“Tell that to your father, and I called you last. It was your turn this go around, or are you getting old and forgetful?” she questions.
“If I’m getting old, that must make you and Pops ancient.” This is how it’s always been between me and my parents.
“Don’t tell your father that, before you know it, he’ll be trying “Just for Men” to get rid of his grey hair,” Mom says with a grouchiness in her tone.
I can’t help but laugh at that, Dad would never, and if he heard her talking like that, let’s just say Mom would be eating her words.
“It really is your turn to come out here, I was just in Vegas for Christmas,” I counter.
“I know but your brother, don’t even get me started. That Cruella Deville he’s with, well don’t say anything yet. You know Devon will call you, but she’s pregnant. Between Devon and your father, I’ll need to drink all the vodka to get through these next nine months.” I can hear the weariness in her tone.
“Fuck,” I grunt. I told Devon when I was home for Christmas she was up to no good, now here we are four months later, and Stacey’s got her talons in him for good now. At least for the next nineteen years.
“That’s about what your father said, of course now, at least your brother is talking about going for full custody as soon as he establishes paternity. I hate that we won’t be able to get out to Florida to see you.”
“No, Devon needs you guys. Stay in Vegas, I’ll make plans to get out there soon. In the meantime, don’t let Devon do anything stupid, like marry her.” I shouldn’t hate this woman as much as I do, but the shit she’s said in front of me about not only Devon and my parents, but how she already voluntarily gave up a child from a previous marriage. Yeah, I have no fucking remorse for her.
“I know, your dad is so pissed. We’ll love that baby unconditionally, but you warned him, we warned him, but Devon is Devon and he does what he wants. No matter what the repercussions are.” I think back to what she’s saying, Devon and I are only four years apart in age, me being the youngest, yet the maturity level though, it’s on a completely different scale.
“Yeah, well, let me know if you need me out there sooner than later. Maybe I’ll bring Presley out there with me.” I wasn’t going to talk to Mom about Presley just yet, something tells me that she could use some good news.
“Wait. Back track there, who is Presley and why am I just now hearing about her?” She asks.
I tell her all about Presley and how we know each other. It takes her mind off of Devon and gives me a reason not to work on the inside of the walk-in cooler.
By the time we hang up, it’s about time for me to lock up and head to Presley’s.
13
Presley
I got a call while at school from Callie’s parents asking if I could keep Clairabella after work, and it put a pep in my step. I know Lincoln is supposed to come over for dinner, but I can’t help but be excited to spend the afternoon with my girl.
“Are you ready to go?” I ask Clairabella.
“Yes, Auntie Pres. Can we pretty please get ice cream for a snack?” It’s really hard for me to deny her anything, especially with her big beautiful green eyes staring up at me. I squat down and say, “Yes, but it’s a secret. You can’t tell Nan or Pop though, and definitely not Mommy,” she launches her body at me and gives me a big hug.
“I have to call someone first, can you play for a few minutes in my classroom, and then we’ll be on our way to the ice cream shack,” I tell her.
“Okay, I’m going to read a book,” she states proudly then marches off to the corner I have set up for my classroom that’s full of books.
With a smile on my face, I hit Lincoln’s number to let him know tonight may need to be rearranged.
“Hey gorgeous,” Lincoln says as he answers the phone.
“Hey there, how’s your day going?” I respond.
“It was alright, talked to my mom most of the day and worked on the schedule at the bar. How about yours?”
“It was great, that’s why I’m calling you. How upset would you be if I rescheduled tonight? I have Clairabella until Callie gets off work tonight.” Sure the timing stinks but I wouldn’t change my time with her for the world.
“I wouldn’t be upset at all. I can still bring dinner over for all of us. If you don’t mind her meeting me?”
“Not at all. Try as I might to get her to eat different styles of food, she’s a picky eater. Clairabella gets it honestly, though. Callie is a picky eater, too, can we do something else besides Chinese?” I counter.
“What does she eat? I’ll pick up whatever, Chinese can always be for another night,” Lincoln says without sounding put out at all.
“Spaghetti and meatballs, it’s her most requested thing when she’s with me. Well, that and ice cream.”
“How about I pick up dinner and dessert? Then I’ll be at your place in an hour or so,” he responds.
“Works for me, we’re about to leave school now and head home. Well, after I break the news of no ice cream for a snack. I’m going to be the meanest Auntie ever now,” I chuckle.
“Nah, I’m sure she knows how amazing you are. See you soon, Presley,” Lincoln says.
“See you soon,” we hang up, and I let Bella Bug know about our new plans.
“Hey Bella Bug, we have a change in plans. How about we get spaghetti and meatballs for dinner plus have ice cream, after dinner?”
“I guess, if we must. Can we at least have fruit for a snack?” she counters. Clairabella may be a picky eater, but the one thing she loves is fruit.
“Of course, grab your bag, and we’ll head out,” I tell her. She runs back to the reading corner, puts what she has out away, then we head towards my place.
I’ll text Callie and let her know that Lincoln will be coming over, and she can grab Clairabella from my place if her parents haven’t gotten in touch with her yet.
14
Lincoln
Walking up to Presley’s door, I can hear the laughter coming in from the other side. My hands are full, but I’d stand here all-night listening to her soft melodic laugh along with what sounds like a belly laugh.
With a smile on my face, I reluctantly ring the doorbell, “Just a minute,” I hear and then less than a few seconds later the door opens. Presley’s hair is in some crazy contraption on the top of her head, and there’s a spitting image of Callie hanging onto her back like a spider monkey.
“Hey Lincoln. Bella Bug this is Mr. Lincoln, he brought two of your favorites. Lincoln, this is Clairabella,” Presley introduces us.
“Nice to meet you Clairabella,” I offer my hand out to shake it, when she does what I’m not expecting in the least, she launches herself into my arms for a hug.
“Humph,” I grunt, moving our food out of the way at the last minute. Presley’s smile is a mile wide, but she also doesn’t seem shocked either.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Lincoln,” she says as she pulls away from our hug, grasping both of my cheeks so I’m looking right at her.