I burst out laughing. “Something tells me that won't happen. She adores you, Harlow.”
She smiles and nods, grabbing my hand as she starts to drag me out the door, eager to get to Rosie.
“Hey!” Neo shouts from the kitchen. “I still vote for that fuck fest in the kitchen. Come back!”
Harlow giggles, slamming the door behind us.
What the guys don't know is that every time Rosie would video chat with Harlow, I would listen in, just wanting to hear her voice. I know I was the one who encouraged her to go, which Dean was not so happy about, but I still missed her like crazy too.
I finally had her back in my life after losing her,the love of my life,eight years ago; the thought of her maybe never coming back had me freaking out. I knew she needed it though, and I’m glad she took the time to think because I can see a change in her. She seems more relaxed and happier. That tough girl act she works so hard to keep up lessens when she's around us. Just from this short interaction we just had, I think the more time that goes on, the more the old Harlow will make an appearance.
She will never fully be back though, and I don't want her to. I’ve grown to love Queenie. Also, with her around, life will never truly be boring. I’m excited to see where things go from here.
Harlow
“LOW, BREATHE,” CASSwhispers in my ear, making me jump. I’m high off caffeine this morning because I was too excited to sleep knowing I would be seeing my baby girl today. Also, I was up all night with my face between Evie’s thighs.Who needs sleep when you can make your girl turn into a puddle of jelly from an orgasm overdose?
I gave her the day off to recover because I don't think she's going to be able to walk for a while.I'm pretty damn proud of myself.After our little meeting in her office, we spent the day setting up shows for the upcoming weeks, and I’m on the schedule for the next few weekends. I’ve missed dancing, and if the guys think that just because we're together I’m going to stop dancing or dressing how I normally do, they can go suck a dick, because I refuse to change for anyone but myself. I already said I’d stop threatening to stab them, I think that offer was nice enough of me.
Although, I don't think that applies to Neo because I know he would bust a nut the moment the blade made contact with his skin.Sick fuck.God, I love that man. I can admit it to myself now, but I’m not ready to say the words out loud. I'm a stubborn bitch, and some things might never change. They can deal because I change for no one but myself.
“I know, I know,” I say, leaning into his touch, finding it oddly comforting and calming. “I just missed her so much."
The kids start coming out of the school, and I stand on my tippy-toes, looking over the crowd, searching for her. My face slips into a massive smile, probably making me look like a nut job when I see her blonde pigtails bouncing with every step. She's wearing a bedazzled jean jacket that Neo helped her make, and a pink, glittery tutu.
She looks around, probably in search of her dad, but when her eyes meet mine, she lights up with a smile that rivals mine.
Rosie starts running and pushing the kids out of the way. I hold in a snort as one kid gets knocked into another one, but Rosie doesn't seem to notice.
“Mama!” she screams, her little backpack bobbing against her back.
“Rosie!” I cheer as her tiny body collides with mine. I scoop her up, holding her close to me.
“I missed you so much!” she cries, making my own damn eyes water.
“I missed you more, baby girl. But good news, I'm back and I’m not going anywhere again for a very long time.”
“Good.”
We stand there for a few minutes just holding each other, everything and everyone else forgotten for the moment.
“Low,” Cass chuckles out. “Let the girl breathe.”
I loosen my arms, not realizing how tight I was holding her. Cass holds out his arms to hug Rosie hello, but she clings to me instead.
“Sorry, Daddy, but you got all the hugs. It's Mama’s turn,” Rosie holds me tighter, burying her little face into my neck. I can feel the wetness from her tears against my skin, reminding me of just how much leaving her hurt my heart.
“Fair enough,” Cass gives her a soft smile.
Hushed whispers draw my attention to the group of mothers huddled together as they wait for their kids to get out of the school, casting glances in our direction.
“What’s their problem?” I ask Cass. He looks behind me then sighs.
“They were Brianna's friends. They love to give me dirty looks, and tell me how Rosie would be better off with her mother than with me.” Cass rolls his eyes, but a growl settles low in my chest. His eyes flash with alarm. “Low,” he pleads. “Don’t.”
“What?” I say innocently, handing Rosie over to him. “I just want to say hello to my daughter's classmates' mothers. Isn’t that what parents do? Get involved in their child's lives?”
“Yes but—”