Page 56 of What I Needed

All eyes were on me, and I recognized the pity in them. I had to do something to lighten the mood because my sob story had definitely shifted the vibe in the wrong direction.

“If anyone wants seconds, feel free, but I do have dessert for those interested,” I announced.

“When did you have time to make dessert?” River asked.

“I didn’t, so I had some sweet potato pies delivered from Soulful Diner.”

“I’m ready for seconds and dessert,” Jaxon announced as he reached for the serving spoon for the chicken and broccoli.

“You two can only have a small sliver of pie because you’re in season,” I told the guys.

“Damn. You run a tight ship. Is she always like this?” Jaxon asked River.

“She don’t play about me eating healthy.”

“I’m sure he doesn’t pay you enough,” Mama J said.

“This is the easiest and most fulfilling job I’ve ever had. He pays me more than enough. I’ll go get the pie from the oven.”

“I’ll come with you,” Mama J said, giving Riverlynn to Rylee.

We stood and went inside. I reached for the handle to the oven door, but before I could open the oven to remove the pies, Mama J touched my shoulder, and when I turned around, she pulled me into a hug.

It had probably been about six months since I’d cried, but something about being in this woman’s arms started the waterworks. She gave me a few minutes to release the tears I’d apparently been holding back, and it felt good to let them go.

“You needed that,” she said, reaching up to wipe the tears that continued to fall.

“Yeah. I didn’t realize how much. I usually cry during therapy, but it’s been a while since any sessions brought me to tears.”

“You’ve experienced so much loss, and it’s a miracle you don’t cry every day.”

“There was a time when I did, but as I said, I’ve learned how to handle my grief. I have to say, taking care of Rivvy brings me a kind of joy I didn’t know I needed. I’m glad fate brought us together.”

“Putting you and my son in the same place at the same time, and giving him the discernment to see your heart, was nothing but God. I know I told you not to let my son charm you out of your panties, and I know you didn’t listen.”

“I—”

She shook her head, stopping me from letting the lie roll off my tongue.

“There’s no need to lie. I know my son, and the way he looks at you tells me everything I need to know. He likes you, probably a lot more than he’s willing to admit to even himself. Whatever he’s feeling for you, he’s not used to it, so he may test you. You are exactly what he needs, and I believe him and Riverlynn are what you need, but don’t let that boy play in your face.”

“I won’t, and thank you for this. I appreciate your concern and candor.”

“I’ll always be honest with you. Now, let’s have dessert.”

After dinner, we sat around the table and talked for a while. Eventually, Mama J, Rylee, Shakira, and I left the guys on the patio and went inside. Shakira and Rylee helped me clean up the kitchen while Mama J handled Riverlynn’s bedtime routine.

“Do you like my brother?” Rylee asked.

“He’s nice and a good boss.”

“Good, but do you like him, because I think he likes you.”

“She likes him,” Shakira offered.

“Rylee, your brother likes a lot of women.”

“No, he has sex with a lot of women. He likes you. I just want to know if you like him back.”