Chapter 9
Another month, the building is ready for the Grand Opening today. With the hard work of my PR person, the school will open at near capacity. I was trying to convince Gianna for me to have Embry a couple of days during the week so she can go there, but after I explained why it would be good for her, Gianna told me she’d take her there all week and I could pick her up on my two nights. She tried to make it appear as if it’s for Embry’s good, but I know deep down it’s to give her more time for herself. I can see right through her. Makes me wonder how I was so blind not to see how she really is. Oh, well. That’s water under the bridge, as they say. I’m happier with Charleigh than I’ve ever been. Of course, I didn’t tell Gianna about her. I’m sure she wouldn’t allow Embry to attend there if she knew. Of course, I fully expect that to come out, at some point, from Embry. Out of the mouths of babes. I’m prepared for that.
Before the doors opened for the first official day of business, I attended a ribbon cutting ceremony, of sorts. Luckily, Gianna would never dream of getting up, more or less out and about, that early in the morning. Thank fuck! It was fun. The parents and children clapped and smiled as they entered the building. We’d hired a full staff by last week. From certified teachers, high school students who want to go into child development to be there after school until closing, down to a part-time cook. She’s there in the morning and leaves shortly after she cleans up lunch, leaving snacks made for the afternoon. I smiled through the office window, Charleigh sitting at the desk speaking to a parent as I left the building to head to work.
Another month and my caseload is up to my neck. I’ve neglected some since I’ve been helping Charleigh. Now’s the time to get in gear and catch up.
“Hey, Greer! Haven’t seen you much in months. What’s up?”
I look up from studying my case, occasionally receiving a text from Charleigh on how well everything is going. I can feel her excitement and happiness in her words. “Hey, Matt. Lots been going on. How are you?” I watch as he walks over and sits down on the chair in front of me. Kind of been missing that. I’ve been away from the office more than I’ve been here.
He smiles, folding his arms over his chest. “Well, I sorta found a woman.” My eyes widen. “Yeah, I know. I’ve been soul-searching somewhat. I’m not getting any younger.” He chuckles. “She’s an old client’s widow. We ran into each other at the mall. Been going out ever since.” He leans forward, leaning his arms on his legs. “I think I’m in love.”
I lean back in my chair with a sigh. “Will wonders never cease. Didn’t think you’d ever settle down.” I smile.
“I know. I know. There’s something to be said about being with one woman and really getting to know her. We have a lot in common. She’s beautiful, witty, and enjoys the same kind of movies as me!” I laugh. It’s not really funny yet it is. “Maybe we can double date sometime. That would be cool.”
“That would be fun. Might be a little bit. Things are crazy right now.” I don’t know how long we talked but I told him everything. All about Charleigh, the new preschool, and the things I’ve done to surprise her. “I love her, but I’m unsure when to tell her. Don’t want it to be too soon and scare her off. Then again, I’m bursting to tell her.”
“Shit, don’t ask me. This is all new.” He waves his hand around and I let out a laugh. He leans back in the chair, resting his right ankle on his left knee. “I dunno, man, but I wouldn’t wait too long. Don’t want her to get snatched up by someone else.”
Could that happen? As far as I know, we’ve been exclusive, but…. wait! I don’t really know that for sure. I have been. We’ve never spoken about it. Fuck.
I left the office in bewilderment, wondering how I could be so stupid not talking to Charleigh about being exclusive. Idiot! On my way over to pick up Embry from the school, I think I should bring it up as soon as possible. Like before I leave. I’ll just talk to her in her office before I go get Embry from her classroom. I let out a deep breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. Yes. It’ll be fine.
It’s a whirlwind of parents, teachers, and children when I step inside the building. Hustling of people every which way. Looking into the office window, I see Charleigh in a heavy conversation with a man. A man? Must be a father of one of the children. I’m looking around when I hear Charleigh laugh. What the?
“I’m sure everything will be fine, Mr. Lewis.” She stands and they walk toward the door.
“Please, call me Phillip.” He smiles. His eyes are all telling.
“Oh, Greer!” The light blush on her cheeks I love so much is there as her eyes move from mine to him back to mine. “I was just talking to a parent. Have you gone to get Em….”
“Excuse me. Miss Dawson.”
A young woman steps between us, Charleigh’s eyes telling me she’s sorry.
“Come this way, please,” she says as she waves to her open door. She begins to mouth sorry to me when the asshole father walks by.
“See you tomorrow, Charleigh. We’ll talk more.”
Like hell he will.
She walks into the office with the other woman and I take off down the hallway. I’m acting like a jealous fool but can’t seem to stop myself. Marching into Embry’s classroom, I look around, wanting to get home as quickly as possible. “Daddy!” The sweetest, most perfect little girl runs up to me. Instantly I squat as she throws her arms around my neck. I stand with her in my arms. “I need stuff from my cubby, Daddy.” Carrying her over to the far wall, I help her get everything out of her cubby and into her small backpack. I should have stopped by Charleigh’s office. Even seeing yet another parent in there, I should have waved or texted her after strapping Embry into her car seat or even before I started my car. I could have texted her or even called when I got home and got Embry inside.
But I didn’t.
I’ve felt jealousy before. When guys would look at Gianna while we were out together. It wasn’t bad, just made me feel proud because she was so beautiful, never worried because she was mine. Now that she cheated on me, I’m not sure of anything anymore.
“Embry! It’s almost time for dinner!” I yell as I walk to the front door after hearing the doorbell ring.
“I’ll wash my hands, Daddy!”
I smile as I open the door, my mouth still open.
She walks up to me, her mouth covers mine, instantly. All is forgotten as I put my arm around her waist, pulling her into me while her tongue does amazing things to mine. “Sorry I couldn’t talk earlier,” she says against my lips.
“It’s okay,” I reply. You were – busy.”
Taking a small step back, she smiles and holds up a sack. “I didn’t know if you had dinner yet so I brought dessert. Banana pudding.”
Holding out my arm, invitingly, I smile. “Please, come in.”
“So that man you saw in my office,” she says nonchalantly. “He’s just one of the single fathers who has a child with us.”
I walk closely behind her into the kitchen. “He clearly wants you.”
Her head whips around then she turns, walking backward as I approach. “No! It’s not like that! He’s just a client.”
I keep walking toward her until her back hits the breakfast bar, stopping her. I’m so close I can feel the warmth of her breath. “Client yes, but he wants you. No doubt about it.”
She looks at my mouth then eyes, back and forth a few times. “No. He couldn’t. I swear I didn’t act or say anything to encourage him.” Suddenly, she closes her mouth then purses it. Putting her arm around my neck, she plays with a button on my shirt with the other. “Why, Greer Markson. Are you – jealous?”
I swallow hard and take a deep breath. “No. Yes? Maybe a little? I mean, we haven’t talked about not seeing other people or anything.” Grabbing her waist I lift her, effortlessly, and set her cute, firm bottom on the counter. “His eyes when he looked at you. Yeah, he totally wanted you,” I whisper, kissing alongside her neck.
She bows her head back as I continue. “Yeah, well – oh! He can look but only I decide who I’m with.”
“And – who are you with, Charleigh?” I whisper, kissing across the swell of her left breast, making my way over to the other.
“You,” she whispers mixed with a moan.
“Who?” I ask a little louder.
“Charwee!”
Charleigh startles and loses her balance. I catch her quickly and she jumps from the counter. “Embry!” Immediately, she squats down and they hug.
“Are you eating dinner with us?” Charleigh’s eyes move up to mine and I nod, smiling.
“Yes. I even brought dessert. Banana pudding!”
Embry starts jumping up and down while clapping. “Yea! My favwit!”
“Ha, go get in your seat, Embry.” Charleigh stands and we walk into the kitchen gathering the food. “And everything is her favwit.” I laugh.
Dinner was amazing even if it was only chicken breasts from the grill, salad, rolls, and french fries. Charleigh’s banana pudding was a hit, and I couldn’t believe she made it herself. She helped me clean up while talking excitedly about the school. Her face brightens as she talks and I know it was the right thing to do.
“Embry, get your backpack. Mommy will be here shortly.”
“Yes, Daddy!”
Charleigh and I are sitting on the couch, holding hands and talking. “Should I go before she gets here? I don’t want my presence to cause any trouble.” Is she kidding? Gianna cheated on me. Once that I know of since I caught her but who knows how many times overall. I can have a woman over in my own home. We’re divorced. She doesn’t get to know my business.
“No. You’re fine. This is my home.”
The doorbell rings and I stand. Embry comes running out of her room with her backpack in tow, meeting me at the door. “Mommy!” Embry shouts when I open the door.
“Greer.” She snarls.
“Gianna,” I reply, curtly.
She bends down in front of Embry, taking her hand. “Hi, baby girl. Ready to go home?”
Embry nods. “Yeah, but I’ll miss Charwee.” Without standing, Gianna looks up at me, tilting her head slightly to the side. “She’s Daddy’s new friend. I like her!” Gianna tilts her head to the other side, her brows raising.
“You’re seeing someone?” she asks in disbelief as she stands, keeping ahold of Embry’s hand.
I cross my arms over my chest. “What? I can’t see someone? Did you think I would be so crushed by you that I would never want to go out again?” That nearly happened.
“Just surprised is all.” She looks down at Embry. “Let’s get you home. Grandmother will be over soon.” They both turn and start to walk away. Embry looks over her shoulder and rolls her eyes at me. Holding in my laugh, I roll my eyes back at her and she smiles.
“The toughest part of it all is what it’s doing to Embry. Going back and forth. Who knows what goes on at her mother’s? And her Grandmother? That’s an entirely different story.”
Once Gianna took Embry, Charleigh and I have been sitting on the couch talking. I’m nursing a Jack and Coke and she has a bottled water. “I can’t imagine, but Embry seems to be dealing with it okay.”
“Do you think so?” She nods.
“I’ve been watching her in her classroom. She’s very creative, has an amazing imagination, but seems well rounded and content.” I let out a heavy sigh and look down when I feel her hand on mine. “She’ll be fine. With the interaction she is getting at school that will help keep her level.” I nod again and finish my drink. “What about you?”
“Me?” I set my empty glass on the end table and turn a little, facing her better.
“Yes. You. You’ve been through a lot. I can’t begin to imagine how your life’s been turned upside down. The confusion. Sadness.”
Raising my arm, she scoots next to me and lies her head on my shoulder. “I’m better now. Much better. At first, I was in shock that she cheated on me. Thought I knew her but was so wrong. I’m glad I found out before we’d been married most of our lives.” I lean my head against hers.
“I’m not seeing anyone else, Greer.” I blink several times but don’t move. “I don’t want to.” She moves her head and looks up at me. “I only want you,” she whispers. Before I can move or speak, her body twists as her leg moves over mine. She kisses me, tenderly at first, as she straddles my lap, her arms enveloping me. Instinctively, my hand holds the back of her head, my arm wrapping around her as our kiss deepens.
Our breathing becomes heavy quickly. I kiss her nose, her cheek, and then her neck below her ear. “Charleigh,” I whisper. “I’m falling so hard for you.
Her head turns, our eyes connect. Deep feelings show in those blue eyes. “I’m falling hard for you, Greer.”
My heart swells with her confession and relief now that I told her how I feel. Grabbing her bottom, I stand and carry her down the hall and into my bedroom. Making love to her was different this time. More feelings. More than sex. Filled with love. I came harder than I ever have, spurred on even moreso by watching her as she screamed my name while having an orgasm. I did that. All these feelings helping me to give her what she needed. Even though I could have made love to her again, she was spent. I drew a bath, carried her sleepy body to the tub, and bathed her. After I dried her, falling asleep with her in my arms was incredible. I want her here with me. Always.
The next two months were the best in my entire life. Well, besides the day Embry was born and my time with her. We became a family of sorts. Charleigh spending every night with me that Embry wasn’t there, but she came over every night regardless and spent time before she’d go home for the night. I’ve fallen so in love with her that it’s difficult when she isn’t there. We both agreed that it would be too confusing for Embry to have her stay the night while Embry is there. It’s already difficult enough for an almost four year old, going back and forth all the time. She’s too young to understand.
Another month has gone by and Matt walks into my office, just like so many times before. He’s chipper and still dating the same woman. We’d gone out on a double date like he’d suggested. It’s not my business but I don’t think she’s right for him. But then again, what do I know.
“I dumped Linda,” blurts from his mouth as he sits down. “Well, I mean – I was nice about it but yeah. She just wasn’t the right one for me.”
“I’m sorry. Can’t disagree with you though.” I respond.
“You got that feeling too?” I nod and he lets out a sigh. “It’s just so difficult to meet women. I don’t think I’ll find the right one at a bar. You did but she worked there. Not the same thing.” I nod again. Totally agree. “I could try a dating site but not sure they are any better. I just don’t know what to do.”
“Yeah. When you’re finally ready to settle down and there isn’t a good way to meet women.” Leaning up in my chair, I smile. “But it will happen when you least expect it. Trust me.” I wink.
By Friday, I’m ready for Charleigh to come over after she gets off work and spend the weekend. It’s something I look forward to every other weekend. This weekend will be special. Everything is in place. Candles everywhere. Vases of fresh red roses sitting in various areas of the living room. Champagne chilling in a bucket on the coffee table with two glasses. Reaching into my pants pocket, I grip the ring box nestled there. I’m more than ready for this next part of my life. I just hope she is ready as well.
Guess we’ll find out in one hour.