I literally felt on top of the world, a big man on campus, an NFL player who'd scored the touchdown at the Super Bowl.
I’d just left Willow’s house after having the best sex of my life. Not for one minute did I expect that when I carried that heavy fucking bag up to her room but I’m so happy that it did.
This has pushed my long term plans up a gear and I can already see us in that house. Once the realtor gets in touch to confirm if the seller accepted my offer that is, but I have high hopes that they will. It is gonna be our forever home and I am that excited I reckon I could scream like a girl getting a Tiffany necklace for the first time. My family is so close I could almost taste it.
“No! Don't ask again, Nan!” I slammed my bedroom door shut as she stood on the other side.
“Please, Will. Just one tiny detail. That's not too much to ask of you.”
“Go away, Nan!”
“I might die in my sleep and you will feel guilty that you never got to tell me how big Jesse’s dick was!”
“For the love of God, will you just leave me alone.”
“Anyone would think you're a virgin the way you're acting. I’ve seen some of the books you've read, Willow. Great books full of sex, so I know you're no prude.”
“I’m not going to tell you anything, so get away from my door and leave me alone,” I screamed in temper. I can't believe that I’m even having this conversation with her. She drives me nuts.
“Fine, just hope I ain't dead when you get up in the morning. The guilt’s gonna be a bitch to deal with.” I heard her huffing as she went back downstairs.
“Never mind her dying at this rate, she's going to be the death of me,” I mumbled as I threw myself down on my bed. A bed that not too long ago I’d had sex on with Jesse. Giggling like a schoolgirl I replayed every tiny detail and I blushed when I remembered how his mouth felt on me. So much for taking it slow. Now I was all in, entirely.
Nate and Kaylee came out of school in high spirits and I was so happy to see them. Despite them driving me crazy, I really did love them and they were my world.
“Homework then video games, Nate,” I reminded him as he went to run to his room. He turned around and nodded sullenly but doing as he was asked, picked up his school bag and headed to the kitchen to use the table.
“I don't have any homework tonight, Mama,” Kaylee informed me ask she took off her jacket, handing it over to me so I could hang it up on the coat rack.
“You sure about that, baby?”
“Yeah, Mama. The teacher was out sick today and the lady who took our class said not to worry about it, so I’m not worrying. Can I call Daddy today? I just wanna make sure he’s ok.”
“Of course, baby. Let me go and grab my cell phone.” Kaylee followed me into the kitchen where my phone was charging. “Kaylee’s going to call your father, Nate. Do you want to speak to him?” The look he gave me said more than any answer could. “Ok, you carry on with your homework. We will take this outside,” I told him as I unplugged my charger. I took Kaylee’s hand in my own as we went out into the backyard.
“Sit down, honey. I’m just going to dial his number. Now don't get sad if he doesn't answer. He might be busy, alright, Kaylee?”
She did as she was asked and sat down on one of the chairs that surrounded the patio table, her legs swinging back and forth as her blonde curls blew in the breeze. My daughter's beauty took my breath away at times. I knew as she got older I’d have to invest in a shotgun to chase away all the guys that were sure to be knocking down my door.
“Yes, Mama. He might be doing something really important.”
Sighing, I pulled up his number and hit the green phone symbol to connect the call. Part of me hoped he didn't pick up but the part that wanted my daughter happy longed for him to speak to his little girl.
“Hello.” His tone was curt when he finally picked up.
“Hey, Kaylee wants to talk to you,” I told him before he could start about anything else.
“Now? Honestly, Willow. You sure do pick your times to call.”
“You’re really going there right now?” I am taken aback by his lack of willingness to talk to his daughter. The daughter who's sitting waiting with a smile on her face to speak to her daddy.
“Some of us work for a living, Will. Can you tell her I’ll call her tomorrow or something?”
“No, she's sitting here waiting to speak to you. Least you can do is say hello!” I tried to keep my voice down, my tone neutral, but he knew just how to rile me.
“Put her on the phone.” Anger was present in his voice.
“You better calm down, Rob. She’s just a little girl who's missing her daddy. You owe it to her to speak to her nicely.”
“Put her on the fucking phone, Willow. Now!”
“Hold on,” I told him as I pulled the phone away from my ear. Pressing end, I cut him off and slid the phone into my pocket.
“He said he’ll call you soon, baby. He's tied up right now.” I sat next to her, taking her hand in mine. My heart broke when I saw how disappointed she seemed at not being able to speak to him but I couldn't have put her on the phone when he was acting that way. My children were my world, and their father or not, I’d never allow them to be hurt and that phone call would have hurt my precious daughter right to her core.
“That’s ok, Mama. He shouted at you. I don't wanna talk to him now.” She let go of my hand and walked back into the house.
“What’s up, squirt?” I heard Nate ask her. “Daddy was being mean to Mama on the phone so I didn't speak to him.”
“Don't worry, Kay. We will look after Mom, we don't need Dad.” The determination in his voice brought fresh tears to my eyes.
“What's for dinner?” Nate asked me as I walked back into the house. I managed to pull myself together enough to face them both.
“Was thinking about tacos.”
By the look of disgust from both of them I knew that had been the wrong answer. “Pizza?” I tried again.
“Yay!” Kaylee cheered this time and that made me smile. She's such a good girl. Rob’s ultimately going to be the one that misses out, not me.
“Can we ask, Jesse?” Nate asked me quietly, his little head lowered so I couldn't see his face. Something is really bothering him and I desperately wanted to know what it was. Perhaps if I'd have a word with Jess, he’d be able to help me.
“How about we check if he's in and we can go over and ask him. How does that sound?” Nate agreed with my idea just as I heard my Nan shout from the living room.
“He’s in, been back a while now and don't forget my ten inch ham and mushroom, with extra cheese!”
Kaylee giggled, Nate shook his head, and I just ignored her as we left the house, our mission to ask Jesse out for pizza well underway.