Simon looked at his phone once more with a hint of confusion. They weren’t late, but he figured that she was just being thorough, “Yeah, we’re about to head out in a few. You said noon, right?” he asked.
Susan bit on her bottom lip as she leaned back in his office chair and rolled a pen between her fingers, “Yes, twelve noon on the dot. You must be so excited to get back into the swing of things and take your mind off home for a few hours. I know everyone at the office is especially excited to see you again! This building has been mighty lonely without you!” She exclaimed looking out over the skyline from his windows.
Simon gave a complimentary laugh to cover up his nerves of returning to work. Essentially, he lied because he didn’t want to share his personal details with a coworker, “Yeah, I’m excited. I hope you’ve all been able to keep afloat without me around.” He joked. He was one of many people who worked there and wasn’t so arrogant to think that he was the missing piece, “I’m sure you’re all doing fine without me. Anyway, we’re about to head out, we’ll see you soon, Susan.” He said.
While Simon was on his phone with his back to the bathroom, Cherish finally emerged. The dress was half tied behind her neck, her breasts were pushed up and together, and there was a sweet bow tied at the center. The skirt flared out at her knees and half her back was exposed with white, wedged heels complimenting the outfit. She tied her thick curls up in a high ponytail. She wore a light coat of lip gloss, a streak of eyeliner over her eyes, and her lashes were enhanced with mascara. She tried her hardest to look decent. Rounding him, she crouched at her knees and smiled down at the kids.
Susan smiled at how jovial he sounded. She pushed herself to stand and paced towards the edge of the window and looked down at the parking lot below. One arm crossed her trim stomach while her long fingers balanced the phone to her ear, "Oh Simon, you forget your worth here around the office. A partner should never overlook just how much a company needs him. But, I'll let you go now. Shoot me a text when you arrive so I can help you with the baby! See you soon!" She expressed.
Listening, Simon somewhat tuned out at last minute. He was stunned by Cherish because this was the first time he saw her in makeup and truly dressed up. She was finally wearing his dress and she looked like a million bucks, “Uh, yeah. See you soon.” He said ending the call.
Reaching for Jasmine, Cherish rubbed her daughter’s head before she turned to Simon, "Uh. I tried to tie the back. Can you help please?" She asked.
Rounding the bed, he met her with a smile, “Certainly.” He said.
"Thanks." She said turning around. Her stomach was still balled up in tight coils. Just when she got comfortable with her surroundings and the people around, there always a loop thrown her way
Simon untied the straps and fingered the fabric to lay over her neck and collarbone neatly. He brought the straps around, tied them together in a knot, before he followed with a bow that he had to work with to get right, “You look incredible. I knew this was a good dress for you. Do you like it?” he asked.
Turning to face him, Cherish nodded and gave him a small smile, "Yes. It’s nice. Thank you again. I don't know how many times I can thank you." She expressed. "Are you ready?" Leaning over, she picked Jasmine up in her arms before she crouched down and took the strap of the baby bag.
Simon stood on the opposite side of the mattress and scooped Jr. up. His son wiggled and fussed for a moment before he settled down; for now, “I’m ready when you are.” He replied.
Leading the way to the side door and car, Simon came off as far more eager and confident than most days. Loading the kids into their seats, Cherish settled in the backseat with them and wondered if they should have fed them before leaving. Simon adjusted his rear-view mirror before he backed out and began the drive to his office.
The ride was further than expected. The interstate became more congested the further into the city they traveled. High rises of Tampa began to tower on either side and before long, Simon pulled off and made the large loop on the exit. Cherish visibly gulped as he navigated through the shadowed streets with familiarity. Soon they pulled into the parking lot of a long, tall building soaring with the others. Her mouth fell open slightly as she leaned over and caught a glimpse of a few people making their way inside the large, glass double doors. Rolling around to a parking space with his name, Cherish sighed and stared ahead at the sign. She knew Simon had money but didn't expect his name to literally be painted on the company's walls.
Taking a deep breath, he felt odd now that he was back. The last time he saw this place, he was excited and ready to face the new chapter. Now, so much had changed and yet, he was content. Not as broken and ruined as he originally thought weeks before. Glancing back, he pushed a smile at Cherish and patted his legs, “Alright. We’re here let’s go.” He said.
Getting out of the vehicle, she stood there awkwardly as he pulled the double stroller from the trunk. Cherish rubbed her lips together and looked around at the other cars in the lot. Half of them
