Page 9 of Pieces of Us

“Lem’s. I need a drink.”

“Bet.”

Loon pulled from the curb just as Diana walked out of the building. We locked eyes for a split second before I looked away from her, happy that this was an end for a new beginning.

Morgan

It was 5:00 p.m. when we finally made it home after having dinner at Fixin’s. It had been a long day, and I was ready to relax and nurse my baby girl back to health.

“Drue, we’re home!” I called out to my sister. “Megan, make sure you do that homework before you start YouTubing, missy.”

“Yes, ma’am,” she replied, begrudgingly making her way up the stairs.

“I have to go to the office for a few hours—”

“Jus, you just barely missed your daughter’s showcase because of a meeting, and now, you’re jetting off to go to yet another meeting?”

“I know, I know, baby. I promise I’ll be home before the girls go down. I have a meeting with William Brant, the linebacker for the Ravens. I could potentially score him as a client, which means…” he drawled, pulling me into his arms. “More money, more vacations, more spoiling you.”

He kissed my lips while squeezing my butt. I wasn’t impressed with his proclamation. However, I did love the affection he showed me. I laid my head on his chest and wrapped my arms around his waist.

“It’s been three weeks, Jus. Are you not attracted to me anymore?”

He immediately pushed me back gently, looking into my eyes with concern.

“Are you kidding me? You’re still the baddest woman I was lucky enough to marry. I don’t think I’d ever not want you. Work has just been hectic, but I promise when I get home, I’m on you,” he said before driving his tongue in my mouth.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. Maybe I was being a brat because I needed my boots knocked, but I still wasn’t sold on his storyline.

“Eww, get a room,” Drue said, coming down the stairs with Mariah in her arms.

“We’re in our home, heffa.”

“Well…stop.”

We all laughed as I moved to take my baby.

“Awww, my honey bee. You look so miserable.” I held her in my arms and pressed my lips to her forehead.

“Her fever has been up and down. She’s okay right now, but she’s still a little stuffy and weary,” Drue informed.

I rubbed her back and kissed her forehead again.

“Maybe you should take her to the doctor in the morning, babe,” Justin said, kissing her cheek.

“I will if it doesn’t get better by morning.”

“Okay. I love you, and I’ll be back soon. I promise.” He kissed me then kissed Mariah. “Feel better, munchkin. Daddy loves you.”

“Love you, Daddy.”

I watched him leave, shook my head, and sighed.

“Everything okay?” Drue inquired.

“Yeah…yeah. Is Rudy still with her dad?” I asked her about my niece, her namesake who we called Rudy.

“She is. I have some tea, so go put my baby down and come back so I can spill it.” She giggled.

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