Full Figured 16, page 18
What? Did you think your grandma climbed up there and decorated it herself ?” Uncle Reese laughed.
“I never thought about it, honestly,” Niya mumbled.
“Well, I gotta get outa here, kiddo.” He went to put the helmet back on. “Have fun with Grandma.”
Niya glared at him. “Not funny, Uncle Reese.”
“I’m just trying to make you smile, Niya-Boo. You know you’re my favorite niece.”
“I’m your only niece, Uncle Reese.” Niya gave him a blank stare. “Will you be here when we come back home?”
Instead of answering her question, Uncle Reese looked away for a second, then back at her. His lack of a verbal response made Niya uneasy.
“Oh my God! You’re not coming back?” Niya gasped.
“Niya, I haven’t been to my condo in weeks,” he said.
“But you promised . . . ,” Niya whined.
“I promised I’d stay here with you until you got settled. You knew it wasn’t permanent. Don’t act like that,” Uncle Reese said as Niya folded her arms and turned to walk away.
“How am I supposed to act? I wish someone would please tell me. According to you, I’m wrong for being upset right now, and we both know how she feels. I don’t eat right, dress right, breathe right. Why did she bring me here in the first place? I could’ve stayed with my friend Jada and her family. At least they wanted me.” Niya’s bottom lip quivered as she brushed away the tears.
Uncle Reese climbed off his bike, walked over to Niya, and gathered her in his arms. His presence was the only reason Niya was able to tolerate being in the house. She knew his being there was only temporary, but she hadn’t expected him to leave so soon. She was less lonely with him there. It was like having a friend in the house. They laughed and talked, hung out and watched TV. They were there for each other, because truth be told, neither of them was comfortable around her grandmother. Grandma Claudia seemed to be as dissatisfied with him as she was with Niya. If Uncle Reese cared about that, he certainly didn’t show it. He acted as if Grandma Claudia’s constant comments about him were entertainment rather than criticism.
“Niya, we are your family, and we love you.” His voice was tender.
“You tolerate me. That’s not love. My mother loved me. Jada and her mom love me.” Niya sniffled. “They told both of you that I could stay with them. They wanted me at their home.”
“You’re my niece, my sister’s only child. Here is the only place I want you to be.”
“You don’t, and neither does she. But it’s cool. At least you can leave. I’m stuck living here with someone who isn’t kind to me. She doesn’t even like me. She treats me like a guest, not family. The only time she talks to me is while we’re eating, and then it’s to correct something I’ve done wrong,” Niya told him.
“Grandma Claudia just has an odd way of showing her love, that’s all. She can be uptight and frigid, but her intentions are in the right place. She just has a funny way of showing it, that’s all. Believe me, she does,” he said. “You’ll grow to see it.”
“Niya! What are you doing out here?” Grandma Claudia’s voice caused both of them to turn around. “You should be getting dressed. I told you we have places to go.”
“She was saying goodbye to me, that’s all,” Uncle Reese yelled back. “She’s coming in now.”
Grandma Claudia folded her arms and shook her head, then began talking to the men working on the house. “Please be careful not to mess up my flower beds. Move that ladder over to the left. I don’t want it to disrupt the bushes.”
“Yes, Mrs. Fine,” one of the men answered and obliged.
“Niya! Now!” Grandma Claudia yelled before returning inside.
Niya glanced at her uncle and said, “Bye, Uncle Reese.”
“Hey, I love you. It’s gonna be okay. Who knows? You may actually have fun.” He gave her a weak smile.
“I doubt it.” Niya turned and stepped away.
“I tell you what. How about we swap promises? If you’ll promise to at least try to have a good time, then I promise to order pizza for dinner tonight.” Uncle Reese grinned.
Niya rushed over to her uncle and gave him a hug. “Deal.”
Chapter 3
Reese
“Well, well, well, look who decided to show up for a shift. Vacation over,” Herb yelled as Reese walked into the ambulance bay of the rescue station. Rick and Emmi, two other coworkers, appeared on the other side of the ambulance.
“Wow. Vacation?” Reese responded to Herb’s dry humor.
“Don’t be a jerk, Herb,” Emmi scolded before she approached Reese and gave him a hug. “How are you? Good to see you back.”
“I’m good, Em. Just checking in today. I’ll be back in full swing on Monday, though,” Reese said.
“That’s good, man. You were definitely missed.” Rick shook Reese’s hand. “Everything cool with your family?”
“Come on now. You know the answer to that question.” Reese gave Rick, his best friend since elementary school and now his roommate, a knowing look.
“Ah, man, you know what I mean.” Rick shrugged. “Maybe that wasn’t the right choice of words.”
“How’s Niya?” Emmi asked. “Is she adjusting?”
“It’s hard to say, honestly. Niya’s always been a quiet kid. She hasn’t really said much, other than the fact that she’d rather be living with her best friend’s family than with my mother,” Reese explained.
“Can’t say I blame her,” Rick said. “Your mom is kind of . . . abrasive.”
“Exactly. Nina was definitely more of a nurturer. Although my mom means well, that’s not who she is. I think that’s why my sister didn’t bring Niya around a lot.” Reese sighed.
“Let’s not forget that your mom hated Niya’s dad before he passed away,” Herb volunteered. “That probably had a lot to do with it as well.”
They all turned and stared at him.
Emmi’s head moved back and forth. “That really didn’t need to be said, Herb. Please, go finish taking inventory.”
“I’m just saying.” Herb shrugged and then scurried back to what he was doing.
“There’s a lot going on, and I feel bad for Niya,” Reese told them. “She thinks we don’t realize everything she’s dealing with. And that’s not the case.”
“At least she has you, though, bro.” Rick patted him on the shoulder.
“Yes, and you guys have a great relationship,” Emmi offered.
“True, but as much as I love Niya, I cannot move into that house. I’ve been staying there since the funeral, but now it’s time for me to get back to work and into my own space,” Reese continued. “My plan was for that to happen today, but she damn near had a meltdown before I left the house.”
“Aw, poor baby. You’ve gotta give her some time.” Emmi sighed.
“Yeah, I know, which is why I promised to go back tonight, even though I have a date. Someone isn’t gonna be happy when I cancel it.” Reese didn’t miss the slight eye roll Emmi gave him. “What?”
“If someone doesn’t understand the need for you to spend time with your niece, then that’s their problem, not yours,” Emmi commented.
“I didn’t say Lynnette wouldn’t understand, Em. I said she won’t be too happy,” Reese responded.
“Now you know how Emmi is. The last thing she wants to hear about is another woman,” Rick teased. “Her jealous streak is showing.”
As soon as Rick made the joke, Reese knew it wasn’t going to be received as funny. Emmi never hid the fact that she didn’t like who Reese was dating. She had no romantic interest in Reese. Her response was a result of their brother-sister-like relationship; she didn’t feel as if any woman he selected was good enough. Emmi found flaws in one way or another.
“Me? Jealous? Of who? Not her. Believe me, there is no reason for it, sweetie,” Emmi snapped at Reese.
Reese held his hands up, as if he was surrendering. “Why you yelling at me?”
Rick shrugged. “Look, I gotta agree with Em on this one, Reese. Niya needs you right now. She’s the priority. Your girl ain’t gonna like it, but it is what it is. You already know the crib ain’t going nowhere. Just give a brother a heads-up before you come home.”
“Why do I need to give you notice before I come to the spot I pay for each month?” Reese asked.
It had been over a week since he’d stopped by the condo they shared to pick up his mail and more clothes. The place hadn’t been as clean as it usually was when he was there, but nothing had seemed too out of sorts. Rick was known to throw a party not only without giving a reason but also without consulting Reese beforehand. Reese was sure he’d been enjoying having the place to himself.
“I just wanna make sure it’s in tip-top shape, that’s all. You know how upset you get when there’s a bowl and spoon in the sink,” Rick teased.
“Just make sure the dishes are washed every day and you won’t have to worry about when I come back,” Reese told him.
“Fine! Is this a social call, or are you here to check in?” Captain Yates yelled from the doorway of the station.
Reese waved at him. “I was just on my way to see you, sir.”
“Then come on in and let these folks get back to what they are supposed to be doing,” Captain Yates barked. “Herb seems to be the only one working.”
They all turned and looked at Herb, who was now suddenly hard at work, with a clipboard in hand, instead of leaning against the rig, eavesdropping on their conversation.
“Yes, sir,” Reese said. “A’ight, y’all, we’ll catch up later. Emmi, as always, thanks for the advice. Rick, wash those damn dishes and replace my juice.”
Reese hugged both of them before going inside. He missed his work family, even Herb. They had been truly supportive of him after the loss of his sister. Captain Yates had checked on him just as much as Emmi and Rick, and he’d made the three-hour drive to attend Nina’s funeral. His boss’s presence there had spoken volumes. Working together the past seven years had made them a tight-knit group. The long shifts, the small shared living and working quarters, and just the level of teamwork their job required had resulted in the special bond.
Captain Yates nodded when Reese entered his office. “Good to see you, Fine. Everything all right with your family?”
“For the most part. My niece is getting settled, and my mother seems to be getting back into her routine.” Reese sat in the chair closest to the door.
“And what about you? How are you feeling?” The captain looked him in the eye.
“I’m good. Ready to come back and do my thing.” Reese shrugged. “I’ve missed it.”
“Understood, and we’re anticipating your return. I just want to make sure you’re ready,” Captain Yates said.
“I am. I’ve been keeping up with my working out and running daily—”
“That’s not what I’m talking about, Fine. Your physical fitness has never been a problem. I’m more concerned about your suffering a traumatic loss, a major one. I don’t want you to feel like you have to rush back. This job is just as much mental as it is physical.”
Reese nodded. “I know, Captain. I assure you, I’m ready.”
“All right. We’ll see you on Monday, at six a.m.,” Captain Yates said. “That’s where we’ll keep you until the New Year.”
Reese frowned. “Morning shift? That’s it? Captain, I can go back to my regular schedule.”
“Let’s see how it goes. Trust me on this one, Fine.”
Reese had no choice but to trust Captain Yates, who’d been his supervisor for six of the seven years he’d been at the rescue station. Reese had been hired and had started as an EMT. Now he was a paramedic who held the position of sergeant, thanks to Captain Yates’s mentorship. As much as Reese looked forward to getting back in his regular routine of working nonstop, he knew his boss was not going to allow it, despite it being the busiest season of the year.
“First shift it is,” Reese agreed. “I’ll be here bright and early.”
“See you Monday, Fine,” Captain Yates told him as they shook hands before Reese exited the office.
After saying his goodbyes to Emmi, Rick, and the rest of the crew, Reese was about to place his helmet on his head and climb back on his motorcycle when a sleek silver Lexus pulled up and parked directly in front of him. He watched with a smile as Lynnette Graham, the sexy driver, stepped out. It had been a few days since he’d seen her. As she walked toward him, he took in the small, beautiful woman headed in his direction.
“Let me find out you’re stalking me,” Reese said.
“I mean, at this point that seems like the only way I’m going to see you.” Lynnette’s sarcastic response didn’t surprise him. She’d been quite vocal about her dissatisfaction with his recent lack of attention.
“Aw, don’t be like that.” Reese reached out, took her arm, and pulled her to him, then rested his hands on her slender hips. The soft scent of Rose Prick, her favorite Tom Ford perfume, drifted into his nostrils.
Lynnette wrapped her arms around his neck and stared at him with her beautiful brown eyes. “Would you prefer that I not miss you, Reese?”
“Of course I want you to miss me. I miss you too, Lynnette,” he told her.
“Good. I hope you are ready to show me just how much later on tonight, after dinner, because I am ready.” She seductively licked her lips.
Reese didn’t respond immediately, because he was trying to think of the right words to say so that Lynnette wouldn’t be too reactive. Lynnette must have interpreted his pause as an indication of what he was preparing to say, because she spoke before he did.
“You can’t be serious. Again, Reese?” she snapped as her arms dropped to her sides. She tried to turn and walk off, but his tightened grip prevented her from moving.
“I know, but listen, Niya is still a little uncomfortable at the house without me being there.”
“That’s why you need to leave.” Lynnette sighed. “I’m not trying to sound mean, but if you allow her to start guilt-tripping you into staying and you’re always there, she’ll never adjust. She’s gonna have to just deal with it.”
Reese understood what Lynnette was saying, as well as the frustration she felt. They hadn’t been intimate in a while. He was certain that she needed some bedroom time just as much as he did. The idea of one of their marathon sessions crossed his mind. As much as he wanted to spend time with Lynnette, it would have to wait. His priority right now was Niya and her well-being.
“Trust me, I’m just as frustrated as you are. But I’m not going to abandon my niece. She’s mourning and adjusting. It’s gonna take a little while longer,” Reese responded, attempting to be diplomatic about the situation.
“How much longer, Reese?”
“Not much, I promise. And we can definitely go to dinner tomorrow night. That I can do. We can go to Tampico’s.” Reese’s arms encircled her, and he gave her a pleading look. Thinking the invitation to her favorite restaurant wouldn’t be enough, he decided to sweeten the deal. “Maybe we can hit up a couple of your fave designer stores before we go eat.”
Lynnette didn’t respond immediately, but the tightness of her lips softened, and her eyebrows, which had been raised, slowly lowered. Both were positive signs.
“I wanna spend time with you, Lynn. I miss you. You know that.” Reese pulled her closer.
“And what about Niya?”
“What about her?”
“Won’t she be scared at the house with your mother?”
The way Lynnette asked the question, Reese couldn’t tell if she was being sarcastic or concerned.
“Scared?” he repeated to impel her to clarify exactly what she meant.
“I mean, isn’t that why you said you have to stay there? Because she doesn’t want to be alone with your mother?” Lynnette’s eyebrows went back to their raised position.
“Not scared. Uncomfortable. My mother isn’t the most welcoming person in the world. It’s more than just that. Like I said, she’s been through a lot. But we’ll be out only a few hours, and she’ll be fine.” Reese sighed.
“Well, dinner and shopping are cool with me, I guess. But I’m not trying to be on a time limit. I’m a grown-ass woman. I don’t have a curfew, so if that’s gonna be a problem—”
Reese cut Lynnette’s words off by covering her mouth with his. The kiss was enough to halt her complaint, but the familiar rise of Reese’s nature signaled that if he didn’t stop now, he would quickly arrive at the point of no return. The way Lynnette’s hands were rubbing his back, and the way she was moaning lightly, indicated that she wasn’t far from getting there herself. Reese pressed his forehead against hers.
“Dinner tomorrow?” he whispered.
Lynnette, still breathless, nodded.
After placing his helmet on his head, Reese climbed back on his bike and drove off. He smiled at the thought of Lynnette still standing there, with a satisfied smile on her face.
She tries to play hard core, but I know exactly how to get her to melt.
Chapter 4
Kendall
“Kendall, you’ve done it again. It’s perfect,” Mrs. Tucker said as she admired herself in the mirror. The silver gown, which had seemed two sizes too big at the top and a size too small in the hips when she purchased it two weeks ago, now fit like a glove.
Instead of suggesting another dress, Deena had assured Mrs. Tucker that if she paid the hefty price on the tag, Kendall would make the minor adjustments and simple alterations needed, and the gown would be ready in days. Despite there having been nothing minor or simple about the total reconstruction of the gown, Kendall had worked her magic, and it had resulted in the smile on Mrs. Tucker’s face.
