Page 8 of Marshall: The Manny

“Thank you for saying that. That’s why I wanted a manny. He has my dad and the men in my family, but I wanted a male influence that could be around daily.” She cupped my cheek and stroked it with her thumb. “You’re so good with and for him, Marshall. He seems less antsy with you around. It’s like you provide a security and stability for us both that we were lacking.”

“I’m honored to be that for the both of you. I want to hear you say it though.”

She giggled as her hand dropped from my cheek. “Say what?”

“That you don’t need that nigga and my little man doesn’t either.”

“I don’t need Andre, neither does Denver. It’s his loss, and having you is our gain.”

Hearing her say that last part made my dick hard. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. In the past, I’d never been so attracted to someone I was working for. I didn’t need that to change now. As much as I wanted to lean forward and kiss her, I pulled back and refilled my glass. Suddenly, watching the movie seemed like the best thing to do.

7

Demi

Another Week Later

I didn’t realize I was daydreaming and in my own little world until Jessica waved her hand in front of my face. Things with Marshall had been going well. It was getting easier to leave and more exciting to return. When I had to work late, it still disappointed me, and I was hoping Jessica wasn’t coming in to tell me something was wrong. I’d been late three times this week, and I was looking forward to having dinner and tucking my son in. Working made me treasure our morning and evening routines even more.

Denver was adjusting to Marshall well, too, and the slight changes he made to his schedule seemed to be for the better. I checked the cameras sometimes just to be nosy and see what they were up to. Last I checked this afternoon, Denver was whiney and cranky. He didn’t want to go down for his nap. Marshall soothed him and decided to trick him into sleep by exerting more energy. Denver literally fell asleep on top of the table, and I laughed as Marshall laughed and shook his head while he carried him to bed.

“What’s got you all smiley?” Jessica asked, sitting on top of my desk.

“Just thinking about something I saw earlier. What’s up?”

“Got some good and bad news.”

“Okay. Give me the bad news first.”

“Some influencer on TikTok is bashing the app. Apparently she joined just to be nosy and she’s tearing it apart on social media talking about it’s low quality and like Tubi.”

I released a bark of laughter even though there was nothing funny about the situation. Even though the creators we’d vetted for the demo run were warned the quality wouldn’t be as crisp as it would be when we officially launched, the current quality was anything but low quality. I’d spent millions perfecting the settings so that regardless of what creators used to record, it would all give the same quality viewers would receive in movie theaters.

“I’m so tired of people playing on Tubi’s top. Yes, some of the movies could have better production, but there are a lot of great quality projects on there. I hate that people are using Tubi as a punchline to an insult.”

“Agreed. Tell me how you want to handle this, because I was about to drag her bitter, hating ass.”

“Well I’m glad you didn’t. How many views has her video gotten so far?”

“Last I checked, about three hundred thousand.”

“Sheesh. Okay. Have our social media manager release a statement reminding people we are in demo mode and assure them the quality will be just as great if not better than the quality on the first app, and have our attorney send her a letter requesting she remove the video before we take legal action for slander and defamation.”

“You’ve got it.”

“Now what’s the good news?”

“Another potential investor called. I was thinking we could brainstorm over lunch since you never actually take one. He wants to talk to you this evening, if you can make the time. I suggested he come here but he’s actually in Atlanta. He’s excited about what you’re doing and wants to know if you can fly out for dinner.”

“Today?” I confirmed, excited but also unsure because it was so last minute.

“Yes. I’ve checked flights already. There’s one leaving at four fifty-five. You’ll be there in time for a late dinner. I can book your favorite suite at the Four Seasons and have you on the first flight back in the morning.”

My head shook adamantly as I pushed my seat back. “I don’t know about that, Jessie. I would feel more comfortable coming back home tonight even if it’s a late flight. Marshall has never had Denver all day and—”

“He’ll be sleep all night anyway. Marshall can sleep in one of the guest rooms in the house in case he gets up. This is literally what you hired him for, Demi. Let the man do his job.” Jessica leaned forward and softened her voice when she said, “We need this investor. With just what he’s offering alone, it will cover your future employees’ salary for a year. Go to the meeting.”

“Alright, alright. Let me call Marshall and make sure he doesn’t have anything planned. Then I’ll confirm.”

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