Page 8 of Forgotten Deeds

“Be careful,” I call to Iris, who’s trying to climb up the big-kids rope tower. Losing interest when she doesn’t make it very far, she hops down and returns to the slide.

Calling the babysitter, I say, “Hey, I know it’s short notice and you weren’t scheduled until this evening, but is there any way you could come in early? I have class at eleven, and Iris’ dad was a no-show for visitation. I’ll pay you double-time,” I quickly add.

“Sweet! I have class, but I don’t mind ditching.”

“Are you sure?” I ask, feeling bad she’s going to miss her college class so I can make mine.

“Yep. I can be there in about an hour.”

“Perfect. We’ll see you at the house.”

Placing my phone in my purse, I panic when I don’t see Iris. That is until I see Iris being pushed on the swing by Darius. Now it’s time to fucking panic!

I run over to the swing set, grabbing the chains to slow it down. “Mama, I’m swinging!” Iris protests.

Pulling her into my arms, I glare at Darius. “What are you doing here?”

“About to go for a run,” he says, glancing down to his long sleeve T-shirt that fits his muscles like a second skin, and running shorts. “But any time a polka dot princess needs assistance, I’m here to help.”

Iris giggles.

“Thanks, but we don’t need a knight in shining armor,” I snipe. “Enjoy your run,” I tell him, carrying Iris back to my car.

Hitting the unlock on my key fob, Darius is already there to open the back door for me. “Milady,” he tells me with a dramatic bow.

Iris giggles again as she climbs into her car seat.

“Polka dot princess,” Darius says with another bow.

Iris places her hand dramatically on her forehead. “I’m not really a princess! I’m Iris.”

“Sweetie, we don’t give our names to strangers,” I remind her.

“But you know him, so he’s not a stranger,” she points out.

“Iris,” he says her name reverently. “Not a princess, but a rainbow goddess! Does mama like Greek mythology?” Darius asks me, raising an eyebrow.

“None of your business,” I say coolly.

“Mama, that’s not nice,” Iris tells me.

“Listen to the wise rainbow messenger,” Darius tells me. “Iris, it was so nice to meet you.”

I close the car door harder than necessary, and glare at him. “Stay away from me and Iris.”

He leans in, whispering in my ear, “Why would I want to do that, aggeloudhi mou.” His lips barely graze my ear, causing my nipples to pebble. He smells good; not cologne, but a manly smell mixed with something spicy.

Christ, who cares what he smells like? Fumbling behind me, I blindly reach for the handle, not wanting to turn my back to him.

“Smart woman,” he comments as if he can read my mind. Opening the door, I stumble inside the car. “Be safe,” Darius tells me as he closes my door.

Be safe? The only safe place for me is far, far away from that man.

“Mama, why are you breathing so hard?”

“Am I?” I say as I pull out of the parking lot.

Returning home, I turn on a cartoon for Iris so I can get ready for class. It’s hot outside, and yet I choose a baggy sweater and loose pants. My Greek mythology professor’s eyes linger just a bit longer than I’m comfortable. It’s one thing to be leered at when I’m Pearl—that goes with the territory—but it’s another when I’m wanting to be taken seriously as an academic; and hopefully one day, a professor.

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