Ghosts And Roses

Chapter 5

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Looking furious. "You've made decisions that have led me to mine. We're not your back up family. Make your own. With your girlfriend. I have mine. With my men." Stating calmly. "Peggy." I interrupt him quickly. "Not Peggy. Never have been. Never will be. Cap chose his path. I've chosen mine. Interfere with my personal life again? Zero contact. You're lucky I'm allowing you still to be a part of Jenny's life. After what you did." Sneering at him. "All I've done was to protect you. The life they want isn't right for you." Face red. "How dare you make decisions on what's right for me? Who do you think you are? My daddy? He's gone. His job has been filled though. It took two applicants but still. He gave them glowing recommendations. Mama too." My comment makes Jeremy and Seb snicker. "What about Jenny? You think this is the best environment for her to be raised in?" His yelling makes me jump. "Baby?" Great, girlfriend's here. Pumpkin barks happily. Pulling on the lead in Alby's hand. She's sees Jeremy. Last time they were together she was six months old. He got her for me. Hearing her breed's really good as support dogs for the mental health issues I struggle with. Alby's lets go. She makes a mad dash for him. Whining as she leans against his legs. "You got so big. Beautiful. Like your non furry sister. Hi sweetheart!" Laughing as she gives him kisses. "Guess I'm second best to all my dolls." Seb laughs patting her head. "Got to get to set. Dinner tonight ma'am?" Seb kisses my cheek. "Of course soldier." Kissing his back. "Joining us Renner?" Asking Jeremy. "Can't. Ava's coming home. We have some stuff to talk about. Lola and her sissy. How to surprise Grammy Val." Smirking at Chris. "Gotcha. Mind if I join you guys tomorrow?" Seb hugs Jeremy. "That'd be awesome." Jeremy sits as Seb leaves. "Well now. It appears my new sister has a lot going on." Alby laughs. "Coffee girl?" Asking sweetly, watching Chris implode from with in. "Oh I need all the tea, but coffee will do. For now." She winks at me. "I really like you! We should have a girl's night. Tell you ALL about it." Surprising myself with my words. Never wanting to hang out with one of his  girls. Her giggle takes over the room. "Not all of it." Jeremy looks amused. "It's so happening. Like it or not." Alby grins. My daughter's always been perceptive. I'm glad I listened. Gave Alby a chance.

 "Lola. Seriously? Don't you think we should be having a family discussion right now?" Chris grunts out. "Um. Isn't that who is all here? Family? Go on. What do you want to talk about?" Smiling at him sarcastically. "Lola. You have no idea how much that means to me. Calling me family." Alba smiles. He chose her. She's going to be a part of Jenny's life as her aunt. "You are family." She puts her hand on mine. I notice something. A diamond on her left hand. I take her hand in mine. Nonna's ring. Lisa had showed it to me a million times. She always said knew her mother would love to have been able to see it on my hand. That Lisa hoped that would be where it would end up. "When were you going to tell me?" Wiping my head to Chris. "I thought you did! You said she was excited. Why she liked me so quick!" Alby screams "Calm down. Both of you." He sighs. "So not helping you with this civil war Cap. I already almost died once this year. Still recovery from it." Jeremy snickers into his coffee. I give him a look. "Sorry baby. I know. Not funny. But it kind of is." He shrugs. "How long have you been engaged?  You only started dating like a year ago! Have you told the family yet? Start planning?" My hands on my hips. Chris gets an awkward look. "That's only what was put out to the public Lola. It's actually been almost two and a half years. The family knows. He said he wanted to tell you in person. He told me he had. The wedding is in September." Alba's voice soft. "September? That's only a couple months away." All the air goes out of my lungs. I can't breathe. My hand grasps my chest. "Lola?" Jeremy sounds nervous. "My goodness. My sweet friend are you ok? You don't look well." Alba joining his concern. As I clench the counter I look at Chris, staring daggers. "I'm fine. Thank you though. Just overwhelmed and tired. Probably Jet lag." Barely getting out the words. "Do you need any help? With Jenny or Pumpkin? I'm here what ever you may need." Pumpkin's by my legs now. Sensing my oncoming panic attack. "You're so sweet. I appreciate it. I'm so sorry. For everything." Hugging her tight. Even though she has no idea why I'm sorry. "Ok. We'll go and let you rest. Text me later. So I know you're ok?" She looks so concerned for me. "Absolutely." Sighing. "Lola." Chris tries to talk. I shut him down with one look. "Fuck you Christopher." I mouth to him over her shoulder. When I thought he couldn't ruin our bond anymore. This happens. What an asshole.