Fourth of July

Chapter 10

"Where's Mia?" Gee asked sadly.

"She is going on a little vacation," I said.

I was rushing to get both of us ready because I was late for work and because Mia is gone I had to bring Gee to work with me. I got Gee into the car and sped off to work. I sat him down in the corner booth again with some of his toys. I hurried behind the counter and my boss gave me a disapproving look.

"You okay?" Ray asked.

"No, not really," I mumbled.

I looked over at Gee while I worked until I was sent back into the kitchen.

"Frankie?" Someone asked.

I looked behind me at Gee and cursed.

"You can't be back here," I said. "Go sit down."

Gee whimpered, shaking his head. He hugged me tight, making me drop the container of fries into the oil, making it splatter up. Some of it landed on me but most went onto the ground. Some worker walked by, slipping on the oil. He fell and dropped his tray of patties all over the ground and effectively hit the ice cream machine just hard enough for some sparks to fly.

"Iero!" My boss shouted. "You're fired!"

I looked at him before looking back at Gee, who was cowering behind me in fear. I took his hand and walked out, getting him buckled up. I drove the two of us home as I sighed.

"What does fired mean?" Gee asked.

"Nothing, Sweetheart, it just means that I'm going to spend more time with you at night," I said.

Gee squealed happily and clapped his hands. I brought him back into the house, tossing my shirt onto the couch.

"You have pretty skin," Gee mumbled.

He looked at my tattooed body and I smiled softly, realizing this was the first time he's seen my naked torso. His fingers ran over my chest and stomach, admiring each little piece of art that decorated my body.

"Alright, Baby, I gotta go shower," I said.

Gee frowned softly but let me leave to go to the bathroom. I turned on the shower, stepping in to let water cascade over my body. I ran my fingers through my hair and showered quickly. I didn't want to leave Gee alone for very long so I wanted to get out as soon as I could.

I got out and wrapped a towel around my waist, blowing my hair out quickly. I headed out to the bedroom, glancing into the living room where Gee was playing peacefully. I threw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt before I went to sit out on the couch. I looked and Gee and saw he had gotten into my package of tree air fresheners and had tied a bunch together to make a necklace.

"Here you go," Gee said, putting one around my neck.

I couldn't help but smile softly as I kissed his cheek, wrapping my arms around him to hold him tight, never wanting to let go.

Later that night the guys came over and we went out to the garage to practice. We got ourselves set up while Gee sat on the couch to watch us.

"Where's Jamia?" Evan asked.

"She quit," I said quietly. "She said she didn't want to be our manager anymore and she needed some time alone."

"What happened?" Matt asked.

I figured it was best to not tell them, it's Jamia's choice whether she wants them to know or not.

"I don't know," I mumbled.

"Evan! Evan! Watch me count to ten!" Gee exclaimed. "One, two, three four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten!"

"Wow, Gee, you're so smart," Evan said, ruffling his hair.