Catching Feelings

59

"So what are we doing today?" B asks without looking in my direction as she relaxes on the bed dangling a little flashing toddler toy above OG, laughing each time he manages to be quicker than her and grab it before she can pull it away.

"Nothing really..." I shrug, watching them "For once. Later Za and them are coming to chill but that's not 'til tonight. We can do whatever you want today."

Her shoulders slump a little "Yay." she says sarcastically.

I widen my eyes a little "What?"

"Za." she clarifies, stroking the top of the monkey's head as he chirps and squeaks happily. "He's too much sometimes...it's like he has to live inside a constant party or he isn't happy."

"Who doesn't want to live inside a constant party?" I ask "Sounds good to me. And stop babying him..." I nod towards OG.

She eyes me out of the corner of her eye "First, you know who wouldn't want to live inside a constant party? Me. It's exhausting. Second, why should I stop babying him?" She leans down and kisses his head "He is a baby..." she switches to a soft soothing tone "Aren't you?"

"Cause he likes you better than me...that shit ain't right." I joke, pulling him on to my lap.

"Everyone likes me better than you..." she replies with mock seriousness "Why should he be any different?"

"You're an asshole B." I laugh "Why do I keep you around again?"

She squints her eyes as if my question is the most ridiculous thing she's ever heard "The question is why do I keep you around J."

I run my tongue over my lips suggestively "You know why you keep me around."

She starts to reply but OG grows annoyed that our attention has strayed from him "Damn," I smile "Alright lil bro...no reason to get loud."

He settles down and shoves the toy into his mouth, clutching it tightly in his tiny hands.

"He needs a bath..." B says smoothing the fluffy fur on his neck down.

I address him in a stage whisper "Get used to it bud...she's crazy for baths, you're gonna be the cleanest monkey in history like it or not."

She swats at me with a smile and picks him up before climbing out of bed "Shut it Bieber. Come help. Grab one of those." she instructs, pointing to the little pile of stuffed animals on the chair.

I pick up his favorite bear but she shakes her head like I'm crazy "Not that one nerd...that's his favorite and he'll be pissed when he wants it and has to wait for it to dry."

I drop it and select another, following behind her. I lean against the bathroom wall and watch with a small smile as she painstakingly insures the water is the perfect temperature before filling the sink.

She speaks gently and explains what she's doing to him every step of the way to keep him calm as he listens and watches intently. When I laugh she catches my eye in the mirror "What?"

I step forward and wrap my arms around her waist and rest my head on her shoulder from behind "You're gonna be a good mama."

"Oh..." she nods "Yeah...I just hope whoever I finally have babies with is a good daddy too." she winks to let me know she's kidding even though I already knew.

"Whatever." I kid right back "But you know, you really screwed up by letting Mr. Target guy get away...bet he could've gotten you a kick ass discount on baby stuff."

She bursts into laughter and elbows me lightly before easing OG who is wrapped tightly around a blue stuffed dog into the water "Shutup!!"

"Just sayin'." I reply, grinning at her reflection. "God I fucking hated that guy."