The Whole Package

“Are you sure, babe?” I give her ass a small squeeze.

“Yeah, I’m sure.”

“Alright, tonight then. I love you.”

“Love you, too.” I give her one last kiss before heading out. If this meeting wasn’t so important I would have pushed harder for her to talk to me, but I also know Bailey doesn’t like being late for work. If you asked me, she should be running that place and not Mason.

Something about him rubs me the wrong way. I thought that the day I’d met him. Then he’d been short and rude with Bailey and my radar was on. But since then he’s been nothing but nice to her when I see him around. Still, I need to talk to Bailey about what Kim said. For all I know the words she spouted off were lies, but I think there’s some truth to it. Mason told Kim he and Bailey were a thing, which is total bullshit. I haven’t gotten a chance to ask Bailey about it. Between the concert last night and making love after Hazel went to bed, Bailey was out like a light.

I check my phone as I get into my car and see that I have an email from HR about Mason. I requested it last night before we headed out to the Britney Spears concert. I can’t help but smile thinking about last night.

I’m not a fan of Britney Spears. It’s not really my kind of music, but watching Hazel and Bailey have so much fun made me have fun, too. Hazel was beside herself when she got to meet her backstage and got a signed shirt. I’m not sure we’re ever going to get that shirt off her. She wore it to bed last night and didn’t change it this morning.

When I make it to my office I see Tim my lawyer already waiting for me. “How’s it going, man?” I ask, shaking his hand.

“All good. Laura is due any day now.”

“Congratulations,” I tell him.

I know they tried for a long time to get pregnant. I’m happy it finally happened for them. I can’t imagine what it would be like to see Bailey pregnant with our child. I know she’ll make a wonderful mom. I can see it with the way she is with Hazel. The thought makes my heart jump with excitement. But first I need to get some other things lined up before any of that can happen.

“Thanks. Now let’s see if we can get this new family of yours worked out, too.”

“Let’s.” I guide him into my office, where we go over everything about Hazel and Bailey and what’s been happening. I know a fear lingers in Bailey about the state coming to take Hazel from her. I’m going to make that fear go away for her. That shit will not be hanging over her head anymore. Not if I can do something about it, and I won’t stop until I do.

“I don’t think this is going to be a problem, Shawn. I mean, with all you’ve done for the community. I drop your name and people listen. You’re respected, and that’s going to go a long way.” He shrugs. “And you’ve got deep pockets. That helps, too. You know how politics are. They kiss ass to anyone with money.”

“Sad but true.” We go over a few more things before he leaves to fine tune the details. I feel lighter knowing that this is really being handled. Now it’s only a waiting game.

I click open my emails and I’m about to look at Mason’s file, but I pause when I see something my assistant forwarded me. I click open the email and before I even get halfway through it I’m out the door and in my car driving back towards my girl.

I clench the steering wheel knowing that what Kim said was true. I have no doubt Mason has told people he and Bailey have been together. That’s clear from the harassment reports that were filed by two women late last night. I hit the steering wheel when the third red light in a row stops me. I’m almost there.

I hate the idea of Bailey being in the store with him. God, what about Hazel? Could she even defend herself from someone like him? Clearly none of the employees are safe with him, but I’m starting to think he might have his sights set on Bailey. My mind drifts back to the few times when she’s gotten off work and it felt like something was bothering her, but I didn’t want to push. I wanted her to come to me, but that time is over. Not when it comes to her and Hazel’s safety. I don’t want them taking things on alone. I know Bailey is used to doing that with how her life is, but I’m going to show her she can lean on me for all things. We tell each other everything.