Luci's Lullaby

by Leaona Luxx

  “She hasn’t cried yet.”

  “Because she was stinky too.” She coos at Luci. “I know I feel better after a bath.”

  “Let’s see.” She frowns at me before walking past me. “Where you goin’?”

  “Clothes.” She disappears behind the door. “Come on.”

  I jog into the room. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “That may work on my momma, but I know you—don’t try it.” She levels me with a glare.

  “What?” I bat my lashes. “Alright, what are we doing now?”

  Charlee takes her time showing every little trick in the book, including a few things Reese hasn’t told me. I follow her into the kitchen as she makes a bottle and feeds Luci. She eats every bite and even burps for her.

  “Do you mind to go flip the clothes I put in?” Charlee asks while she’s rocking Luci.

  “Not at all, I’ll be right back.”

  I switch the laundry in record time, seeing that Charlee had done everything without me knowing. My chest has that odd stitch in it, like the one you get when you’ve been running too long.

  I rub it out and join them in the living room. Walking around the corner, I’m taken by surprise when I hear Charlee actually singing. Not just any song either, but one of mine from high school.

  When she realizes I’m close, she stops. I round the couch and sit beside her, rubbing Luci’s head with long, soft strokes. Her face relaxes, and I can see her giving up the fight.

  “She loves that, Alden.” Charlee beams at me.

  “She enjoyed your singing too.”

  Charlee looks away. “Have you tried playing for her?”

  “No.” I lick my lips. “I haven’t touched it since Luci got here.”

  “Baby’s love music, you should play for her.” She smiles warmly.

  “So how’d you know that song?”

  She blushes. “I used to listen to you play out by the river.”

  “You did?” I lean back to get a better look at her.

  Her eyes drop to the baby. “Yeah, don’tcha remember. I kinda had a huge crush on you.”

  “So you stalked me?” I say it to get her to look at me, but she doesn’t flinch.

  “Stalking was only illegal in California back then. I prefer to call it viewer appreciation.” She half shrugs.

  My jaw goes slack. “Apparently, I’m not the only crazy person in the room.”

  “No, you’re still insane and a horn dog.” She snorts.

  “Did you just snort?”

  She starts giggling. “Stop, I’ll wake the baby up.”

  It’s then I notice Luci is sound asleep. “How’d you do that?”

  Charlee faces me with a sweet smile. “She needs to bond, Alden.”

  “I’ve tried, she hates me.”

  “This innocent, sweet little girl knows nothing about hate. She needs to feel safe and to know she can trust you.” Charlee lays her hand over mine.

  “Will you come back?” Her forehead wrinkles. “Just as friends, so you can show me some other things.”

  She searches my eyes until she sees what she needs to. “I can, but we’re not making this a habit.”

  “I promise, I only want to learn how to take care of her better.”

  Charlee hands Luci over to me, kissing her head. “I’ll stop by on my way to work in the morning and give you a hand.”

  “Thank you.”

  “She’ll need changed when she wakes up. Keep her body on an incline, it helps with digestion.” Charlee leans in and kisses her again.

  “Please be careful going home.” She smiles. “Text me and let me know you made it.”

  “I’ll be fine.” She puts her hand on the door.

  “Please text me, we’ll be up.”

  Her eyes flicker around the room. “I don’t have your number.”

  “You don’t?” My mind races as I fumble for my phone. “Where the hell is my phone?”

  She plays it off. “It’s okay, I’ll get it tomorrow.”

  “No.” Her eyes widen. “I mean, one minute. I know it’s here somewhere.” I scan the room and spot it on the console. I rush over to grab it. “I can’t believe you don’t have it. Why do you not have it?”

  “You never gave it to me.” She looks away, breaking eye contact with me.

  “I want you to have it, always have.” I stick my phone out for her to take it.

  “What do you want me to do?” she stutters.

  “Send your phone a text from me.” She hesitates. “I’ll type it, you add your number.” I write something she’ll never forget and hand it to her.

  She takes it without reading it and adds her number. She hands it back and I press send. “Don’t read it until you get home, and then send one back so I’ll know you made it.”

  “You’re so weird.” She giggles, holding up her phone and giving it a shake. “Thanks.”

  I nod. “You’re welcome and thank you. I enjoyed tonight.”

  She twists her mouth. “Yeah, me too. Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight.” I wave and wait for her to get in her car and pull away.

  Luci is snuggled in my arms, still sleeping. Her pouty mouth moving every once in a while. I walk her back to my bed, laying down with her. I have figured out, she sleeps well on my chest.

  I start to doze, so I roll over and place Luci in the bed beside me. There’s a pillow on each side of her so I rest my arm on one and continue to rub her head. She releases a little sigh, and tingles run over me.

  My cell buzzes, and I grab it to find Charlee has texted me. I can’t help but smile.

  You think you’re cute, don’tcha? ~C

  Whatever do you mean?

  I will not be tricked by your wiles again, sir. ~C

  No tricks, just shenanigans.

  Smh I’m home. ~C

  Me too.

  Wanna come over?

  I’m rolling my eyes. ~C

  Thank you for today.

  You’re welcome. ~C

  Is she still sleeping? ~C

  She is.

  Your sorcery has us both spellbound.

  Better watch it… ~C

  I might put a spell on you. ~C

  Promises, promises.

  Goodnight. ~C

  Night.

  “Well, well, Charlee. That’s all you have to say about that first text? I can see the games have already begun.” I lay my phone on the nightstand, staring at Luci with a smile on my face.

  I chew the inside of my lip as I pull into his complex. “Should I text or just knock?” I hate this.

  Parking, I grab the bags I brought and walk to his door. I tap lightly, in case Luci’s asleep. I lean in, trying to hear if someone’s up. The door opens, and I fall forward.

  Alden’s arms are around me before I can do a face plant in his front door. “Hey. Already drinking today, I see.”

  “I tripped.” I stand, straightening my clothes.

  He curls his lip. “I thought maybe it was because you were leaning against my door.”

  “I-I brought you breakfast.” I brush past him as my face turns bright red.

  “You did?” He holds his hand up, and I stare at him. “High five.”

  I roll my eyes. “Oh, yeah.”

  He laughs. “I thought I was the only one with the Zombies.”

  “The Zombies?” I walk around the couch, sitting down as I get our breakfast out.

  “The Walking Dead?” His eyes are wide like I should know what he’s saying. “It’s a television show.” I smash my mouth into a thin line, shaking my head. He falls into the seat beside me. “That’s it, I will educate you on the best horror genre shows.”

  I wrinkle my nose. “I don’t do horror.”

  “You’re hangin’ with me, you do now.” He winks and pulls a container from the bag. “What is this?”

  I watch his face as he opens the top and a waft of steam hits his face. “Biscuits and gravy with cooked apples.”

  “Homemade?” There’s a twinkle
in his eyes.

  “Umhmm.”

  He checks the table and jumps up. “We need forks!”

  “Bring glasses, I have milk.”

  “You even have milk?” He jogs back to the living room and stands peering down at the spread laid before him. “There is a God, and he sent an angel to me.”

  “One with biscuits and gravy.”

  “And cooked apples.” He smiles at me as he sets the glasses down.

  We make quick work of fixing our plates and eating. I face him, sitting crossed legged. We talk the entire time we’re eating. I catch myself getting comfortable, and my belly flutters.

  “Is Luci still asleep?”

  “She should be up soon.” He picks up our plates.

  I reach over, helping him to pick up. Our hands brush, and I’m in high school again as a current runs through us.

  “Owe.” I bite my finger.

  “Gotcha,” he turns to the kitchen, “again.”

  I fight the smile playing on my lips as I follow him to the sink. “Hey, while I’m here, why don’t you go shower. I’ll get Luci if she wakes up.”

  “Are you trying to tell me something?” He blinks rapidly.

  I touch his arm, dropping my eyes. “I am. You smell.”

  “I’m assuming it’s nothing like sex and candy.” He folds his arms, making his bottom lips tremble.

  “It’s more like vomit and lavender.” My eyes dart to his as a smile plays on his mouth.

  He raises his chin. “Fine, but I put that on especially for you. I’m sorry you didn’t like it.”

  “Oh, baby. It’s me, it isn’t you.”

  His body jerks as he holds in his laughter. “I suppose you’ve found someone else. Someone… younger.”

  “I have and she’s a woman.”

  His eyes drop to mine, and something dark burns in them. “She better be the only one in your arms.”

  “Are you jealous?” His eyes smolder, sending chills over me.

  He steps closer to me. “Possibly.”

  “Good thing we’re just friends.” My breasts heave as I struggle to catch my breath.

  His eyes dart to them and when our eyes meet again, I see a fire burning, igniting one deep in my core. “It’s a damn good thing.”

  A thump at the door makes us jump and separate. “I’ll get that, go hit the shower before I have to leave.”

  “Yeah, I’m thinking I need a cold one,” he murmurs as he walks away. “It’s hot as hell in here.”

  “Without a doubt,” I mumble as I check his ass out. The knock at the door gets louder, so I run to answer it before it wakes Luci.

  I whip it open to find a redhead dressed in daisy dukes and a halter. Her matching lipsticks tells the tale—she’s her for sex, and it ain’t with me. “Can I help you?”

  “I doubt it, where’s Alden?” She peers around me, trying to check out the room.

  “The shower.” I smile sweetly.

  She gives me a once over. “So he hired a maid I see.”

  “I’m not his maid,” I curl my lip, looking her over, “but I’m guessing you’re the hired help.”

  Her mouth drops. “Move and let me in, Alden will want to see me.”

  “He may, but I’m telling you no.”

  “Listen, old lady. We go way back, I’ve done things with him and to him that should be illegal. So move your big ass, and I’ll go find him myself.” She looms over me.

  “Hey, Michelle.” Alden walks up behind me as my blood begins to boil.

  She pushes past me, throwing her arms around Alden’s neck. “Hey, handsome. I came for breakfast.”

  Anger coils in the pit of my stomach when suddenly I’m brought back to the here and now. “I’m not feeling so well, I better go.” I walk out the door, wanting to slam it but choose not to. Luci doesn’t deserve it.

  “Hey.” I refuse to turn as his steps get closer. “Hey. Charlee Rae, I know you can hear me.”

  I whirl around, jutting my chin out. “I will not stand by and listen to you boinking the bimbo while I take care of Luci. Nope, not happening.” I cross my arms in defiance.

  “Boinking? Seriously? After all of this, that’s your opinion of me?” A line appears between his brows.

  I take a step back. “What else am I supposed to think, Alden. It’s obvious she’s your type because we both know the curtains don’t match the carpet on that one. Nobody tries that hard but a woman who’s been fucked or looking to get fucked.”

  “Since you know every damn thing, tell me this...” He crowds me, making the hairs on my arms stand. “Am I fucking her now?”

  I swallow hard, trying to piece my pride back together. “No.” My lids fall as I fight the overwhelming urge to cry. “But it doesn’t mean you don’t want to, Alden.”

  “I’m here, Charlee.” He points at our feet. “Here, not there with her. Doesn’t that count for something?”

  “Not if you want to be there.”

  “If I told you what I wanted, you’d never speak to me again.” His gaze drops, making my heart sink.

  “Don’t let that stop you.” I heave as my chest constricts.

  The redhead pops her head out of the door. “Alden, come on back, baby.” His chin hits his chest.

  “There ya go, baby. Get right back in there and do what you need to do.” My body trembles.

  He pushes me against my car, leans in, and growls into my ear, “You’ll be the first person to know when I’m ready to fuck again. Do you understand me, Charlee Rae?”

  I shudder when his nose sweeps my earlobe. I struggle to find my voice. “I don’t want to know, Alden.”

  “Yes, you damn well do.” His words wash over me, but all too soon I’m left feeling cold. I open my eyes in time enough to watch him enter his door and close it.

  “The fuck was that, asshole?” I growl, jerking my door open. I climb in and drive to work.

  The day drags by with everything that can go, going wrong. My head is so jacked up I can’t think straight. It finally gets to the point that they take me off the register because I charged a lady a hundred dollars for an apple.

  Damn apple.

  “Charlee?” the store manager calls my name.

  I cut my eyes at him. “Yes?”

  “Why don’t you leave early today, I think you need a break.” His words waver.

  I frown. “Do I look like I need a break?”

  “Yes, take it.” He walks away, making me feel even worse.

  I trudge to the parking lot, fighting the urge to go by his place. “I need to know if she stayed,” I tell myself.

  I start my car and before I can stop myself, I drive by his house. I creep up on it, hitting the gas as I get to it. No way is he going to catch me here. “Crap! I didn’t look for her car.” I stretch, staring in my rearview mirror.

  I whip my car around, so I can check for it and promise myself I’ll go straight home as soon as I do. “Last time don’t even glance over at his place.”

  I scan the lot as I drive up, but I never listen, so I cut my eyes just as I get by the front door. Alden’s standing in it with his arms crossed. I whip my head around in the nick of time as a truck backs out on me and I hit my brakes. “Dang it!”

  I wiggle my leg, praying this guy gets out of my way before Alden gets to me. Knock, knock. I cringe with each tap on my window. Throwing my hand up, I hide my face.

  “I can see you.” I side-eye him as he bends to stare at me through the glass. “I see you.”

  “So.” I glower at him, whipping my head back around.

  He taps again. “Park the car.”

  “No. I came to get my containers. That’s all.”

  He straightens with his hands in his shorts. “Come get them.”

  “Is she still here?” I scowl.

  He folds his arms. “Nope. But you would know that had you stayed.”

  My mouth hangs before I snap it shut. I wave him away from my car and pull into the nearest spot. I climb out, stomping towa
rd his door. “For the record, I don’t give a flying fuck if she stayed.”

  “That’s more than obvious.” He smirks and leans against the doorframe. I could smack the smirk off his face.

  I make a beeline to the kitchen to grab my things. I open the cabinet under the sink to get a bag. I yank on one until it’s freed and shove my containers in it.

  I whip around to find him standing behind me, blocking the door. Avoiding eye contact, I bite down on my lip to calm myself.

  “What are you doing, Charlee?” His jaw ticks as if he’s the one angry.

  I hold out my bag. “Getting my things, what does it look like?”

  “No one’s here, I thought we could talk.” He takes a few steps toward me.

  I lick my lips trying to wet my dry mouth. He’s absolutely gorgeous in his basketball shorts and t-shirt. “I have nothing to say.”

  “Good, you can listen to me since you wouldn’t earlier.” He steps into me, making my stomach flip.

  I swallow hard. “Fine, say what you need to, and I’ll be outta your way.”

  “First, I can not help if women from previous… encounters, come here. I did not invite anyone. I will not invite anyone other than you. Second, my one and only priority at this point in my life is that little girl in there.” He points to her room, crowding me. “No matter what you think of me, you know this—she is the most important thing to me. Lastly, if and when I want someone, I’m man enough to take her.”

  My lips fall open on a gasp as something in my chest flutters. “Is that all?”

  “I want you to stay.” He pauses as if he’s struggling with his next words. “For Luci. She needs you, and I do too.”

  I glance at him. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”

  He shifts his weight, leaning away from me. “I promise you, I’ll control myself. I’ll do anything you need me to do so that you feel comfortable here with us.”

  “I’m only here for her, Alden.” I grit my teeth. “I am well aware there’s nothing between us, and I hope you’ll understand my only concern is Luci. I don’t care who you sleep with or mate like rabbits with.”

  His jaw pops. “I suppose we have an understanding.”

  “Yep, we sure do.” As if on cue, Luci begins to fuss.