Page 89 of Refuel

I left Kash at home to put the rest of the house together and came to meet up with Jackson and Malik at Pierce Motors to talk about me driving again.

“Hi, Jackson,” I sweetly said as he stood, walked around his desk, and pulled me in a hug before I sat in a chair.

“What are you doing here, pregnant lady?” Jackson asked, rubbing my belly.

“Malik, what are you doing here? I thought you had a meeting in Seattle?” I questioned.

“It was postponed. I have too much to catch up on here. How is uncle’s little baby doing?” Malik asked, standing and coming toward me. He bent down and kissed me on the forehead and rubbed my belly. Surprisingly, he’d been the most responsive candidate to my pregnancy and the most helpful in my family. If Kash couldn’t take me to my doctor’s appointment, Malik or my mom took me.

“It’s doing well.”

“So, what’s up with you?” Malik asked.

I cleared my throat and sat up straight, staring right into Jackson’s eyes.

“Are you sure about this?” Jackson inquired, already knowing what I was asking.

“Yes.”

“What am I missing?” Malik asked.

“She wants to get back out there and drive,” Jackson told him.

“Ugh, really, Ari. Don’t you need to retire or something?” Malik asked.

“Why would I retire?” I asked.

He motioned at my belly, and I laughed.

“I’m pregnant. It only lasts nine months,” I said.

“But don’t you want to stay at home? What about Kash?”

“It’s my decision, Malik. I’m not saying I want to drive tomorrow. Once I give birth, maybe a year after the baby is born.”

Malik blew out a breath of frustration.

“I promise I’m fine. Don’t worry.” I grasped his hand, while he stood next to me.

“Give it a year or two and see how you feel afterwards. Once the babies come into the picture, you might change your mind,” Jackson said.

“Did Emery change her mind about working after JJ was born?” I questioned.

“Good point,” Jackson said and chuckled.

A knock on the door interrupted us.

“Come in,” Jackson called out.

“Hey, baby.” Emery smiled as she swayed inside the room and looked over me.

“Emery! Perfect timing,” I said.

“Hey, Arianna. You look cute, boo,” Emery said.

“Can you say hello to your husband first?” Jackson grumbled, causing us both to laugh.

Emery let me go and walked around his desk, standing on her tippy toes to kiss him on the lips. She slid her arms around his neck.

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