Nothing Like Us

chapter 36

Today was my first day back to work after being off for a few days. I didn't want to leave Justin alone but I had to. Thankfully my boss has been completely understanding about the whole situation. My phone is ringing as soon as I pull into the driveway. He's been calling me off and on all day. J hates that I went back to work and I honestly am not thrilled with it either. I hit ignore and make my way into the house.
"J!" I call out as I kick off my shoes. He doesn't answer so I walk through the house looking for him. He must be upstairs.
Moments later I walk into the bedroom and find him and Lyric laying on the bed. "Hey you two...I was looking all over for you."
"We were right here waiting for you." He says sitting up with a smile on his face.
I lean down and pick Lyric up, kissing her cheeks and her forehead. She smiles at me, excitedly kicks her feet and flails her arms. "I missed you baby girl."
I turn my attention back to Justin. "Sorry I didn't answer your call babe. I was coming in the house so..."
"That's okay baby." He pats the spot beside him on the bed.
I curl up next to him. "So what did you guys do today? Anything exciting?"
Brushing my fingers through his hair I notice the big bruise on his forehead that is finally starting to fade a little. He's been wearing his hair down to cover it up but I can still see it and it makes my heart ache every time.
"Oh you know B...Popped some bottles. Watched some R rated movies. Ate a bunch of junk food...The usual."
I roll my eyes and swat his shoulder with a laugh "Such an excellent role model you are. We should have about ten more kids. I'm sure they'd be stand up citizens. In fact I'm kinda disappointed that you didn't teach her how to ride your motorcycle yet. We could get her a little leather onesie."
He raises an eyebrow. "B...stop...You took that one way too far." He laughs. "Besides she has to be two to ride my bike. Her vision still isn't that great."
I shake my head. "You're stupid."
"Damn Thanks." He acts all hurt and juts out his bottom lip.
"Oh c'mon J." I give him a kiss on the cheek. "You know I'm just kidding baby, don't be like that."
"Yea, Yea. " He waves me off. "So listen I was thinking.."
"Uh oh. You didn't hurt yourself did you?"
He pulls Lyric from my arms and cuddles her close. "You got mad jokes today don't you B? You hear this abuse Lyric, mommy is so mean to daddy."
I shrug. "I think I'm pretty hilarious."
"Yea I can see that. I wouldn't quit your day job B...well actually that's what I wanted to talk to you about."
I squint my eyes and look over at him. "What're you talking about?"
He lays Lyric down on the bed beside us. "Christmas is coming and before you and I got back together I had been going back and forth between here and Canada..."
I nod waiting for him to go on.
"I need to go back. I want to go back but I won't go without you two. You really liked it there Bobbi and we can even fly your parents in for christmas if you'd like."
I look at him still a little confused. "But what does that have to do with my job. I mean I'll have time off for christmas."
He runs his hand through his hair. "Listen B let's be real here. You don't need to work."
I start to speak but he holds his hand up. "I know, I know you want to but you don't need to and I wanted to leave soon. I'd like to spend the whole month of December there. Plus I do my best writing when I'm there and I really need get back to working on this new album"
I slump my shoulders forward a bit and think. He's right, I mean if we are together I technically don't have to work but I love to work and I enjoy my independence and having my own money. But on the other hand I do hate being away from Lyric. I did really love being in Canada and I know it would be absolutely beautiful to spend Christmas there. This LA heat at this time of year just isn't my thing.
"Okay"
He looks at me in shock. "What?"
I give him a little grin and repeat myself. "I said Okay."
"No argument...just okay?"
"Mhmm." I nod.
He runs his hand over my cheek. "I love you."
"I love you too J. When do you want to leave? I'd have to work something out with my boss. I can't just leave him hangin. I mean I could probably work from home until they find a replacement."
"Yea" He nods in agreement. "I understand that. So how about you hit him up and then we can start packing and all that."
"Sounds good baby. I'm actually really excited. This will be Lyrics first christmas. Can we decorate and start a bunch of awesome christmas traditions?" I say sounding like a little kid.
He gives me a warm sweet smile. "You're so cute B and of course we can. I mean I usually have someone decorate for me but we'll do whatever you want love."
I tackle him with a hug and pepper kisses all over his face. "I love you so much J. I can't wait."
Lyric starts to squeal with all the commotion. "Damn B you're scaring my baby." He laughs then kisses me back.
I jump up off of him and pick her up to soothe her. "Oh no J..What about Betty? I love her and she's so good with Lyric."
"Actually I was going to to tell you to talk to her and see if she wants to come with us. We need a nanny that we can trust and I trust her. She can live in the guest house if she wants and we will just put her on a salary."
"That sounds perfect J. I really hope she's down."
"Alright then it's settled." He stands up. "I gotta make some calls and get everything in motion."
"Yea I'll call Betty and my boss and I think Lyric needs a diaper change." I laugh and pinch my nose.
"Yea babe you got this one. I already changed two like that today. I don't know how something so nasty can come out of such a pretty little girl." He shakes his head, laughs then slips out of the room.