Simon silently watched the motherly side of Cherish. He could see the love Jr. held for her and that was just one of the reasons he couldn’t let her walk out of their lives. Lifting his menu, he read over his options before he decided to get the ribs. That would give him the most for his money while he and Cherish could enjoy the leftovers later, “Hmm see. The chicken doesn’t look good at all. See that table over there? They have some.” He whispered while he nodded towards the couple across the room. Even though he tried to convince her, they still looked content with their meal.
She took a quick glance at the other couple before returning her gaze to Simon, “The chicken looks just fine from here.” She replied.
Smiling, Simon opened the menu towards her and pointed to the succulent picture. There was a permanent smirk on his face which would be associated with the Devil’s Advocate, “Mmmm doesn’t this look so inviting? Rich, savory, delicious. You can practically smell the pork from the kitchen already.” He taunted.
Cherish chuckled a bit, “What are you the spokesperson for the company? If you want the ribs so bad, then you get them, dear.” She replied.
He gave her a smug smile, “I do think I will. Deelish.” He mocked.
A few seconds later the waitress returned with their drinks, set them down, and opened her book, “What can I get you?” She asked.
Simon jumped in as he leaned his elbow against the table. He then flicked his finger between he and Cherish with a smile, “Could we get the double rack of ribs to share? Oh, and for the sides…” He clicked his teeth as he glanced down. Finally, he looked over at her boldly, “What should we get, love?” He asked.
Met with a hardened stare from Cherish, she rolled her lips in because he knew she wouldn’t dispute. He went for the lemonade and now he gunned for the ribs as well! She’d became a pro by now and already calculated what she’d owe him. On top of the car, the clothes, food, shelter. She would be forever indebted to him. What would another twenty dollars make?
Cherish inhaled a deep breath and allowed his move to roll off her shoulders, “Oh uh…” Glancing down at the menu, she pushed her lips to the side while she readjusting herself in the seat, “…well I think we should get green beans and baked beans.” She answered. Handing the menu to the waitress, she then took a long, delicious sip of her lemonade. Her eyes fell shut and she relished in the delicious nectar touching her taste buds.
Simon smiled and nodded towards the waitress, “Thank you, that’ll be all.” He stated. He then looked right across the table at Cherish and mirrored her sip with his own. He gauged her expression to see just how upset she was at him this time, “Don’t worry about the food. It’s going to taste so good in your mouth, you’re going to forget all about the price and the number in your mind you think you owe me.” He tried to convince her as he softly rubbed a knuckle across Jr.’s pudgy cheek, “Besides, it’s nice to treat yourself sometimes. You’ve earned it, don’t you think?” He asked.
Cherish opened one eye at him and arched an eyebrow, “It’s hard to do when I’m trying to save up money. To you know, move.” She replied defeatedly. Sighing, she licked her lips and eyed Simon’s face, “So, the other apartment I found is on the east end of Dayton County. It’s only an hour from you. Of course, the neighborhood isn’t the best but it’s only temporary.” She said with a shrug while she continued to rock and kiss against Jasmine’s head.
This situation wasn’t ideal, but she had to be independent sometime, right? There was a string that had deeply embedded in her heart for the two men in front of her. There were feelings she couldn’t deny, love she felt, and the thought of being away from their security did frighten her. But, she was naively convinced by a woman she barely knew. One she was intimidated by underneath it all. It’d all be worth it in the end. At least until she could return to him better and truly worthy to be with him.
Simon watched her in silence for a long moment, “You know, you really don’t have to rush.” He said. He didn’t like the idea of the place she tried to sell to him. Another questionable neighborhood which was enough to put his foot down. He knew he had no right to keep her with them, but life was the best it could be. He was happy with her. Perhaps he was selfish, but he could’ve sworn Emily smiled down on them as well.
Soon the waitress had delivered refills and their food. The bit of meat she could pull off from her fork melted in her mouth. She shared little strips with Jr. who gobbled from her fingers happily. Smiling down at her little boy, she leaned over and kissed his messy lips, “I love you.” She said quickly.
A hum of appreciation emanated from Simon as he gave a slightly messy smirk to, “I knew you’d like it.” Jr. squealed and kicked his legs for another bite, “Of course YOU love it too.” He said to his son.
After she struggled to eat two ribs, Cherish finally gave up with a sigh. Lo and behold, once she placed her fork down, Jasmine roused from her nap and lifted her head. Her dazed expression gazed all around the new surroundings before her little face twisted and a winded pout escaped her mouth. Her lips were down turned, and her body instantly leaned for daddy while her short arms reached out for him; alike
