Just Love Me

Chapter 26: Keeping It Casual

Chapter 26

"You're here, I'm pleased / I really dig your company" Jill Scott - A Long Walk

I shut down the computer monitor and straightened the papers on my desk. In addition to having three new clients, there was a group of young girls all needing advice on the same thing: boys. I heard so many stories about crushes, Instagram and August Alsina fantasies that I could write a teen magazine.

Ever since returning to work two months ago, my days had been filled to capacity. I gained a load of clientele. And I finally began establishing the teen and young adult women's empowerment group. Everyday was a balancing act.

Even though I didn't finish prepping my notes for tomorrow's meeting, I was leaving. The clock read 5pm and that meant it was time to get my baby. Taking one last glance around my office, I shut off the light.

I can't wait to kick off my heels and cuddle with my baby.

On my way out the office Ms. Reyes called me to her desk. I made sure the annoyance didn't show on my face as I approached her. "How's the precious baby girl?" she asked.

"She's well," I grinned.

"Good. That's great to hear. And how's Mr. Pistachio?" she sipped from her mug peering at me from over the rim. She's too nosy for her own good.

"He's good too."

"Excellent. To be honest, I was a little worried for you after what happened at your baby shower but I'm sure that's worked out...right?"

I turned on my heel, leaving the center. Mrs. Reyes was too old to be prying in my personal business. She was trying to make me the headlining story because the gossip mill was dry this week. Shame shame shame.

Getting in my car, I took a calming breath before pulling out the parking lot. Thankfully, there weren't many cars on the road. I was able to get to Sparkle's house in less than twenty minutes.

I changed to the flip-flops I had in my car and walked to her door. Sparkle knew I was coming so she left the door unlocked. Pushing it open, I heard the sounds of what had to be Force laughing. After closing the door, I walked through the short corridor to get to the living room.

Force was sitting on the floor in front of Rocky who sat in her bumbo seat. He made a face that made Rocky laugh and then Force would laugh with her. It was too cute.

Rocky started kicking her legs excitedly when she saw me. I squatted down beside her so I could kiss her cheeks. She made highpitched 'ah' sounds while smiling and drooling.

"You see this," Sparkle gestured to Force and Rocky. She sat on the couch with her arms crossed. "I don't get no type of attention." Standing up, she plucked the side of Force's big head. "She's my god-daughter but this dude's been playing with her all day."

I stood up to give Sparkle a hug. "Thank you for keeping her."

She waved her hand dismissively. "You know I love spending time with my god-baby. I'm trying to get Tay to let me watch her tomorrow. Especially since someone," she rolled her neck in Force's direction, "doesn't know how to share."

"I can't with him right now," she fussed going to the kitchen. I followed her laughing at the pout she had on her face. I didn't know why she got so mad when Force was always like this with Rocky. She should be used to it. He even bought Rocky clothes and toys, much to my surprise.

Sparkle got out two cups and filled them with red Kool-aid. I sat on a stool at the peninsula then reached over to take a cup. She pulled up another stool next to me.