Page 32 of What I Needed

“I said you couldn’t go back there unless I’m with you. Besides, you won’t be imposing. My mama would low-key be offended if you left.”

“I thought she might want to bond with Rivvy without me in the way. Plus, it’s been a while since that incident with Jeremiah.”

“It hasn’t been that long, and I’d rather you not stay there so I’ll know you’re safe.”

Riverlynn squealed, and we both looked at her.

“Your daddy thinks just because he’s my boss that he can boss me around. Does he not realize it doesn’t work like that?”

Riverlynn smiled and babbled as if agreeing with her.

“See. Even she agrees,” Erissa continued.

“Rivvy doesn’t know any better. You should probably let homeboy know you’re not available this weekend.”

“I can stick around Friday and Saturday, but by Sunday, they’ll probably be sick of me.”

“We’re going to the beach Sunday. You should tell him you’re not available.”

“Sunday is usually my day off,” she pointed out.

“I’ll pay you a week’s salary to cancel your date and spend the weekend with me and my family.”

“A week’s salary? For a weekend? Are you crazy?”

“No, but I really want you with us.”

Her expression softened as she exhaled.

“Okay. I’ll come, and you don’t have to pay me.”

“Thank you, but I’ll pay you for your time.”

We ate our food in silence, except for the giggles and squeals from Riverlynn. When we finished, I cleaned up the grill, and Erissa took our dishes inside and put them in the dishwasher.

“You ready for the pool?” I asked when I entered the kitchen holding Riverlynn.

“Isn’t there some kind of rule that says you have to wait an hour or two after you eat to get in the pool?”

“The rule was for swimming, and it’s nonsense. I’ll take Rivvy and get her changed and meet you outside.”

“Okay.”

Twenty minutes later, I stepped onto the patio with Riverlynn’s monitor in hand, instead of Riverlynn. Baby girl fell asleep after I changed her into her swimsuit.

“Where’s Rivvy?” was the first thing Erissa asked.

I was disappointed because she was already in the pool and I missed the opportunity to see her in the bikini she wore.

“She didn’t want to be bothered with us, so she’s taking a nap.”

“Really? It’s too late for a nap. Hopefully, she doesn’t sleep long, or she’ll be up all night.”

“I guess she wanted us to spend some time alone.”

I dove into the pool and swam down and back a few times, stopping near Erissa when I finished.

“You weren’t kidding when you said you could swim, huh?” she asked.