Simon sighed while he received sharp looks from the others. Burying his head in his arms, the others jeered him lightly while Simon Sr. laughed. All he could so, was apologize several times and play safe the next round.
Lunch proved to be just as delicious as the massage felt. Filled to the brim, the women were now seated in the pedicure chairs. The rushing warm water was scented with flowery oils. The professionals massaged their feet, cut their nails, and buffed the dead skin cells away. Imani jolted every five seconds with a snorting laugh before she apologized and relaxed once more.
Cherish smiled at her before rolling her head towards the front and stared at Jasmine watching television. She exhaled a deep breath rubbing her hands together. Feeling the effects of being brought to complete relaxation with the assurance that her daughter was safe, she sighed. The stress of the past weeks and constant worries melted away with the other women by her side.
Margaret glanced to Miriam and watched her profile, “So, what’s the decision you and Jack have come to?” She questioned.
This caused both Cherish and Imani to lean slightly in their seats and tune in. Miriam sighed softly before scratching along her scalp, “It’s hard thinking about giving up the house Emily was raised in, but we’re missing so much of Jr. and Jasmine’s life. We don’t think that’s worth it. So, I believe that we will sell the house within a year and move closer to be with you all.” She said with a smile.
Cherish felt her stomach drop in shock. This was the first time she’d heard anything about them moving. Margaret fist pumped and sloshed a bit of water with how she kicked her feet, “Oh! Oh sorry, sorry.” She then returned her attention to Miriam and grabbed her hand, “That’s wonderful! I can’t wait until we can go house hunting!” She expressed while Miriam smiled.
Catching sight of the way Cherish looked at her, Miriam waited as the former bit on her bottom lip, “I’m so happy. That’s the best news I’ve heard all week. I can’t wait to tell Simon when he gets home.” She said. Once again, Simon's name escaped, and Margaret slowly turned her sights on Cherish which caused the latter’s face to drop.
Oh no.
Completely honed in, Margaret scooted slightly towards Cherish and smiled, "Sweetheart. I've been meaning to ask this. You and Simon have been living together for over nine months. You two still sleep in the same bed even though the babies aren't in the room anymore. Now, you're a beautiful woman and I know my son is handsome, I mean look at his father..." She chuckled under her breath and smiled about her husband. Cherish felt slightly on edge as Margaret took notice and quickly reassured her, "…No, no baby. Don't look like that. We aren't upset and you're a part of our family. I just want to know if you and Simon are...being adults together." She said.
Miriam's eyes widened while Imani's mouth fell agape, "Wait, you and Mr. Gabot sleep in the same bed? Oooh juicy. Details, details!!" She exclaimed.
Kicked into her motherly and overprotective nature, Margaret leaned over to look past Cherish and pursed her lips, "Now Imani, I hope that whatever is said here today won't be repeated at the office. The last thing my son needs are rumors." She warned.
Imani chuckled darkly under her breath. She knew how much Susan fancied him, but also hated the woman and didn't want him to fall for someone as evil as her. Shaking her head, Imani held her hand out as she replied in truth, "Mrs. Gabot. As much as I would love to devastate half of our company, this is not my business or my place to repeat. Mr. Gabot is almost like family to me on the job. You have nothing to worry about here."
Cherish felt a bit more at ease as did Margaret, but when the mother's blue hues looked to her again, Cherish sighed and inadvertently glanced to Miriam, "No. Simon and I aren't doing that. It's too soon." She whispered before looking away.
Miriam blinked a few times as the workers finished their jobs and began to clean up the supplies. Miriam stared at Cherish for a prolonged moment, "You keep looking at me whenever Simon is brought up. Why?" She asked even though she thought she knew a portion of the answer. She wanted Cherish to clarify.
Feeling sick to her stomach, Cherish licked the corner of her mouth and looked to Miriam again; sadly, "Because the last thing I want to do is disrespect Emily, you, and Jack. You guys have been through enough and..." Sighing, she shook her head, "...and I remember how you all felt about me when you first found out I was there. I don't want you to think bad about me. I'm sure Simon told you about the problems I have with men and trusting them. But he is the first man I really say I can trust, and I don't want to ruin that and lose you guys in the process."
Silence.
Imani inhaled a deep breath before rubbing along Cherish's shoulder while Miriam, surprisingly, spoke up first, "Honey. There is no way that you are disrespecting us. You take care of our grandchildren. You fed Jr. when he was born, and you still do. Emily is gone, Cherish. She's not coming back, and she has no Earthly knowledge of what has happened. I do believe that God sent you to meet my daughter because he had to take her home. If she hadn’t met you, my grandson wouldn't have a mother. He
