12. Erissa
River kissed my lips, and I hated how quickly it calmed my nerves. It was much too soon for him to have that kind of effect on my mind and body. I couldn’t read too much into what had happened between us because it would only lead to me being hurt.
River was a ladies’ man, and I didn’t expect him to change just because we had sex a few times. For a man like him, with numerous women at his disposal, sex didn’t mean anything, and I wasn’t foolish enough to think I could change him.
After I prepared what needed to be taken to the patio to be served, he took it outside. When I was finally ready to join everyone, I took one last deep breath and headed to the patio.
Ms. Janis and Rylee were already fussing over Riverlynn. She took to them well, and I had no doubt she’d be spoiled rotten by the time they went back to Chicago in a few days.
River introduced me to Jaxon, and he politely spoke, but he was too focused on Shakira and barely looked in my direction. She clearly enjoyed the attention because she didn’t even take the time to find me when she arrived.
“Jaxon, it looks like you and my best friend have already met,” I said.
“We arrived at the same time, so we’re old friends now.”
“If you say so. Ms. Janis, Rylee, this is my best friend, Shakira.”
“River introduced us while you were in the kitchen,” Rylee said.
“Okay, great. Let’s eat!”
Ms. Janis blessed the food while holding Riverlynn against her chest and rubbing her back. The visual was almost as sweet as watching River with his daughter, and Ms. Janis’s love for her first and only grandchild was very apparent.
“I made chicken and broccoli with fried rice and vegetable egg rolls,” I announced once everyone took their seats.
“She made everything from scratch, including the egg rolls and dipping sauce.”
The pride in his voice made me feel giddy.
“Well, it smells good, and I’m starving,” Rylee said.
She was the first to start filling her plate, and I watched nervously as everyone else followed her lead.
“Erissa, aren’t you going to eat?” Ms. Janis asked.
“Yes, ma’am, but I’m in no rush. I can hold Rivvy while you eat if you’d like.”
“You’re not on duty while we’re here, sweetheart. Relax and enjoy the meal you prepared.”
Before I had a chance, River, who was seated at the head of the table and on my left, grabbed my plate and filled it with food. His guests watched with slightly intrigued yet amused expressions.
“Thank you,” I told him when he placed my plate in front of me.
“I told you, I gotchu.”
He winked, causing me to blush, then returned his attention to his food. I made the executive decision not to use paper and plastic goods, so for a few minutes, silverware hitting glass was all that could be heard.
“Erissa, where are you from?” Jaxon asked.
“I was born and raised in Black Elm. You?”
“I’m from Seattle, but I’ve lived in Black Elm for about ten years since I got drafted,” he responded.
“Do you like it?”
“What’s not to like about Cali?”
“True, especially when you’re a celebrity. I’m sure the perks are endless.”
“There are definitely a lot of benefits. You from here too, Shakira?” he asked.
“Born and raised, but Rissa and I didn’t meet until high school.”
“Cool.”
“Have either of you played for any other teams?” I asked.
“Nah. We’ve been blessed. I got one more year on my contract, and I’ll happily retire before I let them trade me,” River said.
“You’re thirty-two, Son, and have had a great career. Whether they want to trade you or not, retiring after this year wouldn’t be a bad idea. You have a motherless child to take care of now,” Ms. Janis told him.
“I know, Ma, and I’ll take that into consideration when the time comes. Right now, I want to focus on being a good father and having a great season.”
In my research, I found out River’s age, what college he attended, how long he’d been playing professional basketball, and that he only had one year left on his current contract.
“Speaking of Rivvy’s mother, have you found out who she is?” Rylee asked.
River shook his head. “I haven’t tried because I haven’t decided what I want to do.”
“I didn’t realize there was a decision to be made. Eventually, you’ll need her birth certificate and medical records. How will you get those things if you don’t know her mother’s identity?” Ms. Janis pressed.
“Mama J has a good point. Have you thought about that?” Jaxon asked.
“It’s crossed my mind, but I’m so pissed about the way her mother chose to go about this, I don’t know if I want to deal with her.”
“It’s not about what you want, man. We might joke all day about this situation, but you gotta put your feelings to the side and do what’s best for Rivvy,” Jaxon said.
River was quiet for a minute before he nodded in agreement.
“I’ll reach out to the private investigator next week.”
“Erissa, can you make sure he keeps his word?” Ms. Janis asked.
“Of course. I’ll stay on him about it and keep you updated.”
“You do realize you work for me, not her,” he said in a light tone.
“I haven’t forgotten who I work for, and if you want me to keep working for you, you’ll keep your word.”
My comment made everyone laugh, which lightened the mood. We continued eating and had light conversation. I received compliments about the meal I prepared, which had me smiling from ear to ear.
“Erissa, can you give this recipe to my mom so she can make it when we go home?” Rylee asked.
“Excuse me. You’re seventeen years old and can cook your own food. Erissa, you can give that recipe right to Rylee, and she can make it herself.”
“Dang, Ma. That’s cold,” Rylee said, pouting.
“Call it what you want, sweetheart. Erissa, do your parents live in town? How did they feel about you moving in with a virtual stranger to take care of his child?”
I didn’t mind talking about my parents or grandparents, but I didn’t like the pity I sometimes received after I shared. I looked at River, and the sympathy in his eyes touched my heart. I felt his hand on my knee, and for the second time this evening, I was comforted by his touch.
“My parents died in a house fire when I was fifteen. Thankfully, my grandparents were happy to take me in. I probably lived with them a lot longer than I should have, but I was able to return their graciousness as their health declined when I was twenty-five. I was their caregiver until they passed away a little over a year ago, a few months apart.”
“Damn,” Jaxon said.
“Oh my. I’m so sorry to hear that. I didn’t mean to—” Ms. Janis began.
“It’s okay. You didn’t know.”
“You don’t have any family?” Rylee questioned in a solemn tone.
I looked at Shakira and smiled. “Just my bestie, Shakira, and her older brother, Sammie.”
She was sitting to my right, so she covered my hand with hers and gave it a squeeze.
“Well, I’ve always wanted a big sister, so you got me now,” Rylee offered.
I smiled as I held back tears from her sweet gesture.
“I’ve always wanted a little sister, so I’ll take you up on that offer.”
“And I know I can’t replace your mother or grandmother, but I’m here for whatever you need,” Ms. Janis said.
“Thank you, Ms. Janis. I—”
“Call me Mama J. Both of you, actually.”
“Thank you, and I’d like that. I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me. Losing the people you love is a part of life, and I’ve learned how to deal with my grief.”
All eyes were on me, and I recognized the pity in them. I had to do something to lighten the mood because my sob story had definitely shifted the vibe in the wrong direction.
“If anyone wants seconds, feel free, but I do have dessert for those interested,” I announced.
“When did you have time to make dessert?” River asked.
“I didn’t, so I had some sweet potato pies delivered from Soulful Diner.”
“I’m ready for seconds and dessert,” Jaxon announced as he reached for the serving spoon for the chicken and broccoli.
“You two can only have a small sliver of pie because you’re in season,” I told the guys.
“Damn. You run a tight ship. Is she always like this?” Jaxon asked River.
“She don’t play about me eating healthy.”
“I’m sure he doesn’t pay you enough,” Mama J said.
“This is the easiest and most fulfilling job I’ve ever had. He pays me more than enough. I’ll go get the pie from the oven.”
“I’ll come with you,” Mama J said, giving Riverlynn to Rylee.
We stood and went inside. I reached for the handle to the oven door, but before I could open the oven to remove the pies, Mama J touched my shoulder, and when I turned around, she pulled me into a hug.
It had probably been about six months since I’d cried, but something about being in this woman’s arms started the waterworks. She gave me a few minutes to release the tears I’d apparently been holding back, and it felt good to let them go.
“You needed that,” she said, reaching up to wipe the tears that continued to fall.
“Yeah. I didn’t realize how much. I usually cry during therapy, but it’s been a while since any sessions brought me to tears.”
“You’ve experienced so much loss, and it’s a miracle you don’t cry every day.”
“There was a time when I did, but as I said, I’ve learned how to handle my grief. I have to say, taking care of Rivvy brings me a kind of joy I didn’t know I needed. I’m glad fate brought us together.”
“Putting you and my son in the same place at the same time, and giving him the discernment to see your heart, was nothing but God. I know I told you not to let my son charm you out of your panties, and I know you didn’t listen.”
“I—”
She shook her head, stopping me from letting the lie roll off my tongue.
“There’s no need to lie. I know my son, and the way he looks at you tells me everything I need to know.
He likes you, probably a lot more than he’s willing to admit to even himself.
Whatever he’s feeling for you, he’s not used to it, so he may test you.
You are exactly what he needs, and I believe him and Riverlynn are what you need, but don’t let that boy play in your face. ”
“I won’t, and thank you for this. I appreciate your concern and candor.”
“I’ll always be honest with you. Now, let’s have dessert.”