I bring my leg up on the couch, turning my body so that I’m facing him. He sits in silence, spinning a fidget toy in his hand as he gives me the time I need to bring the subject forward.
“I don’t like the fact that Evie is taking ride shares to and from here every day. It can’t be cheap, and you never know who drives those cars.I know they’re screened but it’s been putting an uneasy feeling in my stomach all week.” I look at Monty, and there’s a soft smile on his face as he listens to me, so I continue.
“I was thinking, why don’t we offer her my car? Or even the apartment above the garage?” I pause, trying to gauge Monty’s reaction. We have this in-law suite above our garage that Monty built for our parents when they come down to visit for a while. They don’t always use it, so it kind of just sits there. Xavier has crashed there a few times when he’s come over for hockey night and had a few too many drinks. I do upkeep cleaning on it weekly so it’s well kept and not just collecting dust.
I know Evie mentioned how she shares her apartment with other roommates, and I hate that idea. Then once her car broke down, and she started taking these ride shares. That part of me that likes to take care of the people I care about started to flare. She’s Harper’s best friend, and I love Harper. I love how she loves my best friend. She sees him the way I always wanted his next partner to see him. He was really hurt after Shelby died. Harper heals him, and doesn’t let Shelby’s memory fade.
Even despite the fact that she is Harper’s best friend. I have grown to care for her, and the way she cares for our boys. I don’t want her life to be more difficult, and honestly I love having her here helping with the boys.
“I mean that doesn’t sound like a bad idea. Are you wanting to get the shop up and running once the doctor gives you the all clear?” Monty inquires.
I never thought of that part either. After high school I went and got my cosmetology license. I worked in a few different shops as Monty worked on growing his business. I enjoyed the social aspect of what I was doing. I specialized in waxing and lashes, the structure of both bring a calm to me. I enjoyed being able to care for my clients in moments that they did a little self care.
When Monty’s business took off, I started expanding my services. I went and got trained so I can offer some facials and gel nails. With the hopes that one day I could open my own little shop.
Josie’s Heavenly Getaway.Opened once I got Shiloh sorted into daycare. I was quietly getting things together. A business plan of sorts while I was pregnant with Lo, I kept it in my nightstand and would work on it during the nights I was too uncomfortable to get sleep.
What I didn’t know was that while I was having naps during the day, he was creating my dream space in our garage.
Our two car garage with the apartment on top, turned into a one car garage. He had taken one side of the garage and created my own home salon. I absolutely sobbed when he showed it to me. He told me he had a surprise for me, but a surprise from Monty could mean literally anything from a trampoline, to a night out to dinner, to a simple flower he found while he was working. My life has never been a dull moment since I ran into my husband all those years ago.
“Yeah, I think that would be a good idea,” I toss the idea around in my head before resting my cheek on my palm. “I’m sure the ladies I have waiting for me will love the idea of me coming back sooner. I gave them a longer timeline just in case I wasn’t ready to come back so soon.”
Monty’s hand reaches for me as he pinches a loose strand of my hair between his fingers before ultimately tucking it behind my ear. “You can go back anytime you’re truly ready Josie, there’s no pressure to go back before then.”
My chest flutters at my husband as take in his words. “I know, and I appreciate you thinking out for me babe.” Leaning forward I peck him on the lips. “I think I’m ready to get back at it, maybe not right when they give me the okay to go back to work, but I like the idea of getting back.”
“So it’s decided then.” He claps his hands together.
ChapterNine
Evie
Five weeks postpartum
Ayawntakesovermybody as I stand on the sidewalk, my mitted hand attempts to cover my mouth but it’s futile. Shaking my head, I pull my phone out and check when my ride will be here. The app tells me my driver cancelled their drive, and they’re trying to pair me up with another one.
“Well fuck.” I grumble. Anxiety begins to prickle its way up my body. Slithering its way from my stomach before settling its weight on my chest. The weight constricting, my breathing becoming harder.
Tucking my travel mug in the crook of my elbow I begin to furiously type a message to Josie letter her knowing I’ll probably be late.
Evie: Good morning! I am SO sorry I was sitting here waiting for my ride share and they just cancelled my request. I’m waiting for another one to accept.
I quickly switch back over to the ride share app and my body runs cold when I read the update on my screen.
We’re sorry, we cannot complete your ride request due to no drivers being available.
“Fuck a duck,” a groan leaves me as I try to think of how I'm going to get to their house now. This is just what I need. No reliable ride to get to my job and then they’ll come to realize how much of a pain it is for me to help them out. They'll start scouring the ads for a new nanny then they'll say it wasn't me, but we all know that it would be.
My head begins to swirl, the claws of insecurity digging into me and pulling. I close my eyes and focus on my breathing. Feeling the cold winter air on my face. With each breath I slowly put each insecurity back in their box and firmly secure it before I toss it to the back of my mind.
Just then my phone starts playing “Check” by bbno$, telling me my bestie is calling me. She makes it a point to check in every morning just in case I need a ride to work. I truly don’t deserve her sometimes.
“Hey babes.” I say as I pinch my phone between my cheek and my shoulder. “What's up?” I stand and wait for the inevitable response.
“Hey girlie I just wanted to call and see if you needed a ride over to Josie and Monty's today. I was already on my way out to Ruthie's to get some apple cider and thought I'd pick you up on my way.”
I roll my eyes at my best friend's failed attempt at trying to be casual as she offers me a ride to work. I don't know if Josie messaged her or if she just has this internal sensor that always can tell when I'm about to have an internal panic attack but she always comes in clutch.
