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Erica pulled at the bookbag on her back. Joshua stood next to her on the tarmac as they waited for security to grant them access to the private jet. He looked over at her and shook his head. Huge sunglasses covered Erica's face.
"Do I really have to wear this stupid shit on my face?" Erica crossed her arms over her chest.
"Unless you want the whole damn world to know about us...then yeah." Joshua picked up his luggage and entered the plane.
Rolling her covered eyes she struggled with her suitcase but made it onto the jet. Josh was already getting comfortable in his seat when she sat down. Erica pulled the shades off of her face and threw them at Joshua.
"You could've helped me with my bag. What's wrong with you?"
He shrugged his shoulders, "I don't want to spend Thanksgiving with your family."
"You were going to spend it alone anyways. Can you at least do this for me at least?" Erica placed her hand over his.
Erica's eyes pleaded for him to help her, "I promise, it won't be that bad."
Once they arrived in California Erica had a wide smile on her face. She missed the west coast air despite being an east coast girl for life. A rental car was waiting for them at the airport. Erica scurried to the driver's seat.
"I'll drive!"
Joshua pulled his hoodie up even further. He sighed sliding into the passenger seat. They pulled into a gated community. Erica still knew how to get the Ball estate. The wide gates opened. Josh stuck his head closer to the window. They were swimming in money. So how did Erica end up like this?
She parked the car. Zoey greeted her at the front door. Jumping up and down she reached around Erica's legs.
"Auntie!" Her cute little voice was like music to her ears.
"Hey, girly!" Erica bent down to fully engulf the child in a warm hug.
Zoey looked behind Erica's legs at Joshua. She pointed her finger at him.
"Who's that? Is that your boyfriend?" Her big brown eyes had a hint of mischief.
Erica blushed, "No he's not my boyfriend. He's a friend, you can call him Joshua."
By the time Erica finished, Zoey was already smitten with Josh. She waved her small hand at him. Joshua put his slight attitude aside once he saw the girl. He waved and smiled. She giggled.
"Alright, go ahead in the house," Erica said eyeing Zoey as she giggled.
Erica returned to the car to help Josh with their bags.
"Zoey might have a crush on you now," Erica said laughing.
"I love kids. She's too cute."
Rolling their suitcases into the foyer, Erica's chest began to tighten. All of her childhood memories floated back to her. Joshua noticed her energy shift.
"You good?" He asked quietly.
Clearing her throat she nodded. Zoey came running back with her hand out. Erica allowed Zoey to lead them to the living room. A sports game was on the huge television. Old music played lowly in the background. Pots and pans banged from the kitchen.
"Daddy, Aunt Erica is here and she brought her boyfriend, Josh!" She screamed jumping on the couch.
Erica lead Josh to the opposite side of the room so everyone could see them.
"Zoey! I told you he isn't my boyfriend. Granny invited him."
Josh daped everyone up. Melo was too busy eating snacks to even pay attention to what Zoey said. Erica was surprised when he began chatting it up with her small family. Tired of hearing about all the football talk she went into the kitchen.
"Hey!" Erica said watching Tina prepare the food.
"Oh you made it! I didn't hear you come in."
Erica began washing her hands, "That's because Uncle Lavar is yelling."
Erica helped Tina finish up the rest of the food in silence. Tina eyed her nervously. Looking into the living room, the boys were occupied. Tina took this as her chance.
"You know you don't have to come back to California," Tina spoke pulling out serving spoons.
Erica looked up from the pot, "What?"
"You heard me. I saw the way you looked at the art gallery. Don't let my airhead husband make decisions for you. You are a grown woman."
Erica smiled stirring the pot. Small tears pooled into her eyes. Without thinking she reached over and hugged her aunt.
"Thank you."
Tina kissed her cheek, "And don't stop yourself from finding love again. I know you and that boy out there is something."
Erica shook her head, "It's not what you think."
"Please, spare me the act. I saw you too at the gallery when you thought no one was looking."
Erica sighed turning her head. Maybe this was getting out of hand. They had to be more careful. A few minutes later everyone sat at the dinner table. Forks clanked against the ceramic plates. Erica pushed her food around trying to find the energy to eat. She was still working on eating every day.
"Have you decided what you're gonna do, E?" Lavar opened his big mouth to ask.
Cutting her eyes at Melo, he shrugged his shoulders, "About what?"
"You should be back on the west coast with us."
Erica pushed some food in her mouth to silence her tongue, "I'm staying where I'm at."
"What?"
Erica paused at the table. Gelo was sipping his drink. Zo was trying not to get into it. Melo obviously was egging Erica on. Erica made eye contact with Tina. She gave Erica a firm nod before looking at her plate.
"I said what I said. I got offered a full position at the art gallery. Let me try this first. I'm finally getting somewhere. I'm happy! Don't ruin that for me."
Melo laughed at Erica's response. No one had ever talked to their father like that. Erica felt like her heart would beat out of her chest. She was surprised when Lavar smirked.
"Okay, you got it."
authors note:
damn y'all been blowing me up about this update
i apologize for not updating damn!
vote and comment
excuse errors
i'm gonna try and push out the last few chapters and finish the book
