty please, Ms. Liv? We want to keep you forever.” I choked back a tear that almost made it out as I wrapped my arms around them.
“Of course. I would love that. And I want to be your mommy forever.”
My phone went off with a text from Highland.
Captain: Damn, if I didn’t make ‘em I would think they were all yours for real. All my girls look beautiful. Thank you for including them on your beauty day.
He included me!
Like a goofy schoolgirl crushing hard, I blushed as I got ready to text back. But another came through before I could respond.
Captain: Oh and I think we got a future baseball player on our hands, our boy is a natural.
Another one came through, a picture of Jo-Jo with a baseball helmet on, holding a bat in his hand. I pressed my lips together, doing my worst at concealing my grin.
When Highland said he wanted to still be in Jo-Jo’s life, I wasn’t prepared for the extent of what he meant.
So far, he was exposing Jo-Jo to everything Jasiel hadn’t been able to and I loved that.
I could only do so much when it came to raising Jo-Jo to be a good young man on my own.
So even if we didn’t work out, I was thankful for Highland wanting to step in and step up for my son.
Me: At this point he’s going to play it all. You said that about basketball, golf, and football. What’s next on the list? Hockey?
Captain: Yup then track and field. We gon’ do it all!
Me: Oh and by the way, I just had the Mommy talk. I guess we’re stuck with each other now.
Captain: Yo, I swear our kids are conspiring together because Jo-Jo slipped and called me Daddy. And I guess so. I ain’t mad at it though.
I chuckled lowly as I locked my phone so I could put my attention back on the girls and pick out their food.
The waitress showed up just in time as we placed our orders. My phone went off again but Byrdie snatched it before I could even see who it was.
“Uht uhn, you can talk to Highland whenever. It’s girl time.”
“Girl, he has Jo-Jo; hand me my phone.” She huffed but passed it back.
“Liv, you need to let that man be a good stepdaddy alone.”
I unlocked it to see his message, causing me to frown because I wasn’t sure what it even meant.
Captain: I’m going to water our bean, Olive.
Me: Okay.
That was all I said. I put my attention back on my girls as we talked about everything they wanted to do on vacation.
The round of knocks on my door had me groaning as I lifted my head from my pillow.
I glanced at the alarm clock to see it was only eight in the morning.
Today was my day off and I had no intention of getting up before ten today.
I rolled over, snuggling deeper into my bed, praying that whoever would take me ignoring them as a sign to go away.
The creaking of my door opening had me turning again to see Jo-Jo standing in my doorway, rubbing his eyes. “Mommy, someone’s at the door,” Jo-Jo said as he came further in the room, getting into my bed with me.
“I know, maybe if you cuddle with me, they’ll go away,” I said as I pulled him into my arms, holding him close.
Jo-Jo’s laughter erupted as I began to tickle him.
“No, Mommy, stop!” He could barely get those words out. The sound of my phone ringing on my nightstand had me breaking up my moment with my big boy who had been too busy growing up on me, so I hadn’t had too many of these cuddle tickle sessions.
I grunted as I reached over to see Highland’s name on display. I frowned slightly as I answered the phone. I didn’t think I would hear from him until tomorrow when I had to drop Jo-Jo off to him while I had my client.
“Yes, Captain.” The nickname flowed out with ease which had my body tensing as I forgot I couldn’t call him that anymore.
“Good morning, come open the door. The girls and I are here, are y’all cool in there? You taking too long to open up.” I pulled the phone away and curved my lip in confusion.
“Olive!” I heard him calling me and apparently so did Jo-Jo who was up moving fast to get out of my bed.
“Is that my daddy and my sisters?”
“Yes.” I answered him then put my attention on Highland as I got up myself.
“What are you doing here? I thought I was coming tomorrow morning?”
“Tate called out sick. I have to work a party in a few. I brought coffee.” It was like music to my ears as I made my way into the bathroom to handle my hygiene.
“Ooh from Brewed Bean?” I asked as I sat down to pee.
“Ain’t that your spot?” I giggled as I angled my phone against my ear so I could wipe.
“Yeah but you might’ve forgotten my likes and dislikes. It’s been so long since you got my order.” I put the phone on speaker as I continued the basic care of washing my hands, face, and brushing my teeth. I would handle my shower once Highland left and I got the kids situated with breakfast.
“I could never forget, Olive.” I looked up to see Highland standing in the doorway, in his uniform looking good as hell. I licked my lips, trying to do dual work since I hadn’t made it that far yet.
“I know it’s last minute and I also know this was your last prep day for the trip.
So let me at least cover your day. I brought breakfast from the smoothie spot, Cece’s request, but here is money for lunch and whatever you were going to spend on clothes or whatever.
” My head was shaking as I put toothpaste on my brush.
“Thank you for the breakfast and coffee, but no, Highland, lunch money is fine. I can’t have you buying things for me though, especially when we’re not together.” He walked in further and my breathing damn near stopped.
“Olive, together or not, I’ma make sure you’re good. So whatever you’re talking about doesn’t mean shit to me.” He leaned down and kissed my forehead. My breathing became choppy as a nauseous sensation came over me. “I’ll call when I’m on my way back. I shouldn’t be long.”
I caught Highland’s smirk as he left me standing there confused about what caused the shift with him.
After packing for the trip, I started the process of trying to set up a job posting, looking for another cuddle therapist. Byrdie was right about one thing; I could still keep my private practice if I just hired a cuddler to handle the heavy lifting for me.
The only problem was finding them. I wasn’t even sure if another one was local in the Falls or not.
Not to mention, I honestly had no idea how to be someone’s boss.
Olive, you’re already your own boss, so you got experience. Plus Tunk.