Page 9 of Marshall: The Manny

“Great!” she squealed before hopping off my desk and leaving my office.

I dialed Marshall’s number, and he answered after the third ring. “Hey, you good?”

“Yes, I wanted to run something by you.”

“Wassup?”

“A potential investor wants me to fly out for a meeting today. I can reschedule with him if I need to since it’s such short notice. Do you have anything planned for tonight?”

“Go to the meeting, Demi. Denver and I will be good.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m positive.”

“Okay, well Jessie wants me to come back in the morning, but I can come back tonight. It’ll probably be around midnight but—”

“There’s no need. I can stay in the main house. You only need to come back if you want to, but you certainly don’t have to.”

I felt myself relax. “Okay, thanks, Marshall.”

“I’ll FaceTime you before I put him down for bed.”

My eyes watered as I nodded. “That would be perfect. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I want you to be safe. Who is this meeting with? Are you going alone?”

That made me smile as I sniffled. “Yes, but I’ll be fine. I’ll have him meet me for dinner at the hotel.”

“Good. Check in and let me know when you’ve arrived and after dinner, so I’ll know you’re good. Congratulations in advance, and try not to worry. Denver will be fine.”

“Thank you, Marshall. Seriously.”

“Always.”

After ending the call, I told Jessica she could confirm the travel plans, and she’d already started. She told me she’d go to my home and grab my travel bag while I brainstormed a quick presentation over lunch to prepare for the meeting. Instead of going without food like I usually would, I thought about Marshall and got myself a large superfood smoothie and electrolyte water. That was better than nothing.

8

Marshall

11:55 PM

My head shook at the sound of the side door bell. I knew Demi would come home tonight but I was hoping she’d stay in Atlanta and rest. Earlier, she sent me information for two flights and said she’d let me know which she’d be on. I hadn’t heard from her since, and now, she was walking through the damn door.

Not bothering to put on house shoes or a shirt, I headed down the hall in my boxers. Her movements stopped and she eyed me.

“What’re you doing here?” I asked as she dropped her bag onto the floor.

“I wanted to come home,” she said innocently, rubbing her sleepy eyes as she yawned. “You don’t have on any clothes.”

Ignoring her, I picked her up and her bag. I carried her to her room and started the shower for her. After grabbing her robe that hung on the bathroom door, I found her in her room, on the edge of the bed, fast asleep. It tickled me because her and Denver had that honest. When they were truly tired, they’d fall asleep sitting up with ease.

“Demi,” I called quietly, not wanting to startle her.

“Hmm?” she answered, groggily opening her eyes.

“Stand up.” She did. As I held the robe up, I told her, “Undress.”

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