“Okay, stop freaking out, let me drink my coffee in peace and then we can brainstorm. I thought we hired someone to deal with all of this. Why are you burdening yourself with this and not him?”
“You would think that this was his job, but he acts like this is his first job.” London rolls her eyes. London grabs her phone and starts texting away.
“I don’t know the guy but maybe he is scared shitless with the guest list. Hell, the mayor is coming. Mom knows a lot of wealthy and very influential people.” London keeps typing, not looking up at me while she asks how Devin is feeling. “I hate leaving him when he is sick but Sandy told me that her and Jackson will be with him. I rented a suite at the hotel so I can be there in a heartbeat if I need to be.” London’s phone starts ringing and she holds up a finger to silence me.
“Riley?” I smile when I hear her voice, London puts her on speaker phone so she can keep texting. We haven’t met face to face but I can remember that night like it was last night. I’ve tried to see her numerous times, but she always makes an excuse.
“Girl, I am in overload, everything that can go wrong, is.”
“What’s the matter? Can I do anything to help?”
“Where are you?” London gets up and walks over to the fridge to grab a bottle of water.
“Brit and I are at the hotel already. Since we live an hour from the party, we decided to get a room so we can drink and have fun.”
“Oh, good. I am at Lance’s house right now since Devin is sick and he had some of the papers I needed for tonight. Can you help me?”
“Sure. Text me when you’re downstairs, and I’ll come down to help. I can also set up the pictures and video while I am there.”
“You are a lifesaver.”
“Girl, I am happy to help. Please let Lance know that I hope Devin gets to feeling better.”
“I am better.” Devin walks into the room and grabs London’s phone and starts pacing the room like I do when I have to do business at home. “Who’s this?”
“My name is Riley, I’m a friend of your aunt London.”
“You don’t like daddy?” Riley laughs.
“I haven’t met your daddy yet, so I don’t know if I like him.”
“He looks like me, see.” Devin takes a picture of himself then sends it to Riley.
“Devin you are so cute, how old are you?”
“Seven. Daddy says I get my good looks from him, but I think he takes after me.” Devin shrugs like Riley can see, and I can’t help but laugh.
“I would agree with you, Devin. Besides you are so much cuter than your daddy.”
“Can I see a picture of you?” London’s face went from happy to worry while trying to get the phone from him. I am not sure why.
“Here you go, handsome.” Devin shows London the picture and takes a big sigh of relief. I sneak to take a peek at what Riley looks at because all I have seen of her was her fire red hair. Riley is only showing one side of her face and I am not sure why but I need to be with her face to face. I want to be looking into both of her eyes, stroking her hair and kissing her.
“You are pretty like Auntie London.”
“Devin, you just made my day. Thank you.” Devin smiles really big, and it touches my heart. I don’t usually have women interact with him because he wants a mommy so bad that he gets attached so quickly. Devin starts walking to the living room talking to Riley.
“Devin, my phone.” London follows Devin and I hear the sweetest thing.
“Auntie, I’m talking to my friend Riley. She wants to know about my Christmas presents.” He scurries into the room where the Christmas tree and presents are located. London turns to me with a dumbfounded look on her face while I throw my hands up in surrender. When Devin is determined, I can’t say no to him.
“He is lucky that he is cute,” London mumbles as she walks back into the kitchen. We talk about Mom’s party for a couple of minutes before my son comes walking back in and hands the phone to London. “She had to pee and said that she will see you soon. Riley is so awesome; she knew the Ninja Turtles and plays the Xbox too. Daddy, can I see Riley tonight?” Devin’s bouncing up and down, waving his arms around as he talks about Riley. I can’t help but smile and laugh at this excitement.
“I don’t know, buddy; we’ll try, okay?” I reassure him, and he seems content as he runs upstairs to get ready for his slumber party with Jackson.
“Okay, I better get going. It seems like you have your hands full with that little one.” London motions to the stairs.
“I’ll see you in a couple of hours. I’ll get him ready then head over.”
“Take your time. Riley and Brit are helping me now I don’t feel so stressed out. You have enough on your hands.” I hug her and walk her out. As I close the door to my house, I smile because I am finally going to be up close and personal with Riley Jenkins.
Riley - 8
London: I’m here.
Me: Okay
“I’m really sorry about Devin.” London hugs me as I greet her in front of the hotel ballroom.