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“Mommy, relax.”
I cut a narrowed stare at Jaah who had Gracie’s hand as we traveled from the parking lot to massive grassy area that surrounded a park like a moat. It was beautiful and I wanted to be at peace but the last experience we had in a public park ended badly.
I did a quick scan searching the handful of bodies that were scattered about, everyone was seemingly minding their business. I also noticed the two guys dressed in shorts and t-shirts.
One was tall and wide like a linebacker, the one had more of an athletic build. They were engaged in casual conversation on the perimeter of the park.
There was a woman with them in athletic wear, yoga pants, zip up jacket, and a ball cap pulled own on her head, exposing a sleek ponytail at the center of her head in the back. After a few minutes of chatting she walked off in one direction, they moved in another.
“Those are your people?” I pointed as discreetly as possible to the two men and the woman and Jaah nodded confirmation.
“Yeah, they’ll keep an eye on things. I told you I got you covered.” He winked and stopped abruptly, kneeling down to Gracie’s level.
I removed the camera from my shoulder and snapped a few shots of the two of them because how could I not? It was always the most simple moments that were the most profound.
“Okay here are the rules. You can go to jungle gym and the swings but that’s it. If you want to go to the lake, you have to come get me and your mom and we’ll walk you over. Deal?”
“Deal. Can I go now? I want to play with them.” She balanced on her toes, anxiously waiting for the green light. I tugged at one of her braids and kissed her cheek.
“You can go play. Be nice okay.”
“Mommy, I’m always nice.” She flashed me a smile, exposing all of her teeth, and I arched a brow which had her smile expanding as she added. “I’m only not nice if someone’s not nice to me, can I go now?”
“Yes, have fun.”
“I will…”
She took off toward the play area where there were a few other kids. I watched as she inserted herself into the small group that was already mingling and once she seemed to be happily incorporated, I turned to Jaasir who already had his eyes on me.
“What?”
“You have that mama bear look. She’s safe out here.”
“I know…” I shrugged. “I just have to make sure.”
He tugged my arm and pulled me into his chest, looping an arm around my neck. I subconsciously looked around to make sure there weren’t any prying eyes or waiting phones.
“Relax. These people out here don’t mind other people’s business. They respect their own privacy just as much as we do.”
“It’s hard not to be on edge. The last time we were out together like this it ended up all over the place.”
“Trust me, I get it but my people are looking out for that too. Not that I feel like we have to worry out here but just in case.” He kissed the side of my neck. “Come on. We can to sit over here.”
There were a few benches situated under two massive trees providing shade and seating not far from the play areas.
“Now I see why you told her to play nice. Look at my little baby.” Jaah grinned pointing to Gracie who had her chin lifted talking to a group of kids. Eventually she was pointing to different sections of the playground and then folded her arms over her chest.
Two boys who had to be a few years older were on one side while she stood with a group of kids who looked closer in age to Gracie.
I groaned and stood, moving closer to the playground, searching for other parents when I called Gracie over. I didn’t want my kid bullying other kids out here. “Gracie.”
“Yes, Mommy?”
“Come here, baby.”
“But, Mommy…” she whined but got her ass in gear when I tilted my head to the side and gave her that look. The one she knew not to play with.
“Mommy, you said I can play.”
