Page 51 of Belonging to Them
“Lately, that hasn’t been the case, though,” I say.“All those hours practicing, and then meeting up with Church of Fortune in Vegas….”
“But generally, you two are together more.I don’t want to intrude on music time, but I want to be here before seven or eight p.m., you know?”
“I know.And I think she’d like that.”
“I physically ached, being away from her,” he says, rubbing his chest.“People say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but it just made mine fucking hurt.”
“Agreed,” I say.“I’ll think on how we should give her the necklace, you do the same.”
“Yeah.”
We finish our drinks and return to the bedroom, where King tucks the necklace back into his suitcase.I ease into bed on one side of Ella, King on the other.She’s on her side, facing me, and I use a fingertip to trace the lines of her brows.
This is the most precious person in the world to me.I want her to know it.
THIRTEEN
Ella
A week has gone by, full of planning the baby shower and playing music, and working my last few shifts at Maids in Heaven.
Now it’s Saturday, and Gianna’s baby shower is going great.I haven’t thrown a party since my dad’s fiftieth, which comprised of Dad, Tommy, me, and Tommy’s girlfriend at the time, Tiana.But that party had been a simple backyard affair with barbecue and cake.
This party is very different.I’d thought of hosting it at Kingston’s place, because he keeps telling me to treat it as my own.But I want Gianna to be comfortable, as well as everyone else, and that might be difficult if the focus is on the penthouse instead of Gianna and the baby.
Another time, I’ll throw a little dinner party and let my friends explore the penthouse, enjoy the pool, all of that.But today, we’re chilling at the park near the university.
“Baa, Baa, Black Sheep!”Mrs.Dali shouts in triumph, brandishing her paper.“I’ve done it, Ella!Ha!I filled out all the nursery rhymes on my card.”
“Congrats,” I say, grinning at her.“You are now the proud owner of this donut charm bracelet.”
She cackles and puts the bracelet on immediately.I had to scramble for prizes, forgetting that people might want to win little party favors.Luckily, I found a local jewelry designer who makes themed charm bracelets.Natasha won the unicorn bracelet, Olivia and her friend Samantha tied for the bunnies and promised to share, and now Mrs.Dali has won the donuts.
Everyone is being super nice to Gianna.I’m just meeting Samantha for the first time, but she’s amazingly nice and funny.And Gianna’s getting along with everyone really well.
I bring out the cupcakes—some with regular flour, others gluten-free, because Natasha can’t tolerate gluten.I’m glad I brought extras, because Samantha’s on a gluten-free diet, too.
Gianna laughs and makes jokes with us all, although I detect a hint of sadness in her eyes every now and then.
“I absolutely love this blanket,” she says, unwrapping a gift from Mrs.Dali.“Did you make it?”
“No, I don’t have the patience for that,” she says.“I bought it from my niece.She has a side hustle, making blankets and shawls.”
“She’s very talented,” Olivia says, touching the edge of the blanket.
“That’s some ring you have there,” Gianna says, pointing to the twin diamonds on Olivia’s engagement ring.“Are you married?”
“No, I’m engaged,” Olivia says, smiling fondly at her ring finger.“We’re getting married in August.”
“Congratulations,” Gianna says with a smile.
“Thanks,” Olivia says.
I wonder how Gianna would feel about it if she knew Olivia was getting married to two men, not just one, but of course, it’s not my place to bring it up.Sure would be nice, though, to know what Gianna would think, since I’m with two men, also.
Then again, maybe Tommy has told her about my boyfriends.
Olivia finds a gift bag next to her and hands it to Gianna.“Open this one next.It’s from me.”
