It's going on three o'clock in the morning and I am sat here in admiration of the man sitting beside me. I took the time to secretly appreciate all that this man is while he rambled on about what he does in life now, and about everything I missed out on.
To say I am proud is an understatement. He is only a few steps away from becoming the CEO of a huge company in Philadelphia.
I've always believed in him, since we were children. I knew with his determination in life and how driven he was, that he could be anything he wanted to be.
"I'm proud of you." I told him, after he expressed how surreal it feels to him. I can imagine. I can't count the people who put him down and told him he would become just like his family. The only people who pushed Rihmeek to be what we knew he could be, were Richard and I. So, to be where he is and who he is now, is simply incredible.
"Thanks, means a lot." He said.
I took into consideration how late it has gotten after he yawned for the fifth time in the last five minutes. "Where are you staying?" I asked.
He shrugged his shoulders, "Hotel's about thirty minutes away." I felt bad that he'd be driving in traffic, for thirty minutes. Especially being as tired as he looks.
"Want to crash here?" I asked. He looked at me like I had two heads, which I expected. Honestly, I don't expect him to accept my offer. I just felt like it would be rude not to ask.
"What would your man think...what would Rich think?" I'm not sure why Eric being brought up irked be, but it did. As for Rich, he won't think anything about it. We have different people staying here all time time. Especially Eric's work colleagues.
"It's up to you. I'll deal with them both. We have so many guest bedrooms that I don't think Eric will notice anyone is here." I said.
He laughed and shook his head, "You don't think my car in the drive way will give anything away?" I rolled my eyes at him giving a million and one excuses. "If you don't want to stay all you have to say is no." I said, barely above a whisper. "You know I want to stay just as bad as you want me to, but I can't. I'd rather avoid causing you any problems." I couldn't help the pout that came across my face. He's right though and it isn't his fault he can't stay.
"Well, in that case, I'll walk you out." I said followed by a sigh. I followed him out the door and once we were both on the front porch he turned to me and put his hands in his pockets.
"It's chilly out." I said while rubbing my arms before I crossed them over my midsection.
"It might help if you wore some clothes."
I rolled my eyes then smirked at his sarcastic comment. "That sounds strange coming from you." I said. He shook his head then looked towards his car, deciding to drop that topic.
"I'm glad you came to see me." I spoke up.
He smiled while nodding his head. It was obvious that neither of us knew what to say to each other. Leaving now would be the best option, but it was also obvious neither of us wanted him to leave. "Are you doing anything tomorrow?" I shyly asked. I couldn't help but feel like I was pushing things, but I've never been the one to sit back and watch what I want pass me by. It could be now or never, as terrible as that sounds.
"Yeah. I'll be in meetings all day then we have some fancy dinner tomorrow night." He didn't sound interested in either of those things. "Well, have fun with that boss man." His laugh made me forget I was cold, and for the first time in a long time I felt content.
"Ah shit, it's almost four in the morning." He said. He slid his phone back into his pocket then ran a hand over his face.
"I'll see you Saturday, alright?" He questioned more than stated. I nodded my head, "We'll be here." He smiled before walking down the steps. As I watched him walk closer and closer to his car I felt like something was missing.
"Rihmeek, wait." I wrapped my arms around myself and ran towards him. I didn't stop once I got closer to him either. The way he outstretched his arms let me know he knew what I wanted. I unwrapped my arms from around myself then wrapped them around him.
Nothing was said. We just held each other.
He started to pull away but that only made me hold on tighter. I looked up and the smile that was plastered on his face warmed my heart.
The next thing I know our lips are pressed together and it was like we were trying to become one, the way we held each other so tightly. As quickly as it happened, it ended.
"I'm sorry." We both apologized at the same time. "I'll see you Saturday." I said, a little flustered. "Yeah, Saturday."
-
Today's been nothing but a blur. I've been off all day. I know it's because of what happened last night. It's all I can think about. Even when I'm not thinking about it, I'm thinking about it.
"Mommy!" Rich said, causing me to jump. "You're phone is ringing." I was so wrapped up in my thoughts I didn't even hear the phone ring. "Hey." I answered, after reading the caller ID that let me know it was Eric. "Hey, everything alright?" He asked. "Everything is fine. I just fixed Rich's lunch." I heard him mumble something, probably to whoever was in the room with him, then sigh. "I'm gonna have to cut this short. There's a dinner tonight that I want you to go to with me. I'll have you picked up at six, be ready." I listened to his orders then mumbled, "Yes sir." But he had already ended the call.
"Looks like you're spending the night with Aunt Chelle, Bub." The huge smile on his face made me feel a little better. As of late, with Eric's work schedule I feel like I'm putting him off on Michelle all the time. She's reassured me time and time again that she doesn't care, but I can't help but feel bad. He's my son.
I looked at the clock and was shocked to see I only have three hours to drop Rich off, get home, shower, and get ready by six.
"I'm going to pack your things while you finish eating, okay?" He nodded his head while watching TV. "I'll be in your room if you need me." He paid me no attention as I left the room and walked upstairs to his. I picked his suitcase up out of his closet and threw whatever I got my hands on first, into it. After his things were packed I made sure to grab is toothbrush and tooth paste and slide them into it as well.
"Rich, come her baby!" I heard his little footsteps coming up the stairs then he appeared in the door. "Take off your clothes, put them in your hamper then put on the clothes I have laid out for you on your bed." I said while I packed his suitcase down the hallway towards the stairs. "What do you say, mommy?" He asked, indicating I should plead with him to do as I say. I silently laughed, this boy is a trip. "I say do it before I'm late."
Not long after, we were pulling into Michelle's drive way and Rich was halfway out of the car before we parked. "Boy, if you don't wait.." I said, not like he could here me. He's already inside. I carried his things inside and was bombarded by children. "Aunt Nicki!" They all said in unison while squeezing the day lights out of me. I ate this up. You would think they didn't see me two days ago.
"Thank you so much, Michelle. Eric didn't bother to inform me about this dinner until today or I would have planned this out better."
She rolled her eyes before laughing, "I don't mind Nic, I promise. Things happen and I understand that. I don't mind keeping him at all." She'll never understand how much I appreciate her help. Sometimes I feel like she's a better parent to Rich than I am, as sad as that sounds. "I hate to run but," I looked at my phone and widened my eyes, "I gotta go. I have an two hours to get ready." I said.
After hugging everyone and thanking Michelle five more times I left.
-
After I showered I wrapped a towel around my body and did the same with my hair. I hummed to myself while walking into my closet.
Realizing Eric never told me the theme, I looked for my phone then texted him to see.
