AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Now, back to you,” she said, smoothing down the short strands of my hair.
Gently, I took her hand to stop that action, and then leaned over to rest my head on her shoulder.
“I’m okay, Mom.”
She put her arm around me. “You don’t seem okay. In fact, you seem rather upset. You wanna talk about it?”
“Hey, what happened with Dorian?” Dad asked, walking back into the room.
Mom gave my knee a pat. “She and Calida are at it again.”
Dad chuckled and shook his head. He walked over, and sat Shawn in my lap, and gave me a kiss on the top of my head. “What am I gonna do with my girls?” he asked before walking toward the kitchen.
I gave Shawn a tight squeeze. I wanted to go home and spend the rest of the day alone, but I’d told Malcolm we’d come over.
I spent another hour at my parents’ house. Dorian even came back out and joined us. I glanced down at my watch. By the time I made it to my house, I’d only have to leave again to get to Malcolm’s small, one-bedroom Midtown rental. We’d just go early. I’m sure he wouldn’t care. I called Mal to let him know we’d be over soon. As expected, he was happy about our pending arrival.
Chapter 5
Malcolm
“There’s my man.”
I immediately took Shawn from Ginger when I opened the door. He squealed in delight. When I reached up to close the door, Ginger flinched, almost as if she were bracing for impact. I tried not to let her reaction bother me. I wanted us to have a good time tonight.
She stepped away and turned to face the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room. I kept the blinds open most of the time so I could take in the city view.
“This place fits you perfectly. Twenty-four-hour concierge, no maintenance to worry about. And this view. Are you going to miss it?”
“The view? Yeah. When I toured it, the polished concrete floors and exposed brick were my favorite features, but the view, that’s what sold me on this place.” I put Shawn down on the white, shag rug that sat beneath my black leather sofa. “But it’s time to move on. This place is more bachelor pad, and that’s not who I am anymore.”
Ginger looked back over her shoulder in my direction, but made no comment.
“I ordered pizza, should be here shortly.”
“That’s fine.” She walked over and took a seat on the sofa, and pulled some toys out of the diaper bag. “So, what movie are we watching?”
I gave her a large smile. “Despicable Me Two.”
“I don’t think I’ve seen the first one.”
“Really? You’ve been missing out. This is cinema movie greatness.”
A knock on the door interrupted her response. She slid onto the floor to play with Shawn while I paid the delivery person.
“How are you not big as a house with all the takeout you eat?” She asked as I carried the pizza box into my small kitchen.
“Lots of vigorous physical activity.” I replied with a wink.
“Malcolm!” Her face turned red, and her eyes widened. “I don’t know if you’re the kind of influence I need around Shawn with comments like that.” She picked up the portable high chair. Still wearing a disapproving frown, she carried it over to the table.
I grabbed two plates from the cabinet. “What are you talking about? I’m an excellent role model. I’ve been teaching him all the finer points of picking up the ladies, and let me tell you, the kid is a natural.”
Shawn walked over to us. I leaned down and picked him up, ruffled his hair, and got his bubbly laughter in response.
“Malcolm Frankel! Tell me you have not used my son to pick up women?” Her hands rested on her slender hips as she glared at me.
“What? Me? Never,” I replied in mock innocence as I fastened Shawn into his high chair. “Buddy, we may have to cancel those clubbing plans tonight. I think she’s on to us.”
