Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 85484 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 427(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85484 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 427(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
“I’m so happy. It does a person so much good to get away. And, on that note, the girls and I—Ashley and Brooke—have a girls’ day once a month. It’s a break from all the men in our lives. We were going this week, but I got busy in the office. We’re thinking maybe next Saturday? Do you think you’ll be available? If not, we’ll work around it.”
What has happened to my life?
I stand in the middle of my bedroom and stare at the wall in utter disbelief.
How are these people this amazing? How do they just open their hearts, and doors, to me like I’m one of them?
Tears trickle down my face.
Well, it doesn’t seem like I’ll ever be lonely again.
“Next Saturday should work perfectly,” I say, fighting the sob in my voice. “Thanks for asking me.”
“Sweetheart, of course. I’ll warn you now. Foxx says I’m overbearing, and Kixx says I have to get it in control before grandbabies come.”
My breath hitches. Let it go. Trust Jess.
“But I’m a mom. I’ve been a mom most of my life. It’s what I do. If I overstep or push too far into your business, just let me know. I just want my kids to be happy, and it makes me happy to be with my kids. Okay?”
Tears fall fast and hard.
I wipe a hand down my cheek and sniffle.
“Are you okay?” she asks.
“Yeah, it’s just allergies.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
She doesn’t seem convinced. “Call me anytime if you need something, sweetheart. Okay?”
“Yes, Damaris. Thank you.”
“See you soon, sweetie.”
“Goodbye.”
I toss my phone on my bed and go into the bathroom.
My emotions are all over the place. I do an internal check in while I splash cold water on my face to rid it of the stickiness from the tears.
This is just new for me. This isn’t new for them. They’re excited to have me a part of their lives.
But what do I do with that?
I pat my face dry, noting that my towels aren’t nearly as fluffy as Jess’s. The thought makes me smile.
As soon as I get back to my room, the phone rings. Again.
“You have got to be kidding me,” I say, picking it up. My irritation evaporates when I see Jess’s name. “Hey, baby.”
“Are you okay?”
I laugh in disbelief. “What?”
“Mom just called me and said I need to check on you.”
My laughter grows louder.
“Pip, I’m serious. Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m okay. For fuck’s sake. I told her I have allergies.”
He sighs in relief.
I blow out a long, heavy breath. “Your family is a lot. Do you know that?”
“Yup.”
I smile.
“Have they already started in?” he asks.
“Ashley and Brooke have texted me, and your mom has called me, and I’ve not been home an hour yet.”
He groans. “I told them to give you a minute.”
I laugh again. “I think they gave me one exact minute.”
“I’m sorry. They’re just … They mean well. I guess you see where Banks gets it.”
“Is the rooster gone?” I ask, needing to change the subject.
“Yes. Surprisingly.”
My brows pull together. “Did you think it wouldn’t be?”
“It was too easy. Nothing is that easy with Banksy.”
“You did just bombard him with grandmas sending him dirty texts.”
He snickers. “I know. But he’ll retaliate. We gotta keep our eyes open.”
We. Our. Us.
“I’m at the jobsite. I came over to check on things,” he says. “What time are you coming over?”
Oh, yeah. “Well, Kerissa is coming over tonight. So I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I thought you were moving in?”
“This weekend,” I say slowly.
He fake cries.
“Jess, it’s one night. I need to get things in order here anyway. I have to send my boss an email. I have to figure out what to do about my lease. I know you’ll help me, I get it, but I’m capable of doing things too.”
He groans. “I’ll be there early.”
“Don’t you work tomorrow?”
“Fuck. Yes. Okay, tomorrow as soon as I get off work. Deal?”
“Deal.” I grin. “I love you.”
“I love you. Talk to you later.”
“Bye.”
My world just got big.
I smile and look up where to find moving boxes.
27
JESS
“Hey, Sparkles,” I say, smirking as I enter Mom’s kitchen. “Anything new happening?”
“Fuck off.”
I laugh as I kiss Mom on the cheek. “Hi, Mama.”
“What you did to your brother was terrible and horrible …” She glances at Banks. “And really funny.”
“Mom.” Banks looks at her in disbelief. “I’m probably going to have to get a new phone number.”
“You would’ve done it to him if you would’ve thought about it first,” she says. “Besides, you put the giant rooster in his yard.”
I make a face at Banks. He glares at me.
“Dad home yet?” I ask.
“No. He’s with Moss at the hardware store.”
“Is Foxx still gone?” I ask.
“Yes. He called me this morning from Atlanta. He should be home in the morning.”
Banks rocks back on the chair. “What’s he doing in Atlanta?”
“Don’t do that to my chair.” She lifts a brow until he sets it back on all fours. “He’s working.”