Love Is A Battle Field (Fourth Part of "Love In The Spotlight") MJ Fantasy

Chapter 19: Friends

Michael's POV

I released a nervous breath as I stared at her. Should I ask her? No, she'll never say yes. Or will she?

She grabbed Heaven's backpack and threw it over her shoulder. "Tell your Daddy goodbye..."

They both ran over and hugged me. "Love you guys... I'll see you soon, okay?" I said as I squeezed them tight.

"Love you Daddy!" Heaven chirped. She kissed my cheek.

"Love you, Dad." Junior said nonchalantly, extending his fist.

I stared down at it. "What's that?"

He rolled his eyes. "It's called dap... You know, like, a fist bump?"

I shook my head. "Well you don't give 'dap' to your father. Now give me a kiss..."

His face twisted. "What? No!"

I grabbed his arms and kissed his cheeks repeatedly.

"Dad, ew!" He whined. He pulled away from me and stomped out of the room. Heaven followed after him.

I giggled uncontrollably, clutching my sides and gasping for air. Once I calmed down, I noticed Zoe was still in the room, fighting a smile.

"See you soon." She said, turning to leave.

"Wait!" I called after her. She stopped and turned around. "I uh... I wanted to ask you something..."

She raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

I rubbed the back of my neck. "Um, well... I figured it would be nice if... Or uh.... I think we should like, discuss... Some things..." I stammered. Smooth, Mike.

She wrinkled her eyebrows. "What is there to discuss?"

I cleared my throat and jammed my hands into my pockets. "Just... You know, our um.... Our predicament I guess..."

"I don't know what you're trying to say."

I sighed. I might as well just come right out with it. "I want us to be on good terms... I was hoping we could talk... Over dinner maybe..."

She snorted. "Dinner? I don't think so."

"Why not?"

"I don't plan to be around you unless the kids are present. I have nothing to say to you that doesn't involve them."

I scrunched my eyebrows. "Why are you talking like that? Like this is a business deal or something..."

She rolled her eyes. "Is that all you wanted? I need to get going."

"Please consider the dinner..."

She sighed. "Fine... I'll consider it, okay?"

I tried not to grin. "Okay, that's good enough."

She nodded. "But don't get your hopes up..."

Zoe's POV

I took a deep breath and smoothed out my dress. I can't believe I agreed to this. This will not go well.

"Good evening, m'am. Right this way..." One of Michael's chefs greeted me. He held out his arm for me to hold on to and led me through the house. "Mr. Jackson requested an outdoor dinner, is that alright with you?"

Like I have a choice. "That's fine, thank you."

He led me through the back door and to the patio, where Michael sat at a table set for two.

The chef smiled. "Enjoy your meal."

I sighed and walked over to the table.
Michael saw me and stood, his mouth hanging open slightly.