Perfect by Design

5: Aaliyah James

Olivia
When I get home from the studio, the house is abnormally quiet. In the few months since our hell week with Aaliyah, things have finally started to resemble our norm. It's 6:30 pm on a Friday. I expected to be attacked the moment I walked into the door.

I make my way through the house to the kitchen, not a peep. As I approach the back door, Posie lifts her head to acknowledge my presence and then returns to playing with whatever toy is occupying her attention.

Because four children apparently weren't enough, and my husband is the world's biggest pushover, we now have a dog. Well... Kiara has a dog, Posie.

Finally, I spot my family. Kiara is in the pool. Aaliyah is relaxing on a lawn chair while the boys play football. I feel it's important to mention that the boys include Trevor, who is very much still around.

My daughter seems very attached to him, and I'd rather they spend their time here than at the Adams residence. No way in hell I was going to continue to let that slide.

"Mooommy!" Kiara swims over to the side of the pool and smiles brightly at me.

"Hi, dollface." I wave a blow a kiss. She blushes at the nickname her dad has called her since she was a baby.

At the sound of my voice, Spencer turns and walks right up to me. He slips his hand around my waist, pulling me into his chest. I smile at his silly grin before he leans down to kiss the top of my head.

"How was work, baby?"

"Well, you know how the twins are sick, so Kia has been home with them." He nods.

"So Jordan was on drop off and pick up duty today for Wren. I offered to bring her home once I wrapped up my private lesson, but he said it was no big deal."

Spencer pretends to snore, and I playfully smack his chest.

"You're so annoying." I roll my eyes.

"I'm sorry, baby. I'm sure you were getting to the good part."

"Simone was dropping off her daughter when Jordan was picking up Wren, and let's just say, uncomfortable is an understatement."

"Oh, that. Yeah."

He catches a pass one handed that Grayson sends flying in our direction while trying to roll right past what he said.

Oh, that. Yeah?

"What aren't you telling me, Mr. James?"

"Me? I'm not not telling you anything." He flashes his charming smile at me, but it won't work.

"Spencer."

I don't see whatever face he gives the boys, but based on Grayson's response, it isn't a fun look.

"Well, I guess the game is over." Grayson comes stomping in our direction.

"Hi, Gray. It's nice to see you too." I smack the back of his head as he pouts, walking by me.

"Hi, mom." He shrugs and carries on into the house.

"Hi, mommy." Luca runs over and hugs me.

"Hi, baby! How about you pick out something for dinner, and in a moment, I'll come in and order!"

He takes off, and I pull away from Spencer slightly so I can tell Kiara to head inside and get cleaned up.

She pouts, of course, because these kids are spoiled. I spot Trevor as he sits on Aaliyah's lounger and places his hand on her shin. Thank God, my husband's focus is always on me when I'm around because if he turns around and sees that, this might be Trevor's last visit.