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I was satisfied when she apologized, and mother and daughter hugged it out.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Cara announced with a polite knock. “This just arrived for you,” she informed, handing me an express envelope. A smile cracked my face when I recognized the name and return address.
“Thank you, Cara. You can take an extra thirty on your lunch break,” I said, standing to my feet with Daisy in my arms.
“You’re the best, Mr. Baker,” Cara sang as she exited my office.
“Remember that the next time I ask you to stay late,” I called after her.
“I don’t even know why you wasted your breath. That woman is already peeling out of the parking lot,” Kierra joked.
“Yeah, Cara and I kinda have a love-hate relationship sometimes. That usually happens when I cut into happy hour with her friends.”
Kierra hissed between her teeth. “Honestly, I can’t blame her. That’s a pretty d-i-c-k-i-s-h move if you ask me.”
“Maybe this will change your mind.”
I handed her the envelope, and her eyes widened cartoonishly. “Is this?”
“It is,” I confirmed. Kierra’s shaky fingers ripped the tab open, and seconds later, she held a check for $30,000.00 for the accidental death of Rory Houston. I expected her to cry, but I hadn’t expected her to embrace me. She rested her head on my chest, wrapped her arms around my waist, and stayed there. No words were exchanged as I accepted her display of affection. Everything that needed to be said was translated through our proximity. My face was buried in her coconut-smelling curls, and my free hand rested on the small of her back. I felt another pair of arms around my legs and knew it was Kiyah. She didn’t know the reason behind the hug, but she did recognize affection—a baser need that every being craved—and wanted to be a part of it.
A pang hit my chest when I fully realized what Rory had left behind—two young women missing the comfort and love he had provided. And for a second, I wondered…do people cry in Heaven?
Chapter Ten
Kierra
It was August, and the sun was relentless. I was grateful for the shade the trees provided, and considered jumping in the pool for a late-night swim after the kids were down. Simone and I decided to pick up sandwiches and salads from a nearby deli and picnic at the park. We barely managed to get the girls to sit long enough to eat before they sprinted to the playground. The girls got along okay, with Kiyah sometimes playing mediator between Nori and Daisy and begging for them to “just get along.”
My eyes wandered from the girls when I heard moaning from beside me. “That coffee cake can’t be that damn good.”
“Better than sex,” Simone hummed as she devoured the cake.
“Poor Anthony,” I laughed. “I’m surprised he didn’t try to join us.”
“He would’ve if he could. He’s in physical therapy. But enough about him, how have you been settling in?”
“Surprisingly well, if I’m being honest. I thought there would be some transition issues, but Kiyah has been getting along with Jonathan’s kids, and while sometimes rambunctious, the kids haven’t been giving me a hard time. But then again, it’s only been a couple of days.”
“And Jonathan?” Simone asked curiously.
“What about him?”
“How have you been getting along with him? It hasn’t been awkward, has it?”
“He’s been nothing but kind and generous. I received Rory’s accidental death check today because of Jonathan.”
“That’s amazing. Do you have any plans for the money?”
“I want to put it aside for Kiyah’s education. Anthony is a money man, right?”
“Yep. He’s finally bored of building model ships all day and started a part-time investing business to keep himself preoccupied. I think I have a business card in my wallet if you’re interested,” she said, digging through her insanely expensive purse. “He’s good, too. He’s more than quadrupled my money since I entrusted him with it. I fork over my nanny salary to him and let him do his thing. I think he helps Jonathan with his finances, too, if I’m not mistaken. Here it is,” she said, offering the card to me. “No pressure, though.”
“Thank you. I’ll probably hit him up at the next get-together. I’ll cook next time.”
“Nonsense, it’ll be our turn to host,” Simone offered.
“I’ll bring the coffee cake,” I teased. Simone smiled and opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by the deafening ring of her phone. She smiled apologetically after scanning the contact.
