by Nita Johnson
“Hey, my man.” I fist bumped him in greeting. “Was beginning to think you had some kind of condition where you could only come out of your room during certain times. Oh wait, that sounds more like jail than any medical condition I’m aware of.” I joked with him making him laugh along with me. Meeting Willow’s eyes I saw that making him laugh had made her smile too. I vowed then and there to try my hardest to get them all to smile more every time I was around them.
“Who's paying for this pizza then?” I asked as we climbed into Willow’s tiny ass car. I felt like I could rest my chin on my knees I was that squashed.
“You!” Kaylee retorted from the backseat. “Plus ice cream!” she added on as an afterthought.
“Well consider me told!” I exclaimed as Willow drove us to the local pizza parlor. I’d pay for anything and everything as long as it meant I got to spend time with these three who'd become the three most important people in my life.
The meal went down a treat, a lot of laughter was shared between the four of us and I’d loved it. I was also gentlemanly enough to pay for Betty’s pizza. She’d done me a favor earlier today and I owed her one.
“Right, you two, it's late. Go get ready for bed.” She told Nate and Kaylee as soon as we got back to her house.
“Awww, Mom but I’m not even tired,” grumbled Nate. “Can I watch some TV?”
“Only for an hour,” Willow replied as she followed them both up the stairs.
“I’ll just go give this to Betty. She must be hungry by now.” I indicated to the pizza that was in my left hand. Ham and mushroom with extra cheese, just liked she'd requested.
“Famished!” she called out over the noise from a television show she’d been watching.
“That woman has the hearing of a bat,” Willow pointed out matter-of-factly as she reached the top of the stairs. “I won't be long, make yourself at home,” she called down to me.
“Will do, sweetheart,” I responded but before I got chance to make it more than two steps toward the living room the stampede of little feet had me pausing. Kaylee shot toward me. “Hey, pumpkin. Everything ok?” I was worried that something had upset her to come barreling down the stairs like that.
“I just wanted to say goodnight,” she said sweetly, her head ducking shyly at her admission.
“Ah, that's mighty nice of you, Kaylee. Hold there just a sec.” I ran into the lounge and all but threw the pizza box in Betty's lap.
“What in God’s name are you doing, child?” she said puzzled by my behavior. “Never mind. It’s pizza time!” I was quickly dismissed as she tucked into her beloved ham and mushroom pizza. That woman baffled me more than anyone I knew.
Returning back into the hallway I saw Kaylee still standing where I left her. “Sorry, pumpkin. Your nana gets mean when she's hungry! She was gonna bite my hand off!” She giggled at my attempt to joke around with her. “So you wanna say goodnight?” I dropped down onto one knee so I was level with her. I opened my arms to her. “Come give me a cuddle, pumpkin. That would be the best goodnight I’ve ever received.”
She was back to acting shy but she took those few steps forward and put her arms around my waist, holding on tightly. My heart was so full of love for this little girl I felt like it would split right open. I never thought I would love this hard and this fast but I’m happy that I have.
I enveloped her in my embrace, smelling the shampoo on the blonde curls. I vowed there and then to protect her at all costs; to hurt anyone that dared hurt my pumpkin.
“Come on, baby. It's getting late,” Willow shouted down, breaking our little spell.
“Goodnight, Jesse,” she said as she pulled away from me. I instantly missed her. She, like her mom, now owned me and I loved every minute I got to spend with them. Some people might call me a fool for falling this quick and this hard for someone like Willow, who came with children and a douchebag soon to be ex-husband, but I say it’s fate. They were meant for me. I knew it, I felt it.
“Goodnight, my pumpkin. Sweet dreams, baby girl.” I kissed the top of her head as I returned back to standing.
“Thank you for making Mama smile tonight. After Daddy spoke to her on the phone earlier she seemed sad but Nate and I knew you’d make her smile again. She smiles a lot when you're here.”
“You three make me smile too, Kaylee. A hell of a lot, now scoot. I don't want your mom coming down here and busting us both for talking when you're meant to be in bed.”
“I’m going, I’m going. Jeez,” she sassed me as she took off running up the stairs once more.
What was it with the women in this family? It's like they didn't have any control over what came out of their mouths and I wouldn't have it any other fucking way. Now to wait for my girl so we could discuss what Kaylee had said about speaking to Rob. I hoped he hasn’t done anything too bad. I really didn't want to have to go see him again. I’d much rather spend my time with this crazy lot.
I’d heard everything Jesse had said to Kaylee. I busied myself getting her ready and into bed, reading her one bedtime story before I kissed her goodnight and left her to go sleep. I knew he would ask me about the phone call to Rob. I was going to tell him once we were alone. In fact I should probably talk to Nan too. Their advice would really come in handy right about now.
Their voices stopped me from entering the living room. Hearing them talking had me rendered speechless and immobile.
“You love her?” Betty asked me around a mouthful of pizza. It really wasn't something I enjoyed looking at but her question demanded my full attention.
“Yes, ma'am,” I replied with all honesty.
“Bit soon ain’t it?”
“Not really.”
“I say it is.”
“That’s a matter of opinion.”
“My opinion is something people value.”
“Again, that's a matter of opinion.”
“You got a death wish, child?”
“Depends who's asking.”
“We gonna do this all night?” She eyeballed me. Actually eyeballed me. She’d probably take me in a fight. That had me backing down from her.
“No, ma’am,” I politely answered her.
“Less with the ma’am shit. Don't know how old you lot think I am but I ain't ready for the grave just yet.”
“Sorry. No, Betty. I don't want to do this all night. I just wanted to sit here until Willow had finished putting Kaylee to bed, then I shall be discussing her phone call with Rob. I need to know she's alright after everything that's happened, with seeing him earlier and now speaking to him on the phone.”
Dropping her last slice of pizza she met my gaze. “What happened earlier? I’d have asked Willow but she's been out all evening. Went out with a hooligan who's moved in across the road. Don't quite like him much but he sure is pretty.” She winked at me and I ignored her, refusing to play along.
“She messaged me saying she was heading over to her old house to get some things but you saw how he acted here the other day. I was worried that she’d run into him so I panicked. That’s why I called you to get her address. I shot over there like a bat out of hell. When I arrived he was being his usual dick self, spouting off some shit about her not getting a penny. I lost my temper and threatened him.”
“Did you hurt him?” The gleam in her eye had me shrinking back into my seat. Yeah Betty would definitely take me down in a fight.
“I grabbed him around the throat so I’m hoping I hurt the fucker!” I said vehemently.
“Good man. I knew there was a reason I liked you,” she cackled.
Willow entered the room and my eyes tracked her every movement. She came to sit beside me. I lifted my arm and pulled into my embrace. I wanted her close to me, no I needed her close to me.
“So, Jesse’s been filling me in on what happened earlier. We better get the ball rolling on the divorce proceedings,” Betty advised Willow. I nodded my head in agreement. The sooner that shit started the better.
“Care to fill us
in about the phone call Kaylee mentioned to pretty boy?” She pointed a finger in my direction.
“Pretty boy?” I spluttered. “I’m manly! Nothing but manliness.”
Reaching over, she patted my knee condescendingly. “You tell yourself whatever helps you to get through the day, pretty boy.”
Willow hid her laughter behind her hand and I shot her a glare that promised retribution the next time we were alone.
“Back to the phone call,” I said, steering the conversation away from the topic of me being manly. My ego had taken enough of a bashing for one night.
“Kaylee asked to speak to her dad so I called him. He was an utter asshole on the phone. It sounded like he didn't want to speak to her; like he didn’t have the time for her. He got all shouty and I didn't want him to speak to Kaylee when he’s in that mood so I hung up the phone on him. I will wait for him to get in touch now where it concerns the children. I’m done with him.” She cuddled closer to me, seeking comfort that I was all too willing to provide.
“Fuck him, sweetheart. You and the kids don't need that bullshit in your life.” Betty voiced her own thoughts as usual. “Want me to kneecap him?”
“Jesus, Nan. I’m cancelling the cable. You're getting far too many bad ideas from those mafia shows you're addicted to!”
Willow tried to tell her off but it fell on deaf ears. Betty wouldn’t change and if we were all honest with ourselves we wouldn't want her to.
“It’s an option if all else fails, that’s all I'm suggesting!”
“Well it won't be happening!”
“Shame! Little shit has it coming.”
“Ladies, can we get back to the matter at hand. On Saturday Travis and I will go get the last of the kids’ things from the house. Then the three of you can concentrate on moving forward with our help.” I shot Betty a look before I continued. “Positive help. You should call around to a few law firms, get a lawyer on board and divorce the cheating asshole. You start your new job on Monday. Everything is looking good, sweetheart. It's all heading in the right direction, Willow.” I kissed her forehead lightly letting her know I’d be there for her every step of the way.
Jesse did as he’d promised and went with Travis on Saturday to get the items that I hadn’t packed up when I first left the house. I stayed at home with Nan and the kids but apparently everything went smoothly. Rob acted politely so Jesse and Travis also did the same. All in all it went very well and the kids were pleased to see some of their home comforts around them.
I thanked both Jesse and Travis and I’d extended the offer of staying for some food but they both assured me that they had some things they needed to catch up on over at the site. Then they left together, but not before Jesse planted a kiss on my lips so sweet and tender I was almost going to beg him not to leave and to stay here with me.
I didn't see Jesse for the rest of the day but we kept in touch over messages. In fact I didn't see him at all over the weekend, he was that swamped with paperwork and preparations with upcoming site visits. He’d seemed so down when I spoke to him on the phone, annoyed that he hadn't spent any time with us over the weekend but I reassured him that it was fine and we knew he’s a busy man.
Nan hadn't been around much either. She’d spent most of the weekend out visiting one friend or another but at least there were no repeats of when she’d drank too much port. My Nan with a hangover was something I’d never want to deal with again.
I’d also called around and spoken to a few law firms and I’d secured an appointment with a lawyer who seemed nice enough on the phone. The day couldn't come quick enough for me. It was the start of getting everything officially ended between Rob and me.
Rob never returned my call and over the course of the weekend he still hadn't called me, so that’s another weekend he had gone without seeing his children. Like I’d thought before, it’s ultimately his loss.
To say that I was nervous when I arrived at the site for my first day of work was the understatement of the century. Nate and Kaylee had wished me luck this morning as I drove them to school. Nan told me to knock them all dead. Jesse had even messaged to say I had nothing at all to worry about but I here I am, nervous as hell.
“Hey, sweetheart,” Jesse greeted me as I entered the office. He was sitting behind one of the messiest desks I’d ever encountered.
“Hey, Will. You all set for your first day?” Travis asked me. He too was sitting behind a desk, his slightly tidier than his best friends.
“I am,” I told him. “But I’m nervous as hell so I might make a few mistakes.” I wiped my sweaty palms down my navy blue pencil skirt.
Jesse got up from his desk and came over to where I stood. “What have I said, Will? You're gonna do fine. Don't stress so much. You look hot as shit by the way.” His eyes blazed with his desire for me as he leant down to give me a kiss. “Good morning, baby,” he said as we broke apart.
Travis fake clearing his throat had me stepping back from Jesse. “Can I get a good morning kiss too, Willow?” He shot me a boyish grin. That no doubt worked on other girls but had no effect on me whatsoever.
“Come on, Willow. Let's go meet the rest of the guys.” Jesse flipped Travis the bird as he steered me out of the office.
The men who worked for Jesse seemed like a great bunch and they made me feel so welcome, which had those nerves settling down somewhat. Travis spent a few hours sitting with me showing me the ropes and what my duties would include as administrative assistant. He had just shown me the appointments system when Jesse strolled back into the office.
“Wanna tell me why you're sitting so close to Willow?” he asked Travis as he placed his hard hat on his desk, leaning against it, crossing his arms across his chest. He seemed pissed off at the proximity of how close we seemed. Travis didn't even bother looking up from the computer screen but I couldn't take my eyes of him. The way the muscles in his arms bulged as they pulled taut across his chest. The dark green tee stretched tightly. The color setting off the dark brown of his hair, hair that I really wanted to run my hands through. His eyes were also locked onto mine, the look in them conveying his need for me. I felt my cheeks heat up in response to his stare.
“Showing her the appointments system means I need to sit next to her not across the room, J. Lighten up, man,” Travis said as he clicked a few buttons on the keyboard trying to show me what he was doing but I was so lost in Jesse I was paying no attention to what he was saying to me.
“Want me to give you two a few minutes?” Travis joked breaking the sexual tension that had built between Jesse and me. “I could step outside. I'm sure Jesse won't take long.” Travis laughed, winking at me.
“Fuck you, Travis,” Jesse grumbled still not moving his eyes off me.
“I’m sure that it's not me you wanna fuck right about now!” Travis teased him, trying to get a rise out of him.
“Shall we get back to it?” I butted in, trying to change the subject away from Jesse and his staying power when it came to sex.
“You hungry, sweetheart?” Jesse inquired. I smiled over at him, glad that he cared about me so much.
“Yes, darling. I’ll take a club sandwich if you're offering,” Travis responded, not giving me a chance to answer.
“Remind me again why you work here?” Jesse threw his hands up in the air then proceeded to run them through his hair. An action which wasn't missed by me.
“Because you love me and I make you a shit ton of money. Now go get my food, I’m famished!”
Jesse crossed the distance that separated us from him. “Come on, Willow. Let's leave this dickwad to play with his computer.” He held his hand out for me to take. I stood up from the desk, moving around it to take it.
“Remember to wipe the search history, dude. That shit can come back to bite you in the ass,” he quipped as he led me out of the office over to his truck.
“You two always like that?” I asked him as I climbed into his truck with as much dignity as I could muster while wearing a
tight pencil skirt. Trucks and pencils skirts were never going to be a match made in fashion heaven.
“Pretty much. Reckon you can handle it?”
I nodded my head. “You’ve met Betty, right? Little old lady, mouth of a sailor with the attitude of a gangster? After growing up with her, you and Travis are a breeze.” I chuckled, amused with the idea that he thought I'd struggle to deal with his and Travis’s bantering.
“So,” he started. “I knew you’d probably have been too nervous this morning to pack something for lunch, so luckily for you I packed one for you!” He reached behind him into the backseats, grabbing two brown paper bags and handing one to me. “Hope you don't mind us eating in here. Normally we’d eat in the office but I had to get away from that idiot.”
I leaned over and pecked him on the cheek. “Thank you for being so thoughtful.”
He shrugged off my praise. “It’s ham and cheese. I asked Betty what your favorite sandwich was and this is what she recommended.”
This man really was something else. He took it upon himself to find out my sandwich preference just so he could make sure I had something to eat today, knowing I wouldn't have thought to get anything together.
“You're too kind, Jess,” I told him as I opened my sandwich and took a huge bite, suddenly starved.
“Just looking out for what's mine, is all,” he said before biting into his own sandwich, cutting off our conversation as we both devoured our lunch.
The afternoon flew by just as quickly as the morning had and before I knew it, it was time for me to leave and get the kids.
“I’m going now, Travis,” I said as I packed away my things. Over the course of the afternoon he’d left me alone, allowing me to familiarize myself with things at my own pace. He was currently sitting at Jesse’s desk frowning at his phone.
“Ok, Willow. I’ll see you in the morning,” he dismissed me, distracted. I know I hadn't been around him much but I knew enough to know that something was bothering him.