Page 37 of Judge Me Not

The elevator opens, and he guides me inside. "I wasn't sure what to put on the paperwork." He pushes the button.

"I'm glad you wrote 'personal assistant' over 'beck-and-call stripper,'" I admit.

He cringes. "Jasmine, I don't—"

The elevator opens, and an older couple steps inside. I step closer to Colton. He places his hand on the side of my hip.

I try to ignore the zings rushing to my pulsing insides.

We get out of the elevator and go directly to his car. A different driver opens the door. We slide in. Colton's phone rings.

He glances at it and shakes his head. "I'm sorry. I need to take this."

"It's okay."

"Bernie, what're the stats?"

I pull my phone out of my clutch and text Cee Cee.

Me:Everything okay?

Cee Cee:Yes. Temperature normal.She adds three party emojis.

I breathe a sigh of relief then send her three fist bumps.

Cee Cee:She wants to talk to you. Is that okay?

I glance at Colton. He's looking out the window and aggressively speaking.

Me:Yes, but tell her I need to be super quiet and can't talk long.

My phone rings, and I put it to my ear. I, too, turn toward my window. In a quiet voice, I say, "Hi, sweetie."

"Mommy, Auntie Cee Cee and I made cupcakes. I saved you a pink one."

"Thank you. What are you doing now?"

"Maribel and I are going to have a tea party with my cupcakes."

I smile. "That sounds fun."

"Are you coming home soon?"

Guilt eats at me. "No, sweetie. I'll be home late. But tomorrow we'll have breakfast together, okay?"

"Again?"

"Yes."

"Yay." She claps.

"I have to go, sweetie. Be good for Auntie Cee Cee."

"Love you, Mommy."

"Love you, too."

We hang up, and I put my phone in my purse. When I look up, Colton is staring at me.