Page 33 of The Love Syllabus

Before entering the unknown, I check-in with my girls one last time.

Sistas 4 life

Izzy: Did you make it there yet? He better have the red carpet rolled out for you, or I’m whoopin’ ass.

Kiera: Seriously Kerry, don’t let him act up on you. And you better fall for his foine ass!

Serena: There’s so much sexual tension between you two. You should honestly just bang it out.

Me: Rena! WTH! We aren’t gonna do that. He’s my boss!

Serena: Who gave you a damn foot massage in the back of his truck. That man wants you! And you’re in need of some bangin’

Izzy: She’s got a point! Put yourself out there and bang all the tension away.

Serena: #employeeofthemonth Lol

Me: OMG! Goodbye ladies!

My friends are usually very mature and wise, but apparently not today, and I certainly won’t bebanginganyone.

“I can’t wait to see Ari and Syd,” I say as we step into his sprawling estate.

“Oh, trust me, they’re just as excited to—”

Before he can finish, Syd and Ari’s voices echo through the foyer, “Ms. Kind!” It’s a joyous welcome for me, filled with the kind of love that only children bring to my heart.

Syd charges into my arms while Ari casually leans against the wall with her leg adorned with colorful, sparkling gems. I can’t help but gasp in delight, “You finished?”

A hint of uncertainty crosses Ari’s face as she replies, “Yes, do you like it? I ran out of some of the colors, so I wasn’t sure if it looked tacky.”

“Tacky? Girl, it’s beautiful,” I assure her, pulling her into a gentle hug. “Just like you.”

Their embrace warms my heart more than the sunniest Georgia afternoon.

Then, Vic chimes in, trying to join us, “Hey, I like the glittery jewel thingies, too, you know?”

Ari giggles, her voice now loud and confident, “It’s not the same coming from you, Dad. You’re supposed to like everything we do. But Ms. Kind tells the truth.”

From the corner of my eye, I catch Vic jokingly muttering, “Since when?” Sparking playful glances between us.

However, our reunion is briefly interrupted by an indifferent meow, drawing everyone’s attention.

Ari gasps excitedly, “You have a cat?!”

I nod, sharing in her excitement. “Wehave a cat.” I teasingly glance at Vic, who rolls his eyes as the girls whisk Tum Tum away to play.

As we make our way into the foyer, Ms. Vicky’s comforting presence envelops the space. “I thought I heard laughter in this house again. Kerry, it’s so good to see you.” She says, pulling me into a tight hug. It feels like coming home.

“It’s so good to be back,” I reply, my heart swelling. “Thank y’all so much for taking a chance on me.”

She smiles, a twinkle in her eye, “Well, let’s get you settled in. I’ll show you to your room so you can freshen up and prepare for the rest of the week.”

“But grandma!” Syd whines, her voice full of insistence. “We wanna play with Ms. Kind.”

“Not now, girls! You’ll have her all to yourselves soon. Let her breathe, okay? She’s got a lot planned for you over the next few days.”

“That’s right!” I chime in, a playful gleam in my eye. “We’re gonna have so much fun! Starting tonight, but it’s our little secret, okay?” I whisper, bending down to their level. The girls giggle, nodding fervently as we exchange pinky promises.

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