Page 76 of Fever: Love In Scrubs
“I’m fine, baby. I promise.”
She leaned over and gave me a squeeze. After joining hands and saying a prayer, we started plating our food.
“Uncle Jaxson, you didn’t introduce me to your girlfriend,” Kacie said with the cutest frown.
That’s when I remembered she’d been outside playing when Wynter pulled up.
“My bad, baby girl. Kacie, this is Wynter. Wynter, this is my beautiful, wonderful, full of life niece, Kacie.”
That turned her frown into a smile. “Hi, Ms. Wynter!”
“Hi, beautiful. You look just like your mommy.”
“She said I’m her twin. Are you gonna be my new auntie?”
Everybody at the table chuckled at her question, but I could tell she was serious.
“You gotta give us a little time, baby,” Jaxson said.
“But I want a new auntie. Mari has my mommy. I don’t have nobody.”
Jaxson covered his heart. “Well what am I? Chopped liver?”
Kacie scrunched up her face. “Chopped liver sounds nasty.”
Again, we all chuckled. She was so cute and innocent.
“That’s how you’re treating me right now,” Jaxson said. “I thought I was your favorite uncle, lil bit.”
“You are my favorite uncle. That’s why I want an auntie for you.”
“That is so sweet!” Tikayla said. “Don’t worry, girl. I’m sure you’ll get your new auntie before it’s all said and done.”
She winked at me, making me blush. I really did like Jaxson, and I could see us having a future together. It was crazy because before I met him, I didn’t see a future with any man I’d entertained. Jaxson was different. I didn’t feel pressure to do or be anything but myself with him. I never felt pressured to hang out with him or fear that he would retaliate if I declined. He wanted to be in my space, but respected that I liked my alone time too. Most men I’d encountered wanted to come to my house or me come to theirs hours after meeting them.
Red flag, because why do you have such a hard on to see me that soon? I wasn’t out here getting my back blown out by every Tom, Dick, and Harry. In my thirty years of life, I’d only had about three sexual partners and two of them barely counted because I didn’t even cum with them. When it was over, I blocked their asses and acted like I didn’t know them if we crossed paths in public.
The man sitting next to me at this table was a good man. Was he perfect? No, but he was good and I deserved that.
Dinner carried on and Jaxson’s family made every attempt to get to know not only me, but Tinka as well. While we were having dessert, she called my Aunt Kira so she could see Mrs. Pierre. The moment she saw her, she screamed. They were laughing, talking and reminiscing about my mother. It made me smile, hearing stories about her. In all his grief, my father was selfish with her memory. He kept her to himself, only giving me bits and pieces when I asked about her. The moment it became too overwhelming for him, he shut it and himself down.
Aunt Kira told me about her, even when it hurt. Hearing these new stories made me feel like I was learning part of her all over again.
Once the video call ended, Tinka had to get on the road because she had work in the morning. She hugged and said goodbye to the Pierres, promising to come back soon and bring my aunt with her. I walked her out to the car and grabbed her up in a tight hug.
“It was so good to see you, Tink,” I said, rocking her from side to side.
“I’ve missed you so much, Wynter. I had to make my way down here to see my girl. Now that I know you’re in good hands, I can rest easy. Dr. Bae and his people will take good care of you.”
I smiled as I pulled away. “It’s really crazy that Mommy and Mrs. Pierre used to be friends.
“It is. I can tell she loved her and regretted that they lost touch. She cried about it when you were in the bathroom. Said if she’d known how you were living, she would have stepped in. Mom beats herself up over the same thing, Wynter. She knew the house was junky, but she never knew it was that bad. She cried so many nights after you came to live with us about not coming to get you sooner.”
“I’m just glad she was willing to take me. Anything could have happened to me in foster care.”
“And Kira would have been whipping ass, too. She loves you like her own, girl.”
“I know…” I was quiet for a moment. “Can I be honest with you about something, Tink?”
