Chapter 56
My eyes locked on the television screen while the faint beeping of hospital equipment echoed softly in the background.
“Breaking news this morning—Geneva Avery has been arrested while allegedly attempting to flee the state with her two children.
Authorities say Avery is suspected in the murder of her husband, Bishop Avery, whose body was discovered inside an apartment after neighbors reported a foul odor coming from the unit.
Police also confirmed that Avery is accused of shooting local woman Gianna Taylor during what investigators believe was an emotionally charged confrontation connected to an alleged affair between Taylor and the victim.
Ms. Taylor remains hospitalized in stable condition following emergency surgery. ”
I closed my eyes in relief, reaching over to take Gianna's hand in mine. "They got her, baby." I kissed the top gently. "It's all over."
She didn't stir but I knew she was in there focusing on healing so she could come back to me. And I would be right here when she opened those pretty eyes. I wanted to be the first person she saw.
The door opened and Ronnie stepped in. "Hey, Rem. GG's parents are about to pull up. You ready?"
I kissed her hand once more before gently placing it back down with a nod. "I'm ready. Never anticipated this would be the way I meet them though." I fixed my T-shirt.
Ronnie gave me a soft, encouraging smile. "I know. But they'll love you. They're cool people."
I exhaled slowly and nodded. "You got my back in case they hate me?"
She laughed. "I got you." She gave me a playful nudge.
A few minutes later the door opened, and I was staring at my lady's parents.
Gianna definitely got her looks from her mom. Ms. Robin was beautiful. Same soft features. Same big brown eyes. She looked more like Gianna's older sister than her mama honestly.
Her dad, Laurence, was tall and broad shouldered with silver dusting through his beard. He carried himself with an air of a quiet confidence and sternness. He reminded me a little of my own father.
They both looked exhausted and terrified. They gave me a quick glance before rushing toward the bed.
"Oh, baby…" her mom broke down reaching for Gianna's face carefully.
Her dad stood beside her rubbing Gianna's leg through the blanket, jaw tight like he was trying hard not to fall apart.
Stepping back, I gave them space to have their moment with their daughter. Ronnie moved beside me quietly while I stood there awkwardly near the window suddenly feeling out of place despite not wanting to leave Gianna's side for even a second.
Her mom finally looked over toward Ronnie. "Thank you for staying with her, Ronnie"
"Always. You know that's my other half," Ronnie answered softly.
Her dad's eyes shifted toward me, steady and assessing.
I straightened instinctively. Stepping forward I extended my hand respectfully. "I'm Remy. Sorry to meet you under such unfortunate circumstances."
He looked down at my hand for a second before taking it firmly. His grip was strong.
"You care about my daughter?" he asked plainly.
"More than anything," I answered without hesitation. "I love her."
His eyes searched mine for a long moment. Then he nodded once. That single nod relieved the tension my chest.
Ms. Robin wiped at her tears before finally turning toward me fully. "So you're the chef?" she asked softly.
"Yes ma'am."
"She wouldn't stop talking about you and your little boy."
A small smile pulled at my mouth. "She has both of our hearts." I glanced over at Gianna.
Ms. Robin smiled through watery eyes. "And you two have hers. She adores you two." She touched Gianna's face sadly. "I was just happy she was happy."
Laurence looked back toward Gianna lying in the bed. "Thank you for being here with her," he said quietly.
"Nowhere else on earth I would be," I replied.
My phone rang in my pocket. Plucking it out, I saw my mom's face. Excusing myself I stepped out into the hallway already knowing it was my son. "Hey, buddy." I answered.
"Hey, Daddy! Is GG woke yet. I made her a picture."
"Not yet, son but I'm sure she's gonna love it. We'll put in on the fridge for now."
"Okay. Are you going home soon?"
I looked back towards the room. I had been at Gianna's side for the past two days. Only going home to shower and change. Of course my son wanted me home. "Tell you what, give Daddy a few more hours with GG and I'll be home tonight."
"Yay! Okay. Mee-Mee wants to talk to you."
"Alright, buddy."
Seconds later Mama's soft voice slid on the phone. "You take the time you need, son," she said. "Melo's fine. We're going to dinner tonight."
I exhaled slowly. "Thanks, Ma. I should take him home at least for the night. Her parents just came anyway."
"Oh—how are they?"
"Sad. Seeing their daughter like this. But kind."
"If possible, we would love to meet them," Mama said.
"I'll see what I can do." I placed my hand in my pocket. "I'll give you a call if anything changes."
"Okay, baby."
We ended the call. I leaned back against the wall exhaling slowly. I just needed her to wake up. I couldn't even think straight until that happened.