Captain: Yo, I swear our kids are conspiring together because Jo-Jo slipped and called me Daddy. And I guess so. I ain’t mad at it though.
I chuckled lowly as I locked my phone so I could put my attention back on the girls and pick out their food.
The waitress showed up just in time as we placed our orders. My phone went off again but Byrdie snatched it before I could even see who it was.
“Uht uhn, you can talk to Highland whenever. It’s girl time.”
“Girl, he has Jo-Jo; hand me my phone.” She huffed but passed it back.
“Liv, you need to let that man be a good stepdaddy alone.”
I unlocked it to see his message, causing me to frown because I wasn’t sure what it even meant.
Captain: I’m going to water our bean, Olive.
Me: Okay.
That was all I said. I put my attention back on my girls as we talked about everything they wanted to do on vacation.
The roundof knocks on my door had me groaning as I lifted my head from my pillow. I glanced at the alarm clock to see it was only eight in the morning. Today was my day off and I had no intention of getting up before ten today. I rolled over, snuggling deeper into my bed, praying that whoever would take me ignoring them as a sign to go away.
The creaking of my door opening had me turning again to see Jo-Jo standing in my doorway, rubbing his eyes. “Mommy, someone’s at the door,” Jo-Jo said as he came further in the room, getting into my bed with me.
“I know, maybe if you cuddle with me, they’ll go away,” I said as I pulled him into my arms, holding him close.
Jo-Jo’s laughter erupted as I began to tickle him.
“No, Mommy, stop!” He could barely get those words out. The sound of my phone ringing on my nightstand had me breaking up my moment with my big boy who had been too busy growing up on me, so I hadn’t had too many of these cuddle tickle sessions.
I grunted as I reached over to see Highland’s name on display. I frowned slightly as I answered the phone. I didn’t think I would hear from him until tomorrow when I had to drop Jo-Jo off to him while I had my client.
“Yes, Captain.” The nickname flowed out with ease which had my body tensing as I forgot I couldn’t call him that anymore.
“Good morning, come open the door. The girls and I are here, are y’all cool in there? You taking too long to open up.” I pulled the phone away and curved my lip in confusion.
“Olive!” I heard him calling me and apparently so did Jo-Jo who was up moving fast to get out of my bed.
“Is that my daddy and my sisters?”
“Yes.” I answered him then put my attention on Highland as I got up myself.
“What are you doing here? I thought I was coming tomorrow morning?”
“Tate called out sick. I have to work a party in a few. I brought coffee.” It was like music to my ears as I made my way into the bathroom to handle my hygiene.
“Ooh from Brewed Bean?” I asked as I sat down to pee.
“Ain’t that your spot?” I giggled as I angled my phone against my ear so I could wipe.
“Yeah but you might’ve forgotten my likes and dislikes. It’s been so long since you got my order.” I put the phone on speaker as I continued the basic care of washing my hands, face, andbrushing my teeth. I would handle my shower once Highland left and I got the kids situated with breakfast.
“I could never forget, Olive.” I looked up to see Highland standing in the doorway, in his uniform looking good as hell. I licked my lips, trying to do dual work since I hadn’t made it that far yet.
“I know it’s last minute and I also know this was your last prep day for the trip. So let me at least cover your day. I brought breakfast from the smoothie spot, Cece’s request, but here is money for lunch and whatever you were going to spend on clothes or whatever.” My head was shaking as I put toothpaste on my brush.
“Thank you for the breakfast and coffee, but no, Highland, lunch money is fine. I can’t have you buying things for me though, especially when we’re not together.” He walked in further and my breathing damn near stopped.
“Olive, together or not, I’ma make sure you’re good. So whatever you’re talking about doesn’t mean shit to me.” He leaned down and kissed my forehead. My breathing became choppy as a nauseous sensation came over me. “I’ll call when I’m on my way back. I shouldn’t be long.”
