People poked and pinched the babies’ bubbling cheeks, but after awhile Jr. started to fuss and had to be given a break. Simon carried him to the side where the men were less interested in fawning over Jr. as hard as the women. One man, a law clerk that worked for him, sipped on his punch with a smile, “You’re looking better Simon.” He said grinning at Jr., “You too, Simon.” He stated.
Simon smirked a bit and waved Jr.’s arm to the man, “He’s the better looking one.”
Chattering away, Cherish got to know a few of Simon’s employees. They talked about how she came to meet Emily and Simon, asked how he was holding up behind closed doors, her circumstances, and the situation Cherish had been in. Not once, did they mention that she lived with him. All was within earshot of Susan.
One of Simon’s coworkers held out her hand towards Cherish. She had to make sure, “So you didn’t put your ex’s name on the birth certificate, right?” she asked.
Cherish shook her head and gave a half smile, “A nurse told me not to because if he tried to come back, he’d use Jasmine against me.” She said.
The woman sucked on her teeth and hummed a bit to herself, “I wish I had someone give me that advice. Though, my ex comes and goes with the tide. But, my life would be so much easier without him in Lucy’s life.” She said. A few other women agreed and Cherish came to see that most of them were either single mothers, or divorcees.
An hour passed, and lunch was served. The caterers were from a small, Italian restaurant down the street who had served them with Lasagna, salads, soups, garlic bread, and spaghetti. After spending time with his coworkers, Simon felt better about returning. He realized how much he missed the people he’d worked with and the dynamic at the office. With Jr. in his arms, Simon looked over the cake as his mom snapped a picture. He looked at Cherish across the room and waved her over after she looked his way. Miriam passed Jasmine to Cherish and they both stood beside the cake and Margaret took a few photos. The pair smiled with their kids before the parents split the cake and shared with the other guests.
Within a couple of hours, the crowd, the parents, and most importantly the babies, were ready to go. The last thing on the agenda was to open gifts. Simon was eager for Cherish to open presents for Jasmine, who was now in Imani’s arms, while Jr. was cradled with a tall, older associate. Susan eyed the little boy and paid little attention to Jasmine who was a merely a few feet away.
They sat side by side as coworkers streamed gifts to either him or her; whoever the item was intended for. For the most part, Cherish was smiling and complimenting the outfits, blankets, and baby toys that were given from these peoples’ kind hearts. The women had gathered around with the kids and reacted to every cute item Simon or Cherish held up. Cherish’s eyebrows tucked together as she held up a silly cat costume for when Jasmine turned one, which matched Jr.’s bunny rabbit suit, “That one’s from me!” Imani called out with a wave.
Before long, the floor around their feet was littered with tissue paper, bags, and wrapping paper. Cherish stared at the mountain of gifts before she looked to Simon, “How are we going to fit all of this in your trunk?” she asked.
Margaret held Jr. in her arms and kissed along his face, “Don’t worry, we’ll help.” She said from opposite of them.
Seeing that everything at the shower was finished, Simon stood, “Thank you everyone for coming to the party and including Cherish and Jasmine in it all. After the terrible things that have happened and the hard times we’ve been through, this really helps us to find a sense of normalcy. Really, honestly, thank you. I’ll see you all in a couple of days.” He said.
The group clapped in approval and began cleaning up the venue. Susan rubbed the end of her glass against her lips before she set it down and gave a one, simple clap. Rolling her eyes, she turned her back away from them and excused herself for the bathroom.
A few of the men gathered the bags of gifts and followed the parents out to their cars. Simon took Jr. from his associate and thanked him again for attending before he placed his sleepy boy in the stroller. As Simon approached, Imani leaned in and gave them both hugs goodbye, “Alright, see you again soon, Cherish?” She asked.
Lisa interjected as she stepped forward, “Yes, I swear your need a break from diapers and babies all day. We’ll have lunch soon.” She said.
Cherish agreed to meet with them when she could find the time. Simon stopped with the stroller and smiled, “Did you have fun? Make any friends? You were popular.”
Waving them off, she looked to Simon and lowered Jasmine into the seat beside Jr., “I did have fun, this was a very nice surprise, Simon. Thank you so much, for everything.” She said with a smile. Cherish looked around and watched as some associates pulled down the streamers and others boxed up the leftover food. She smiled slightly looking to him, “Did you have a good time?” she questioned.
He appreciated her gratitude, but in his mind, he would have done it regardless. To see her happy was
