Nineteen
Olive
I sat in Nawlins with the girls and Byrdie. We had just spent a day getting our hair done in braids for our vacation. I got the girls’ hair similar to mine, just no added hair. I didn’t want to do too much and Highland had an issue. So far, whenever I took the girls for our weekly girl’s day, he hadn’t said too much about what I did with them. But still, I didn’t want to overdo it for their ages. Being a girl mom was something new for me, but I had to remember they weren’t really mine.
“Ooh, Liv. I swear you and your minis are too cute. You got me about to tell Troy we need one.” I laughed out loud as I put Neela’s napkin on her shirt. My phone dinged and I knew it was the picture Byrdie had just taken of us so I could send it to Highland. I wanted him to see their hair, and of course, Neela wanted our picture we sentDaddyto be together.
“Oh girl hush, you not having another one. You said Darius is already giving you a run for your money these days.”
She shook her head while she sipped her drink. I glanced at the picture once more, Neela in my lap with her arms around my neck and Cece leaning into my side with my arm around her. Our smiles were wide. I loved it. I typed the message underneaththat said your girls are beach ready before I sent it to him. Even though I wanted to include myself in that conversation, I knew Highland would read it as only his daughters, which made sense but didn’t soothe the ache.
“No, I said he be spending all my damn money, but I think I could squeeze a couple more coins out of Troy for one. It’s like you have two little best friends you can dress like you.”
I snorted while I began to look at the kids’ menu so I could help the girls decide what they wanted to eat since I already knew what I was getting.
“Girl, I’ve had a little best friend for the last six, almost seven years now. Did you forget about your nephew?”
“No, but you have to admit, the boys are different. You have two forever nail and hair salon dates. Darius nor Jo-Jo are going for that. Speaking of, I talked to Jasiel. Have you told him yet?”
I shook my head frantically as I looked toward the girls. Cece was like a spy and I didn’t want Jo-Jo to know about Jasiel not coming home until after vacation. She caught my eye as she opened her mouth then pressed her lips closed.
“Nope. Jasiel requested to do it. That’s his area with Joriel, so I stay out of it until I’m needed. So you’re all set for our drive down on Friday?”
“Girl yes, and I can’t wait to be laid out on the beach, sipping something fruity and strong. I already told Troy one night is just for us. I want to hit The Tavern or something. Momma ain’t been out for fun without the crew in a minute. And yes, this is your heads up to pack something worth being seen in. None of your mom clothes because you won’t be nobody’s mommy while we’re making you a new friend.”
“Uh huh, she’s going to be our mommy.” Neela’s little voice sounded out, shocking both me and Byrdie. I looked over to see Cece silently cosigning with a nod.
I knew Highland said Cece wanted to ask me, but I wasn’t expecting it to be so soon.
Hell, Olive, they didn’t ask.
So I figured I would.
“Y’all want me to be your mommy?” Cece spoke up while Neela snuggled up, nodding.
“Yes. And can we call you that? I know you and Daddy aren’t married, so you might not want us, but pretty please, Ms. Liv? We want to keep you forever.” I choked back a tear that almost made it out as I wrapped my arms around them.
“Of course. I would love that. And I want to be your mommy forever.”
My phone went off with a text from Highland.
Captain: Damn, if I didn’t make ‘em I would think they were all yours for real. All my girls look beautiful. Thank you for including them on your beauty day.
He included me!
Like a goofy schoolgirl crushing hard, I blushed as I got ready to text back. But another came through before I could respond.
Captain: Oh and I think we got a future baseball player on our hands, our boy is a natural.
Another one came through, a picture of Jo-Jo with a baseball helmet on, holding a bat in his hand. I pressed my lips together, doing my worst at concealing my grin.
When Highland said he wanted to still be in Jo-Jo’s life, I wasn’t prepared for the extent of what he meant. So far, he was exposing Jo-Jo to everything Jasiel hadn’t been able to and I loved that. I could only do so much when it came to raising Jo-Jo to be a good young man on my own. So even if we didn’t work out, I was thankful for Highland wanting to step in and step up for my son.
Me: At this point he’s going to play it all. You said that about basketball, golf, and football. What’s next on the list? Hockey?
Captain: Yup then track and field. We gon’ do it all!
Me: Oh and by the way, I just had the Mommy talk. I guess we’re stuck with each other now.
