by Leaona Luxx
She sits down next to me. “And you think that’s a bad thing?”
“It’s terrible of me.” My gut rolls with the admission.
“No, it’s not.” She takes my hand. “We all have bad days, and you’re more than entitled to yours.”
“I guess.” I swallow the bile rising in my throat. “Shit. I forgot to mention, my neighbors called social services on me. Luci’s crying so much they think I’m not taking care of her.”
“If they come back, tell them to call your legal counsel.” She kisses my cheek. “I hate to leave you.”
I shrug. “We’ll be okay.”
“Never a doubt, Alden. But then again, I see you for who you really are.” She hugs us and walks out the door.
“It’s you and me, kid.”
“Charlee Rae,” Mom calls from the kitchen, “get in here right now.”
I trudge back through the house. “Yes?”
“Child, sit down and tell me what’s going on.” She points to the chair by me.
I take a deep breath. “I’m okay, it’s nothing.”
“So why do I have a traffic pattern in the rug from your feet.” She glares at me.
I fall into the seat. “He has a baby.”
“Who?” She pulls her brows low.
I throw my hands in the air. “Alden. He’s got a baby, I saw them.”
“Are you sure?” She sits down across from me.
My head bounces from my over-exaggerated answer. “I talked to him.”
“Charlee, did you talk to the boy or talk at him?” She raises her brow.
I twist my mouth. “I’m thinking I talked with him.”
“Go talk to him, find out what is going on before you fret yourself to death.” She sips her coffee.
I fist my hair. “We’re only friends.”
“Friends don’t speak?” She looks at me over her cup.
I chew on my nail. “The baby was crying a lot, and he was buying her new milk.”
“You happen to be great with babies.” She grins.
I sit up, pulling my robe together. “I could pop in, see how things are going.” I stand and begin pacing. “He said the mom wasn’t in the picture.”
“That poor baby, bless his heart. He’s trying to do the right thing.” She gets up and walks over to the sink.
I stop, staring at her. “I’m gonna go, maybe drop by and check on her.”
“Poor little girl.” Mom rubs my arms.
I shake my head. “You already said that.”
“No, I didn’t. I said poor guy.” She winks at me, spins me around, and swats my bottom. “Scoot!”
“Mom!” I grab my ass. “Why are you beating on me?”
“I didn’t beat you, I gave you a love tap.” She giggles.
I hurry to my bedroom and grab an outfit. I take a long look at it. “No, not this one.” I lay out three more and run to the shower in hopes when I get out, one will speak to me.
I brush my teeth and pull my hair into a ponytail. I run into my room and check the clothes out again. I decide on cutoff denim shorts and a white blouse. I grab my purse and head out the door.
Halfway there, I start to chicken out. “What if the mom’s back now?” I bite my nail as I drive the next two miles.
“I could take over some dinner. All new parents need to eat and never have the time to cook. I’ll go get some food and take it as a gift for the new parents.” I beam.
I’m so proud of myself when something catches my eye. The guy in the car next to me is laughing while he watches me talk to myself. I flip him and hit my turn signal.
I make fast work at the grocery store, picking up the essentials for a quick meal. “I hope they like chicken.” I place the bags in the trunk and get back behind the wheel.
Five minutes later, I turn into his community. As I come around the corner, I see his truck but there are no other cars around. “Please don’t let her be here.”
I park and get the groceries from the back. “This is crazy. He’s gonna think you’re a Def-con five stalker.”
I stop in front of his door and whirl around, ready to leave. “Don’t be a chicken, cook the chicken.” I spin back around to find another woman knocking on the door.
I turn to leave and hear Alden call my name. “Charlee?”
I pivot, smiling as I do. “Hey, just come to check in, but I didn’t realize you had company coming.”
“That makes two of us.” His eyes flicker to the woman.
“Mister Beck, this makes the second time I’ve been called out here. The first time, you evaded all of my questions. If I have to come back, I’ll bring the police and we’ll take the child. After that, you’ll answer my questions.” She cocks her hip, and I’m ready to roll her ass.
I interrupt. “If you’ll excuse me, I have some food that needs to be refrigerated.”
“Sure, you know where it’s at.” Alden forces a smile as I brush past him.
“As I was saying, the infant has still been heard crying continuously. I need to do a well-check to see if she’s being taken care of properly.” This lady’s tone is crawling up my spine.
“Do you have a court order or is this voluntary?” he asks as I find a path through the place.
I survey the damage as I go. It’s even worse once I’m in the kitchen. “What is he thinking? They’ll take her for sure if she does come in here.”
“I apologize, but as I told you before, Luci’s milk wasn’t agreeing with her and we had to have it changed. She’s had a tough time lately,” Alden explains, but the hitch in his voice is what gets my attention.
“You used the milk as an excuse last time. Why is she having a hard time? Where’s the mother?” Miss Snooty Ass is pissing me off.
Alden shuffles his feet as I walk up behind him. “She died in a car accident.”
I gasp.
“And you’re the father?” She presses him as she writes in a notebook.
He shakes his head and swallows hard. “No.”
I stand beside him, shock written on my face. “I don’t understand.”
“Neither do I,” Miss Nosy says.
His eyes glisten with unshed tears, prompting me to take his hand. “Miss Moffit, my brother is Luci’s father. He passed with his wife a few weeks ago in Raleigh from injuries in a car accident. I’m her legal guardian until we get a court hearing and the Will is read.”
My chest tightens as he latches onto my hand. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.”
He glances at me, lifting his mouth in a half smile. “You couldn’t have known.”
“Cid was amazing, I know you’re heartbroken.”
Miss Moffitt assesses our exchange and then addresses me. “Who are you?”
“I’m the babysitter, I’m also going to help with the house cleaning. Just until he gets the swing of things.”
“He better be getting it fast or the next time I come back, no one will like me.” She leers.
I step between her and Alden. “Surely, you’re not threatening a man who is trying to mourn the loss of his brother, his sister-in-law, and to take care of their child? I think an adjustment period is more than fair considering he’s never been a father and he’s grieving. Not to mention, this child and what she must be going through.”
“Excuse me? Are you trying to tell me how to do my job?” She gets in my face.
“No, I am not. What I am telling you is if you do not give him some time to adjust and handle things, I will go to the press. By the way, his attorney is Pennington and Pennington. I suggest you call them before you come by again. Good day.” I step back and slam the door in her face.
Alden’s mouth hangs. “Wow.”
“Too much?”
The corner of his mouth curves up. “Not at all, thank you.”
“I took a chance on dropping by, I hope you don’t mind.”
Something flutters in my stomach as his lip quirks. “Did you mention food?”
“I did.” I steeple my fingers
. “Would you happen to be hungry?”
His eyes shine. “I am very hungry, and I also stink.”
“I hadn’t noticed.” I pinch my nose as I push past him.
He follows me to the kitchen, and I make myself at home. “Charlee, you don’t have to do this.”
“I know.” My eyes flicker to his. “Are you afraid of my cooking skills?”
He holds his hands up. “I know not these skills which you speak of.”
“Oh, no. It’s worse than I thought.”
He gives me a lopsided smile. “What is?”
“You’ve gone mad.” I cross my eyes.
He laughs. “Cut me some slack, my baby momma left me.”
“I’m really sorry about that, I shouldn’t have assumed. Forgive me?”
He taps his chin. “Let me think, should I forgive you?”
“I’ll let you take a shower.” I shove my hand out in his direction.
His eyes glint as he takes my hand. “Deal! I’ll hurry.”
“Take your time, I’ll be fine.” I wave him away. “Oh, if any women show up, I’ll tell them you have the clap.”
He lifts his chin. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Try me.” I narrow my eyes.
He backs away slowly. “I’m watching you.”
“You do that, I’m gonna make some food.”
He pauses at the doorway. “Thanks, Charlee.”
“No worries, it’s what friends do.” A sharp pinch in my stomach takes my breath as something changes in his face.
He fakes a smile. “Yeah, sure. Friends helping friends.”
I avoid any further eye contact as he leaves the kitchen. A pang deep in my stomach tells me some thing’s off. I get busy on dinner so not to think too much about it.
I pick up the kitchen as I go, filling the dishwasher and turning it on. Once the food is baking, I finish cleaning the area. I work my way into the living room with a trashbag in hand.
I’m busy tossing things left and right, cleaning as I go. I have dirty clothes in one hand and trash in the other as I get to his bedroom. I peek in and hear the shower running.
“He’s still in there, I’ll just grab some things and get them in the washer,” I whisper so not to disturb him.
I’ve piled dirty clothes at the door, and I’m making my way around to the dirty bottles and diapers everywhere. The bathroom door is ajar, and I can see towels on the counter.
Trying not to lean against it, I squeeze my arm in, reaching for them. My fingers graze them, and I tilt just a little bit more when the door swings wide at the same time as the shower stall opens.
Alden’s hard, wet body repels the water, and it runs in ripples down his muscles.
I slap my hand over my eyes. “Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry.” I jump and hurry from the room, yelling as I go. “I’m sorry, I was just getting the dirty clothes. Okay, I’m out.”
I shut his bedroom door behind me, pressing my body against. “Holy fucking shit.”
Grabbing the pile of material, I head to the laundry room and start a load of clothes. I tie the trash bag and check on the food. Setting it on the counter so it’ll cool a little before we eat.
I set the table and find a bottle of chilled wine. By the time Alden joins me again, the house is picked up and dinner is ready.
“Damn.” I spin toward his voice and silently repeat his word. Damn.
I whirl around, putting my back to him while I calm my raging hormones. He’s dressed in board shorts and a tank, showcasing his tattoos. Not to mention, the blue in his shorts matches his eyes.
“You sure do clean up nice.”
He moves closer to me. “Smells nice in here. What did you make?”
“I hope you like chicken because I made chicken-bacon ranch baked penne.” I bite my lip waiting on his response.
He rubs his stomach. “It sounds as good as it smells. When can we eat?”
“Now, come on.”
He moves the chair closer to mine and scoots his plate over. I begin to serve the food as he pours the wine. I push my hair that’s fallen behind my ear as he digs in.
His eyes are round as he chews his food. I wait with baited breath. “This is killer.”
“You really like it?” I study his face to see if I can tell if he’s lying.
He nods as he takes another mouthful. “So good.” He moans sending chills down my back.
“Good, that’s awesome.”
He rips off some bread, shoving it in his mouth and points over my head. “You didn’t have to clean.”
His words are so muffled, I can barely make out what he says. “Did you say, I didn’t have to clean?” He nods, smiling around a full face. “Are you starving?”
He half shrugs. “I haven’t had time to eat, she won’t sleep. This is the longest she’s slept since bringing her home.” He shoves in more food. “This is so good.”
“So I’ve been told.” Our gazes lock, and I’m sure we’re thinking about the same thing. I’ve said those exact words to him before. My cheeks flush.
He smirks. “I’ve heard.”
I shift in my seat. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m not sure. By the looks of things this evening, not good.” He purses his lips.
“I think you’re doing amazing. It’s not an easy task.”
He sighs. “To tell you the truth, I’m not sure I’m going to make it. I keep screwing everything up, and I’m pretty sure Luci hates me.”
“She doesn’t hate you. I don’t think anyone could.”
His bottom lip trembles, the only sign of his distress. “I miss him, he’s all I’ve ever had.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t come to the service, I didn’t know.”
He wipes his mouth. “It happened so fast.” He pauses. “It was the day I saw you at the store.”
“Was that the phone call?” I lay my hand over my heart.
“It was.” His shoulders slump. “I should’ve told you.”
“I would’ve come with you.” His eyes meet mine. “As your friend, of course.”
“Yeah.” He grimaces and takes a drink of wine. “Friends.”
Charlee stands and begins clearing the table. The silence is as awkward as we are about being ‘just friends’. I’m an idiot. She’s an amazing woman, and I’m pretending to be something I can never be.
“I brought dessert.” She flashes it to me and waits for me to respond.
I rub my stomach. “You’re spoiling me.”
“Are you watching your figure?” She wiggles her brows.
“No, I’m not.” I stand and stalk toward her. “Let me see that?”
She holds it away from me with a hand in the center of my chest. “Hey, now. You need to say please.”
I pout. “Please.”
“You’re a mess.” She giggles as she sets it on the counter. “It’s apple dumplins, there’s vanilla ice cream in the freezer.”
“Did you just say… dumplins?”
She wrinkles her nose, searching the ceiling. “I think I might have. Have you forgotten what that is with your highfalutin schooling?”
“The longer I’m around you, the more I miss home.”
Her eyes sparkle. “I’d do anything to see you smile.”
“I can believe that. What was with the ‘Charlee’ and handshake that day?” I take the ice cream out and set it on the counter.
She peeks up at me from under her lashes. “You said to start over, so I was starting from the beginning.”
“Had you been starting from the beginning, you would’ve let me knock you down.”
“You’ve done that already.” She flashes me a wicked grin. Is she flirting with me?
I nod. “I’ll make damn sure to land on top of you next time.”
Her face flushes and I have to admit, I love it. “Stop it, young man. We’re friends, go sow your seeds elsewhere.”
I wish I could. I sink my teeth into my bottom lip when she bends over in her cut off jeans.
“I wish I could, but that life’s over.”
“Why would you say that? Don’t say that kind of stuff,” she admonishes me.
“How am I going to do shows with Luci?”
“The same way women have raised children, worked, kept a home and worked on their relationship. You can do it too.” She pins me with a glare.
“I submit, women are better. A helluva lot better than men.”
She smirks. “I have to agree.”
She hands me a bowl of ice cream and dumplings. I take a huge spoonful and hear a wail. We’re both standing as if we’re frozen. Her eyes cut to mine as she presses her fingers to her lips.
Luci cries out again.
“I’ve got her, eat.” She goes toward Luci’s room. “It may be your last time for a while.”
I inhale the food and pick up the kitchen. Charlee still hasn’t returned, so I go in search for her and Luci. I hear a soft voice singing. I step up to the bedroom door but the sound comes from behind me.
I turn, pushing it open and find Charlee giving Luci a bath and she’s not screaming. “How did you do that?”
She’s standing at the bathroom sink instead of using the tub Reese got her. “Run a little water, put a towel in the sink to line it, and bathe her here. You’re more comfortable, therefore, not nervous. She can sense it, and it scares her.”
“Huh.” I cross my arms. “Tell me more.”
She looks over at me. “Are you serious?”
“Yes,” I say with wide eyes. “I don’t have a clue, Charlee. Other than there’s this ring of old milk under her chin.”
“Yes, there can be.” She snickers. “So she’s a girl.”
“Duh. What else?”
Her eyes flutter to mine. “Don’t rub her raw, gently cleanse.”
“Rub her raw? I didn’t plan on taking her skin off.”
She shakes her head, turning to me. “You know… down there.”
I stare at her. “Down where?”
“Her girly parts.” Her face goes blood red.
“Oh!” I knit my brows. “Can it be rubbed raw?”
She raises her brows. “I don’t know, can it?”
“Why yes, yes it can.” I waggle my brows at her.
“Ewe, you’re such a perv.” She cringes.
I poke her side. “You like it.”
“Once you’re done, she’ll be slippery. So have a towel ready and against your chest. That way, once she’s out, you can wrap her into a warm towel.” She demonstrates on herself.