Chapter 25
Something was off. I could feel it.
A last minute cancellation from one of my newer clients. I was sitting in the lounge, phone in hand, scrolling through my bookings for the week. My schedule was still full. But not…full full like it typically was.
Along with this one, there had been a few cancellations in the last week.
Not to mention there were small gaps that made me pause.
I frowned slightly, tapping the screen as I looked closer.
A late evening slot on Thursday that should’ve been gone by now.
A Friday evening booking that had was pending instead of locked in.
Even one of my standing clients had shifted his usual time to next weekend.
That never happened.
My brow furrowed as I refreshed the page again. I leaned back slowly, my mind already working. Maybe it was just an off week. That happened sometimes. But not like this. Not this random and inconsistent. I hadn't received any complaints so far. There had been no weird interactions.
Exhaling slowly… my mind involuntarily wandered to Monroe.
I swear the way that bitch looked at me I wasn't sure if she wanted to eat my pussy or fight me sometimes.
I couldn't outright accuse her of anything, but I had the strongest feeling that somehow this unsettled energy was her doing.
She hadn't made any snide comments since that day, but whenever our paths crossed in the house I could damn near feel the disdain in her energy.
She was probably still pissy about Boss. But he was gone now—I didn't understand why she couldn't let it go and move on. There was no way her ass was that hung up over a client, even one she caught feelings for.
No—this was deeper than that. Boss may have been the catalyst, but Monroe had it out for me from day one. The way shit was going, this was gon' end up in one or two ways—me leaving or me stomping a hole in her fucking head.
One thing was for certain though—a bitch wasn't ever going to be able to say she ran me out of anywhere especially when there was money on the table. So, unfortunately, it was looking like I would have to follow up on that threat to put my fist in her mouth.
My frustration was paused momentarily when my phone chimed. Grabbing it off the table in front of me, a small smile pulled at my lips when I saw the photo and text. Remy, shirtless in an apron and chef's hat with a whisk in one hand and a bag of chocolate chips in the other.
My Sweetheart: When are you going to come and make those pancakes for me, beautiful?
Ugh! This man. He was so damn sexy and adorable. He had the ability to make stress just melt away with a text or a phone call. And right now…I needed that. I pressed Facetime, waiting for the call to connect.
Seconds later, his handsome face was on the screen smiling. "Hey, beautiful." He leaned closer. "How are you?"
My smile deepened. "Better now that I'm seeing you. Nice picture by the way."
Remy chuckled. "I hoped you would like it."
"Was that this morning?"
He nodded. "It was. I—"
Our conversation was interrupted by—"Daddy!" followed by Melo launching into Remy's arms.
"Easy, buddy," Remy laughed holding the phone up higher and adjusting Melo in his arms.
"Hi, little handsome," I cooed into the screen.
Melo turned quickly, his eyes widening. "Pretty pancake lady!" he grinned waving at me excitedly.
"It's Gianna," Remy corrected gently with a smile.
"You can call me GG, sweetheart," I said my heart already pitter-pattering at seeing his little face again.
"Hi, GG!" he waved again, sticking his face in the phone.
Gosh he was the cutest damn kid. "Hi again, honey. How's it going?" I asked
"Good. I didn't have school today, so me and Daddy are gonna go to the park and to get ice cream."
"Froyo," Remy clarified peeking his head over his son's shoulder with a smile. "I know this organic place."
Chuckling, I nodded. "That sounds like a wonderful day you two. I hope you have fun."
"Can you come too?!" Melo exclaimed.
I blinked, pausing, staring at the screen. Obviously, we had talked daily about me and Melo getting an opportunity to spend time together, but nothing had been set in stone yet. However, I was ready as long as Remy was. My eyes flicked to his for approval.
He glanced at his son, then at me. Finally, he smiled slowly. "If you're free…we would love for you join us."
My heart skipped. Rubbing my chest, I smiled. "Yeah—" I replied softly with a nod. "I have an opening in my schedule so I'm free for a few hours. If you're sure, I would love too."
"Yay!" Melo yelled throwing up his little arms.
Remy laughed. "I think he's more excited to see you than I am."
"Well, I'm more excited to see him than you to be fair," I laughed.
"Ouch," he grinned. "I get it though. It's hard to compete with this face." He pinched his son's cheek playfully. "Do you need a ride?"
"No, I'm okay." I shook my head. "I can just come over to your house, and we can ride together if that's okay?"
"Of course." Remy smiled. "We'll see you in a bit."
"Absolutely." I turned my eyes back to Melo. "See you soon, Melo."
"Bye, GG!" he waved before we disconnected.
This wasn't how I was expecting my afternoon going, but I wasn’t mad about it now. Jumping up, I quickly went to change out of my slinky red dress and into a pair of cargo jeans, cropped top and sneakers I had brought along. Then I was off to see my boys.
I slid into my car, started it, and let the music fill the space as I pulled off my mind already shifting.
By the time I pulled up to Remy’s, whatever irritation I had been holding onto had softened into something different.
Anticipation, warmth, and a little bit of nervous energy I couldn’t quite shake.
By the time I walked on the porch, the door was already being opened. Remy stood there smiling with Melo right in front of him bouncing on his toes. "You came!"
Grinning, I stooped down to his eye-level. "Of course I did. I wouldn't miss a chance to hang out with you."
Unexpectedly, he threw his arms around my neck. The tears that stung my eyes were immediate. My arms went around him to hug him against me snugly. He smelled like Johnson's & Johnson's baby lotion. I closed my eyes to keep the tears from falling, but when I opened them, a few slid down anyway.
My eyes moved up to Remy. He had a look on his face that was equal parts heartbreak and love. Giving me a watery smile, he reached down to brush the tears from my face gently.
Melo finally removed his arms from around my neck. "You smell pretty," he smiled.
"So do you, cutie." I tapped his nose gently.
Remy rubbed the top of his son's head. "Let her come in, buddy. Go get your shoes on, okay?"
"Okay!" Melo nodded and dashed to the back.
Remy took my hand and pulled me inside, closing the door behind me before pulling me into his arms. "Thank you for coming," he murmured into my neck.
"Thank you for inviting me." I pulled back slightly to kiss him. "I'm looking forward to spending time with you guys."
"So are we." He kissed me again. "Full disclaimer—my son is high energy."
I thumbed my gloss off his lips. "No disclaimer needed. I'm okay with that. I'm prepared to run, jump and do all that."
Remy smiled warmly. "Yeah?"
"Yes, handsome." I held his face in my hands. "Don’t worry. We're going to be fine and have a wonderful time."
He nodded, squeezing me around the waist. "How long do we have you till?"
"About four. Then I have to head back."
Exhaling sharply, he nodded once. "Okay."
I kissed him one final time before we pulled apart and Melo came barreling back in. "Ready!" he announced taking my hand.
"Let's go," I smiled, leading him to Remy's car.
“Seatbelt check,” Remy said, tugging it lightly when Melo was buckled in.
“I’m good,” Melo replied proudly.
“Alright then,” he smiled, closing the door before coming around to the passenger side for me. He opened it, waiting until I slid in before shutting it gently. Moments later, he was in the driver’s seat, pulling off.
The ride was easy. Melo talked the entire way, bouncing between topics like his mind was moving faster than his words—school, cartoons, what flavor froyo he was going to get, and how he was going to beat us both at the park.
“You're not beating me,” I laughed, turning slightly in my seat to look at him.
“I am!” he insisted.
“We gon’ see,” I teased.
Remy glanced over at me, smiling softly before turning his attention back to the road. “He’s been talking about this all morning,” he said.
“I can tell,” I laughed.
It didn’t take long before we pulled into the park. The sun was sitting just right, not too hot, with a light breeze moving through the trees. Kids were scattered across the playground, laughter carrying through the air.
“Wait,” Remy said as he parked, turning slightly in his seat. “Let me get him. Don't you open that door.” He gave me playful warning. He got out, opening Melo’s door and lifting him down before opening my door.
Melo grabbed my hand. “C’mon, GG!” he said, already pulling me toward the playground.
I laughed, letting him lead as we walked together, Remy right beside us.
“What do you wanna do first?” I asked him.
“The swings!” he answered without hesitation.
“Alright, swings it is.”
We made our way over, and I helped him climb up while Remy stood behind him, giving him a small push to get him started. Melo’s laughter came quick, loud, and full as he swung higher.
Once he got some motion going, pumping his little legs he yelled out to us. "Get on Daddy and GG!"
We did. I started pumping my legs, getting this jolt of nostalgia remembering how freeing this felt. I pumped my legs harder, going higher and higher until I was swinging higher than them both.
"Wow! You're flying!" Melo laughed excitedly.
"Alright now, Gianna—that's too high," Remy warned, slowing down to watch me carefully.
I laughed loudly. "I'm fine!"
"Daddy, can I go faster too?" Melo asked.
"Not that fast, buddy," Remy replied stopping his legs and getting off to watch me.