2. Erissa Jackson #2
I looked out the window next to the door, and Shakira was right. It was my ex, Jeremiah.
“What do you want, Jeremiah?” I asked through the closed door.
“Open the door, baby.”
“If you got something you need to say, say it through the door, or call me.”
“I can’t call you, because you blocked me. Open the damn door.”
“I’m not opening shit. Go away before I call the people on you.”
“Come on, Rissa. I ain’t seen you in two months. Don’t you miss me, girl?”
“Ignore his ass. He’ll go away eventually,” Shakira urged.
“You’re right. He’s probably been drinking.”
I went back to my living room and resumed my position on the couch. Jeremiah was still talking, but I couldn’t decipher his words.
“So, back to Mr. Basketball. If he gave you a grand as a tip, can you imagine how much he’s willing to pay you?”
“Shit. I hadn’t thought about the pay. I could probably pay the property taxes off in no time because the money I’m making as the assistant manager isn’t much more than I made as a server.”
“Exactly! Now you’re thinking. So, I’ll let you go so you can call that man. Call me back and let me know the details.”
“Kira, I—Kira? This heffa hung up on me,” I said aloud after looking at my phone screen.
To call or not to call? I went back and forth on that question for about fifteen minutes before I summoned up the courage to call River. I blew out a deep breath as I dialed his number. The phone barely rang before he picked up.
“Erissa, please tell me it’s you,” he answered.
“Umm, yeah. Is everything okay?”
It was obvious it wasn’t, because Riverlynn was crying, and he sounded anxious as hell.
“No. She won’t stop crying. I’ve tried everything. I gave her a bath; her diaper is clean; she’s fed and burped. I don’t know what else to do.”
“Sit down and take a few deep breaths.”
I heard him moving and assumed he was doing as I asked.
“Okay. I’m sitting and breathing.”
“Is she on your shoulder?”
“Yeah.”
“Lay her over your chest if you can, so she can feel your heartbeat, then close your eyes and inhale and exhale slowly while rubbing her back.”
Again, I heard moving around. It took a few minutes, but eventually, Riverlynn stopped crying.
“You okay?” I asked in a whisper because I wasn’t sure if he had me on speaker.
“For now. I owe you big time. Thank you.”
He spoke in a low voice, which was probably comforting to his daughter because I was sure his chest was vibrating.
“No thanks needed. I should be thanking you for that huge tip you left. That was a bit much, don’t you think?”
He chuckled. “Nah. It was well-deserved. Is that why you called? To thank me?”
“Not exactly.”
“Good. That means you’re calling about my offer. As you can see, I really need the help.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, where is her mother?”
“I honestly have no idea who her mother is. Two weeks ago, she left Riverlynn at the door to my condo with a note. She didn’t leave her name.”
“Wow. You’ve been with that many women that you can’t even narrow it down.”
“I won’t lie. I’ve been with a lot of women, but I’m a professional basketball player, so women are always willing and waiting to hop on my dick. I’m always safe, but Riverlynn was conceived at least a year ago, and my memory ain’t that damn good.”
“And she just left her at your door and walked away. That’s extreme.”
“Tell me about it. The paternity test proved she’s mine. The security in my building let me look at the footage from that day, and she was wearing all black, a hoodie, and dark shades. My attorney connected me with a private investigator, but I haven’t reached out yet.”
“Wow.”
“You said that already.”
“I know, but this sounds like a made-for-TV movie.”
“Yeah. I’m having a hard time believing this is my life right now. What kinda woman leaves a baby in the hallway of a strange man?”
“Clearly, she knew you were the father, but don’t be too quick to judge. I don’t have children, but motherhood ain’t easy. I heard those first few months are hard, and she may have been suffering from postpartum depression. You should be grateful she didn’t do something much worse.”
He was quiet for a long while before he responded.
“You’re right. My mother said something similar. Granted, I wouldn’t have known, so it wouldn’t have affected me, but now that I know she exists, I couldn’t imagine anyone hurting her. I’m glad she chose to leave her with me, but I wish I was a little more prepared.”
This time, my response was delayed as I thought about his request. I honestly had nothing to lose. If being a nanny didn’t work out, I could get a job as a waitress at any restaurant, and even though my experience as an assistant manager wasn’t vast, it would help.
“I don’t have any experience as a nanny, so—”
“Erissa, I can tell by your energy that you’re a good person, and my daughter took to you instantly.
What you don’t know, I’m sure you’re smart enough to figure out.
It’ll be no different than what I’m doing, and you seem to have the natural instinct for it that I’m missing. Please say you’ll take the job.”
“I’ll take the job, but the only reference I have is my best friend, and she’ll confirm that I’m a good person.”
“My gut says I can trust you. I start practice in two weeks, but can you start part-time tomorrow, you know, to get familiar with things?”
“Sure, but can we discuss my salary and benefits?”
“Let me go put her in bed. Hold on.” A few minutes later, he spoke again. “Is three grand a week enough?”
“Excuse me. Did you say three grand a week?”
“Is that not enough? How about five?”
“River, hold on. Three grand a week is plenty. I don’t—”
“How about we do four?”
“Four is fine. What about benefits like medical and dental insurance?”
“Damn. Honestly, I didn’t think about any of that. Do you think you can do some research and find an insurance plan that works for you? I’ll add the cost to your pay.”
“Umm, sure. I can do that. Are there any specific requirements?”
“Do you mind moving in? I have a guest room that’s right next to where I want Riverlynn’s room to be. Oh, I also need you to order furniture for her. She’s been sleeping with me, and that’s probably not good.”
“I have my own place, River.”
“I’ll pay your rent until your lease is up.”
“There is no lease. It was my grandparents’ home, and they left it to me in their will. I just have to pay the property taxes by the first of November.”
“I’ll cover the taxes and any other maintenance you need for the house, but I’d prefer you move in with me. My schedule is a lot during the season, and—”
“Okay. I’ll move in, and I can come over for a while tomorrow.”
“You’re a lifesaver. I’ll never be able to repay you.”
“I promise, what you’re paying me is plenty. Send me your address and what time you want me to be there.”
“Bet. See you tomorrow.”