Page 55 of What I Needed

“I didn’t realize there was a decision to be made. Eventually, you’ll need her birth certificate and medical records. How will you get those things if you don’t know her mother’s identity?” Ms. Janis pressed.

“Mama J has a good point. Have you thought about that?” Jaxon asked.

“It’s crossed my mind, but I’m so pissed about the way her mother chose to go about this, I don’t know if I want to deal with her.”

“It’s not about what you want, man. We might joke all day about this situation, but you gotta put your feelings to the side and do what’s best for Rivvy,” Jaxon said.

River was quiet for a minute before he nodded in agreement.

“I’ll reach out to the private investigator next week.”

“Erissa, can you make sure he keeps his word?” Ms. Janis asked.

“Of course. I’ll stay on him about it and keep you updated.”

“You do realize you work for me, not her,” he said in a light tone.

“I haven’t forgotten who I work for, and if you want me to keep working for you, you’ll keep your word.”

My comment made everyone laugh, which lightened the mood. We continued eating and had light conversation. I received compliments about the meal I prepared, which had me smiling from ear to ear.

“Erissa, can you give this recipe to my mom so she can make it when we go home?” Rylee asked.

“Excuse me. You’re seventeen years old and can cook your own food. Erissa, you can give that recipe right to Rylee, and she can make it herself.”

“Dang, Ma. That’s cold,” Rylee said, pouting.

“Call it what you want, sweetheart. Erissa, do your parents live in town? How did they feel about you moving in with a virtual stranger to take care of his child?”

I didn’t mind talking about my parents or grandparents, but I didn’t like the pity I sometimes received after I shared. I looked at River, and the sympathy in his eyes touched my heart. I felt his hand on my knee, and for the second time this evening, I was comforted by his touch.

“My parents died in a house fire when I was fifteen. Thankfully, my grandparents were happy to take me in. I probably lived with them a lot longer than I should have, but I was able to return their graciousness as their health declined when I was twenty-five. I was their caregiver until they passed away a little over a year ago, a few months apart.”

“Damn,” Jaxon said.

“Oh my. I’m so sorry to hear that. I didn’t mean to—” Ms. Janis began.

“It’s okay. You didn’t know.”

“You don’t have any family?” Rylee questioned in a solemn tone.

I looked at Shakira and smiled. “Just my bestie, Shakira, and her older brother, Sammie.”

She was sitting to my right, so she covered my hand with hers and gave it a squeeze.

“Well, I’ve always wanted a big sister, so you got me now,” Rylee offered.

I smiled as I held back tears from her sweet gesture.

“I’ve always wanted a little sister, so I’ll take you up on that offer.”

“And I know I can’t replace your mother or grandmother, but I’m here for whatever you need,” Ms. Janis said.

“Thank you, Ms. Janis. I⁠—”

“Call me Mama J. Both of you, actually.”

“Thank you, and I’d like that. I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me. Losing the people you love is a part of life, and I’ve learned how to deal with my grief.”