Page 58 of Defending the Post
Pops
In my office playing with your sister
Me
Keep them there.
The drive to Pops’ office wasn’t far from the headquarters of Noise Level Shoes but it still took me thirty minutes with traffic. I parked and caught Caleb on the way up.
“How long Jhae and Malcolm been dating? Did I step on his toes?” Caleb asked.
I wanted to say you never had a chance. Jhae wasn’t interested, which made it easier for Malcolm.
“Everything is cool between you and Malcolm,” I reassured.
The doors opened to Khaira standing on Erin’s lap, rubbing her hair. She examined it with intensity and if Erin didn’t watch it, she would grab it. Caleb waved at my parents as he sprinted to his office.
“Key,” Khaira said, reaching for me. I lifted her and kissed her face until she giggled and squirmed.
“I’m sorry I can’t stay. Running late. Traffic,” Caleb said as he hopped back to the elevator.
“You miss me, don’t you? My princess misses me. I got you some shoes,” I said to Khaira.
Mom gave Pops the side-eye, and I fought the urge to laugh. I sat next to Erin, but she stood, migrating across the lobby. Khaira pulled on my diamond earrings, and I tickled her stomach until she released my ear.
“Erin don’t know I’m not afraid of our parents. Do she, Khaira? I will act up in this office, won’t I,” I said.
“Marquise,” Mom said.
I peered up at Mom changing the subject. “We need to discuss the summer custody. I’ll keep my princess for the first two months, and we’ll visit you on the weekends,” I said.
“Get your son,” Mom said to Pops as he stood behind her, holding her waist.
Through our eyes, Pops and I were having a different conversation. He sighed, asking me not to show my ass.
“Erin,” I said, and the room fell silent as eyes shifted across the room.
“Erin,” I called again with more sternness.
Mom’s forehead wrinkled as she glared over to me. Erin turned her body, crossing her legs. Pops caressed his beard as my mother turned to him.
“Alright, Khaira, be good for Mom. Remember, we’re on the countdown,” I said as I stood, handing her to Mom.
I took the seat next to Erin, tapping her knee.
“You were a bit spicy in the text messages, now I get the silent treatment?” I asked, but got no response.
She stood, and I followed her motion. Erin walked back to her original seat, and I followed. We sat for a few seconds before she stood up again, but I cuffed my finger in her pocket. My gesture paused her movement.
“Erin,” I said.
“Marquise, you know I taught you better. She clearly doesn’t want to be bothered with you right now,” Mom said, and I released her pants and Erin moved across from me.
“You’re making us late for our date being stubborn,” I said as I stared.
“Take Bella on the date.”
“Didn’t I tell you I didn’t want her?” I reminded her of my messages.
