The Love That Grew

Ch. 15 Here for You

California

December

Waking up earlier than expected, Jashae completed her morning routine and hesitantly made her way downstairs. The smell of bacon and eggs hit her nose before she reached the kitchen, where Ray was finishing up breakfast.

"Good morning. You gonna keep staring, or you gonna help?" Ray asked, sparing a glance over her shoulder.

Jashae mumbled a good morning back, washed her hands, and began plating the meal, noticing there were four plates. The doorbell rang just as they finished setting the table. She kept quiet, hoping they wouldn't get into another screaming match today.

"How y'all doing this morning?" Xavier attempted to whisper to Raynell, but his deep voice was hard to miss.

Raynell shook her head and chuckled at his failed attempt. Not one to tip-toe around anything, she spoke aloud, "I'm great. Wash y'all hands so we can eat."

The small kiss Peezy and Raynell shared didn't go unnoticed by Jashae. Still pissed off about last night, she wouldn't dare admit how cute she thought it was.

Surprisingly, Peezy said a small prayer, and they all sat down at the dining room table to eat. The only sound coming from their utensils.

Peezy, not one to beat around the bush, began the awkward conversation. "You talking today, or you still on ya sneak shit?"

"That depends. You listening today or acting like you're my daddy and yelling?" Jashae sassed back.

"If yo lil ass wasn't lying, we would've listened," Peezy shrugged in response, not fazed by her attitude.

The two bickered a few minutes longer until Xavier chimed in. "I know y'all not 'bouta sit here and argue this damn early. Jashae, we just wanna know where your head's at, especially me. Why didn't you tell anyone about your... date?"

Raynell watched with folded arms and a head tilt, waiting for a response. This was unlike Jashae; they shared everything with each other, so she didn't understand what caused the sudden secrecy.

"I didn't want to be a bother. Zay, Tahiri is going out of town soon. I thought you two would be spending the majority of your time together. Ray, you're always busy with work or Peezy. I just wanted to get out the house without asking everyone to rearrange their schedules for me," she admitted, watching their faces soften.

"That doesn't mean disappear for hours without communicating with us, Shay. You scared the hell out of me—out of all of us. I didn't know if you were hurt, lost, nothing. I'd never be able to face my grandmother or Grandpa Jax if something happened to you. Please just check in with us next time," Raynell asked, to which Jashae agreed.

"That's why you rushed out the car the other day? To let me and Ta have some free time?" Jashae nodded, but Xavier could tell there was more to it.

"From now on, I don't want you worrying about that. If you need me, call me. I'll try to spend more time with you, so you don't feel alone. That was the whole point of you moving out here—so you felt supported," he reassured her.

Jashae nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "I understand. I'll check in more, I promise. I didn't mean to worry y'all."

Raynell reached over and squeezed her hand. "We're here for you, Shay. We just want you safe and happy. We're a team, and we stick together, no matter what."

Peezy, though still slightly irritated, softened his expression. "Just be honest with us next time. We got you, always."

A sense of relief washed over Jashae as she realized how much they cared. It wasn't about controlling her; it was about making sure she was safe and supported.