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It was the same thing I’d felt.
Lamise didn’t hesitate to get right down on the floor to engage with my son. Other than the conversation being one sided and slightly different when it came to a particular topic, Lamise talked with him in a way I’d seen her hold a conversation with both myself and Avalon before.
She was engrossed in what was happening, giving Rhys the time and attention she’d give to an adult. In fact, I was inclined to believe she gave him more than she’d give to an adult.
And that wasn’t something I could dismiss so easily.
Apparently, my mother couldn’t, either.
“I told you she was going to be a great fit.”
“She really is,” my mom confirmed. “I didn’t want to make any judgment calls too soon, and I told myselfthat Rhys’s reaction to her on Monday was purely a fluke. It wasn’t, because he was the exact same way with her today.”
That was easily the best indicator that I’d made a good choice. I had also noticed just how much Rhys liked his new nanny.
I couldn’t say I blamed the kid, not if what I saw when I was here with the both of them was any indication of the way she was when I wasn’t around.
Considering Rhys was my son, I also told myself that he had a bit of my ability to read people. He might have only been just over six months old, but I believed he could sense things like this. For whatever reason, he was drawn to Lamise and was obviously very comfortable around her.
“I don’t think I could ask for more than that. As long as she cares well for him, and he likes her, I’ll be happy,” I assured my mom.
Smiling brightly at me, she replied, “Lamise asked me for my phone number today. She said if it was okay with you, she’d give me some updates about Rhys’s days when I’m recovering.”
“Why wouldn’t I be okay with that?” I countered.
“I thought the same thing, and when I asked her, she suggested that you might not be okay with her snapping a photo or two on her phone to send to me.”
Respect.
While Lamise probably figured I wouldn’t have a problem with my mom hearing about whatever was going on with Rhys, she didn’t want to cross any boundaries when it came to pictures of my son being on her personal phone. I liked knowing that she had some morals.
“I’ll make sure she knows that it’s okay.”
A satisfied look stole over her expression. “So, do you have any plans for this weekend?”
Shaking my head, I answered, “Nothing crazy. I’m just going to spend some time with my kid. It feels good to be going back to work on a regular basis again, but I’d be lying if I said it’s easy to be away from him. I’ve missed him this week.”
My mom’s fingers curled around my arm, and she offered a gentle squeeze. “You’re doing what you’re doing to take care of and provide for him. I know these last few months haven’t been easy on you, but I’m really proud of you, Banks.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
I couldn’t say more than that, because I didn’t trust myself not to get a bit emotional. Rhys had officially had more time alive on this Earth without his mom than he did with her at this point.
It was sad.
It was proof that life went on, even when we didn’t want it to or wished we could go back and change something.
But Rhys was also thriving.
So, if moving forward was the only way to make sure that continued to happen, I had no choice but to continue putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how much it hurt to feel like I was walking away from the life I had planned with Violet.
Lamise
“So, you’ve got my favorite spot on the couch, the softest blanket, the best chocolate I own, and the cuddly pup in your lap. I’ve given you all I can give to make this as comfortable as possible, and now I want to know what you needed to talk to me about.”
I wasn’t quite sure I knew where to start.
Exactly one week ago, I had intended to hop in my car in the Harper Security Ops parking lot and drive over to Tabitha’s house to tell her what was happening in my life.
