Page 38 of Ma Belle Marguerite
I can’t help but giggle at the look of surrender on his face. His usual gruff, ‘watch out I’m a cranky old man’ face turning into one of affection. He’s always had a bit of a soft spot for those that he considers family. I am happy to see that that part of him hasn’t changed.
Brielle helps me load up all the leftovers while Remi finally slows down. “Remi, you’ll have a stomach ache if you don’t stop.” I look at Rex, “This boy will eat you out of house and home. Areyou still sure you want us to move in?” I’m only partly joking, this boy can eat.
Without missing a beat, he says, “Of course I do. The kitchen is always fully stocked. I have someone come in and make meals. I can have whatever he needs meal prepped and we’ll have him in tip top shape for the rest of the season.” He winks at me as he gets up with the leftovers and walks towards the door.
“Wait, we didn’t pay,” I say as I reach out to try and stop him before he walks out the door.
Without looking back, he says, “I have a tab, so don’t worry about it.”
Of course he does. I should have known, it is the way of the crime organization.
I spot Grandma talking to someone behind the counter at the back of the room, and I wave to her as we follow Rex to his truck.
We pile into the truck and drive towards the mall about 20 minutes away in the next town over. I’m thankful I don’t need to tell the kids about the break in at the house and they just accepted my new job as the reason for the move. They don’t need to be worrying about that.
Remi takes full advantage of being the one to pick music along the way, taking his road trip dj job very seriously. I chat with Brielle in the backseat about the new friends she made today at school during her brother's tryout.
Remi and Rex seem to be talking about football and hockey from the pieces of their conversation I can hear. This all seems too normal and calm.
I know they have missed having a father figure in their life the last six months. I mean, there are only so many sports conversations I can have. I’m not the best at these things. Besides, there will be things that I’m sure Remi would rather talk to a man about sooner than later.
As we pull into the mall parking lot, I take a moment to look around and see how much things have changed. There are a few new stores, but everything looks almost the same as when I left years ago.
We all get out of the truck and head toward the mall. Rex comes up beside me and slips a credit card into my hand. He whispers, “Get some sexy lingerie and outfits for later.” Then louder, he says, “Remi, you and I are going to get some stuff for you, and the girls can go to their stores. We’ll meet back here in an hour.”
I laugh, “Good luck, Rex.” He has no idea what he’s gotten himself into. Remi absolutely hates shopping, even if it’s for his sports equipment. Welcome to the world of teenage boys.
Smirking at me, Rex and Remi walk away, already chatting. I guess they’re hitting it off well. I'm not too sure what I think about this. There are so many contradictory feelings. While I am happy Remi seems to be able to talk to him, I don't want him to get attached too quickly in case things don’t work out between Rex and I.
“So, Brielle, what do you think of my new boss?” I ask, trying to get a feel for what she is thinking. She is very smart and sees things most others may miss.
Sighing, Brielle answers, “He seems nice. He looks at you strangely, though. I don’t know how to describe it.”
Taking a moment to think of my next words carefully, I say, “Well, Rex and I dated in high school. So we know each other very well.” I pause to see if she will comment on that. Hopefully she will take it at face value and not want to know more.
When she says nothing, I continue. “He came into the hospital here after a car accident on my first night working. He had to stay in the hospital for a bit. He saw how I was struggling with being there and mentioned that he had a job opening. After a small chat, he offered it, and I accepted.” I realize I’m rambling.I need to stop before she gets more suspicious, if it isn’t already too late. “So that’s about everything with that, what store should we go to first?”
Brielle looks at me like she knows I’m hiding something, but just turns to look at the map on the wall before us and says, “Victoria’s Secret! I would love a new bathing suit from there. Then we can go to whatever store you need your new work clothes from. I'm not sure where you’d want to do that.”
I look over the store list and decide to go to Walmart. It is close to Victoria’s Secret and decently priced. “We’ll go to Walmart after; I don’t want to spend too much money.” I may have his card, but I don’t plan to use it. He can’t buy my love and affection, he should know that.
I hear my phone ping in my purse. I look to see who it is, and of course, it’s Rex. It’s as if he can hear me thinking about him.
Get anything and everything you need. Do not worry about the cost. There is no limit for you,Ma Belle.
Did you bug my phone? I’ll get what I need and pay you back.
I see the three dots pop up immediately.
You will do no such thing. I owe you, so this is the least I can do. Just go crazy and have fun with it. Please make me the happiest man in the mall, and just do it.
I roll my eyes, but whatever, his wish is my command. I see the three dots still bouncing away at the bottom of the screen.
Je t’aime, Ma Belle. I don’t expect you to say it back, but I want you to know I love you.
Brielle’s worried voice catches my attention, “Mom, a weird guy is standing over there watching us.” Her voice is quiet and she sounds frightened as she takes my hand and squeezes.
Trying not to look too panicked, I turn and look in the same direction she is to see the tall guy who came into the hospital with Rex after his accident. It’s Blue Eyes. He nods his head at me in acknowledgment. “Oh, that guy, he works with Rex. I met him at the hospital last week. Just ignore him.” I let her hand go so I can use my phone without dropping it. I can’t text one handed like the kids can.
