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6.5

I arrived with one minute to spare. I had enough time to get out of the car and open the door, just as Mr DeSantis came out of his house to get in the car. I greeted him and he returned the greeting. He informed me he was picking up Chloe from a diner round the way.

“We will be picking up Miss Chloe from Taute’. It’s about ten minutes from here. I’ve sent you the address. Next time, get here before the minute before. Thank you for being prompt, but I’m use to you being here in plenty of time. She’s been waiting on us for twenty minutes now and that angers me. I’ve told you that I’m pursuing her, so from now on, I want you here 15 minutes in advance just in case I have to detour my plans”

“Yes sir. My apologies sir.”

I drove to the diner and we picked up Chloe. She didn’t even spare me a glance as she got into the car. Mr DeSantis greeted her and she smiled and said hello.

I drove them to Headquarters and they spent the rest of their time at the office going over the blueprints. When they were done, Mr DeSantis requested me to take Chloe home, but she declined.

“I can make my way back to my hotel, Mr DeSantis. I do thank you for your kindness. I have to pick my son up.”

“Machen can take you to pick him up.”

“No need sir, Mach-“

“I don’t mind, Miss Chloe.”

“It’s fine, Machen.”

“Is something wrong Chloe, you seem irritated? Did Machen offend you? I can take you home myself if you would like.”

“You don’t need to do that Jacob”

“You’re clearly upset and I cant allow you to leave in this manner. Let me accompany you.”

“I don’t want to take you from your work. It’s fine, really Jacob. Don’t keep prodding me. I am fine. I’ll be here tomorrow as my last day to work on the sketches. Hopefully, we can find a resolve and if not, I will help you find someone who can meet your demands.”

“Chloe, I am pleased with what you have presented. I’m sorry if I came off unappreciative. I have overworked you and I apologize.”

“Jacob, you’re fine. I am taking my leave now. I just need some fresh air and I’m done working for today. You gentlemen have a good afternoon.”

She left and Mr DeSantis ripped into me soon after.

“Machen, how did you offend Chloe? She seemed pretty upset!”

“Sir, I am the father of her son, he’s with my mom right now”.

“W-what? You’re the one who left her?”

“She told you?”

“How dare you! Why haven’t you said anything before now? I confided in you my feelings for her! Were you secretly telling her not to pursue me behind my back? What did you say to her?”

“I didn’t say anything to her about you. She’s mad at me sir.”

“You’re fired! And you will start paying rent, effective immediately.”

“Here’s my badge, and the keys to your house and office. I’m sorry I have offended you sir. I have enjoyed working for you. Thank you for your gratuity. I wish you well”

I left his office and went straight home. Yanis was still with mom. They were playing in the living room. He was giggling and having the time of his life as mom egged him on. I couldn’t help but smile and watch in amazement as she found new energy to keep up with him.

“Mom, Yanis..”

They turned to look at me and it was then I realized how much a child could play on your heart. Yanis screamed Daddy and ran towards me with open arms. His face lit up at the sight of me. He gave me the biggest hug. I tended to his needs, giving mom a break. She told me she didn’t mind, but I knew she was tired having him and Ava all day. She informed me that Pixie had returned, despite her saying she needed to leave her with me for awhile because she had no where to go, and collected her and her things. I sighed and pulled out my phone to send her money in advance of my child support payment.

She had put me on child support when she took off with her new guy. I didn’t mind paying for my daughter. Her mother was more than deserving seeing as to I disappeared after my tour in Europe.

I told mom that I was fired and that I would have to start paying rent soon. I went ahead and settled my account for the next year at the business office. Mr DeSantis was originally going to put me out, but when he discovered I paid my rent in advance, he left matters alone. I phoned to check on Chloe, but she didn’t answer my call.

She showed up around nine that night to collect Yanis, but he was already asleep. I let him sleep in the spare room, which is where Ava would sleep when she was visiting. Luckily it was neutral colors displayed about, so he didn’t feel like he was in a girl’s room. I opened the door for his mother.

“Hello, Chloe. Yanis is asleep. I didn’t know if you were coming to pick him up or not and I tried to call.”

“I needed a moment to clear my head. I’m sorry I overreacted and left how I did. Jacob told me he fired you. I told him that was unnecessary. I was letting my emotions control my actions and it was unprofessional. He is going to give your job back”.

“No need. I don’t want to work for someone who would fire me just because he thought I did someting to a colleague.”

“I’m sorry Machen, I caused trouble for you and I didn’t mean to. Being around you all day, just.. it was overwhelming.”

“I understand.”

“I can come back tomorrow and pick Yanis up, since he is asleep. Thank your mom for me. I did phone ahead to tell her I needed to clear my mind before coming to get him and she was understanding.”

“No worries. Mom loves her grands. She was happy you even let her see him”

“Of course. I wouldn’t keep him from her.”

Just then the door bell rang again. I had invited her in and we were sitting at the island. She asked me if I was expecting someone and I told her no. To my surprise, Pixie was at the door with Ava who was asleep. Mr DeSantis also showed up as I was getting Ava out of her mother’s hands. I invited them both in.

“Chloe, you’re here?”

“Yes, Machen has our son for tonight and I was coming to pick him up, but he was already asleep, so we were talking about earlier.”

“Very well. I won’t hold you long Mr Wright, looks like you’re a busy man after work. You’re so lucky to have a daughter and a son. I’m jealous I do believe. Anyhoo, I want to give your job back. I was acting on emotions earlier and I should’ve at least heard you out.”

“No need. I decline taking my job back. I do hope that won’t be a problem.”

“It won’t. May I ask why not?”

“You didn’t give me a chance to explain once I told you Chloe and I shared a son. I need to lay my daughter down, give me a second.”

“Chloe, why did you keep his son from him?”

“I didn’t. He took a private job that I was unaware of and I had no contact information for him. My work brought me here and by fate I ran into him. I immediately told him about Yanis and even brought him over.”

“Oh. Well Machen is mine and I don’t care about him having a son, you stay out of my way!”

“Pixie! Why are you implying we are a thing? You’re Ava’s mother and that’s all, nothing else!”

“Really? You had your cock stuffed in me just this morning, you sure that is all that I am Machen or are you trying to win Chloe here back?”

“His private business is none of my concern. He is Yanis’ father, Pixie. I assure you that I’m not trying to cause a riff between the two of you.”

“There’s no riff to cause because we aren’t together! I’m sorry Mr DeSantis about holding you longer than you intended to stay.”

“No worries, I’m enjoying the drama here.”

He chuckled and I didn’t like the way his eyes was fixated on Chloe’s response. She was unknowningly giving him more ammunition to pursue her. This angered me! Pixie was acting out of hurt, but I had just sent her money ahead of schedule, so she shouldn’t have trouble finding lodging. Why was she here?

“I declined my job’s return because I need a schedule that will allow me to spend time with both of my children. My mother is their primary caretaker while I am working and granted I get the weekends off with on call, I may have to come and be away from them even then. I didn’t grow up with my dad and I want to be a father they can be proud of. Also, you not listening to my explanation, but firing me on the spot was a factor. I’ve paid upfront for the apartment for the next year. I hope in that time I can find work that is suitable for my children.”

“What if I hired you part-time with double your pay? No one has been able to get things to run as smoothly as you have and it would be a tremendous loss for my team and I should you not return. I realized that when I informed everyone that you were no longer with us. I was made aware of all that you do for me and I clearly underpaid you for your services.”

“Thank you for your kindness. Unless I chose the days in advance for this part-time schedule-“

“Of course. I just don’t want to lose you now that I know you’re the reason I can easily go through my day. I will just require that you plan the days you aren’t working ahead of time, so that I can still function as if you were present.”

“For double the pay, I could do that. Thank you Mr DeSantis. I’ll finish the rest of this week out and we can start my new schedule next week. That gives you time to adjust to having me around less.”

“Hopefully, it won’t feel that way. I’ll take my leave. You ladies have a good night, thank you Mr Wright for your time.”

“I’m heading out too, care if I carpool with you Jacob?”

“Of course Chloe, I don’t mind taking you home.”

“Chloe-“

“You have company. I’ll be back tomorrow to get Yanis. Give me a second Jacob, I need to kiss my son good night”

“Of course. I’ll be outside when you’re ready.”

She went to kiss Yanis goodnight with me showing her the way. I noticed that seem to have pissed Pixie off more than she wanted it too. I wanted to stop Chloe from leaving, but I knew she thought there was more to Pixie and I. Her smelling her on me this morning was not helping either. I stood at the door as she kissed him goodnight. Ava stirred and told her that she was a pretty lady. She rubbed her back until she went back to sleep after thanking her. I smiled knowing that she would love both Ava and Yanis, while Pixie only wanted Ava to be my child. She didn’t have to say it or show it, I knew by her actions.

She stayed awhile to make sure Ava was asleep. This small gesture, warmed my heart. She looked up to see me watching her and blushed. She excused herself and I turned off the light. When I returned to the front room, she was gathering her purse. I walked her out to Mr DeSantis. I opened the door for them both out of habit and watched as they drove away. I returned to my apartment to find a steaming Pixie. I didn’t give her a chance to speak.

“Get the fuck out my house and if you ever show up here again, I better receive a call in advance that you’re coming. My approval is needed for your visit. However, you’re free to drop Ava off still.”

“Do you really not care about me Machen? Every since you discovered you have this son, you’ve changed.”

“You ruined my relationship with her Pixie! I asked her to be my wife and I left her because of you and Ava. With no explanation and no time to process my departure. If she hasn’t ran into me, I wouldn’t know he existed.”

“Machen, I-I’m sorry.”

“No you aren’t. You show up here causing trouble for me. I give you my payments on time and provide whatever else you deem is necessary for her. You’ve taken it advantage of me long enough. I’m no longer your money bank. Consider your account closed. If you cannot provide for Ava, I will gladly do so, but I’ll become her primary guardian in response.”

“Machen I said I’m sorry.”

“Sorry doesn’t change that my ex fiancée thinks you and I are more than what we are.”

“I love you Machen, why can’t you see that?”

“You love me until someone with more money comes along. Gather your things and leave, now!”

She took her exit and mom joined me in the kitchen. I poured myself a drink and let everything come hurling at me full force. I wiped away the tears that escaped my eyes. It was mom’s voice that brought me out of my pity.

“You know Chloe still loves you that’s why she was effected by smelling Pixie on you this morning. She says it’s none of her business and she’s right, but you also never explained how you could ask her to be your wife and then take off. I told you the day would come where you would regret that choice. Here it is. All you can do now is accept her response to everything that followed. You didn’t just leave her. She discovered she was pregnant and faced it alone. She gave birth without you by her side. She raise Yanis to three and a half, almost four without you. She finally sees you again and you smell of another woman. What did you want her to feel, son?”

“I don’t know mom, but it’s killing me.”

“All you can do is move forward. She’s hurt and despite not appearing so, she is.”

“Thank you mom.”

“Anytime my love. Are we getting to keep Ava?”

“I don’t know yet. But I wouldn’t mind now that my schedule is more flexible. I want to spend my free time with my kids.”

“I raised you well”

“That you did, mom. You’re the best!”

“I love you Machen!”

“I love you too mom.”

I retired to my room to find Yanis in my bed. When I went to pick him up he asked if he could stay. His mom normally let him sleep with her when he was afraid. I asked what scared him and he said he dreamed his mother was injured badly by someone. I held him until he dozed off again. I showered and got in on the other side of the bed. I was awaken around 3 in the morning to Ava climbing in the bed. Yanis pulled her close and told her he would protect her. It made my heart smile he loved his sister so much already.

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