New Leaf (2)
HAHN AU
After having lunch with her mom, Amanda went to visit her brother, Wyatt, at his rehab facility. Him and her didn't have a very good relationship but she wanted to go see him since it had been so long. She had gotten the address of the facility from her dad under the guise that she wouldn't give the information to her mother which she agreed to simply because she knew her mother didn't care to know in the first place.
The nurse led her to his room and opened the door for. When she stepped in, she spotted him sitting out on his closed off patio. She sat her purse on his desk before going out to where he was.
"It's a nice day, huh?" She said plopping down in the seat next to him.
"If you say so, Amanda. What are you doing here anyway?" He asked barely glancing at her.
Taken back by his tone, Amanda took a few deep breaths to keep from going off on him and smiled once again. "I came to see you. I just moved back yesterday, wanted to let you know."
Finally he looked over at her.
"Where are you staying?"
"At home. Where else would I stay?" She chuckled.
"That's dumb. Why go back there? Those people don't love you, they just wanna control you."
"Wyatt ... no they don't. I get it, you're mad that you're here but I think you should be grateful anyone was willing to help you. They could've just let you keep going until you overdosed. Or they could've let you go to jail for killing that little girl."
Wyatt shot a sharp glare at her and she gave him the same back.
"That look does not scare me. We all know what you did, you're just lucky the right people couldn't prove it." She huffed standing up from her chair. "You know, I know you're pissed at them because of what happened to us at camp but that wasn't their fault, they didn't know that would happen. And you feel like they owe you something, especially mom, because of what happened but mom doesn't owe you a damn thing. You're just spoiled and ungrateful."
Wyatt snorts and rolled his eyes waving her off. "That's easy for you to say. They don't do you like they do me."
"What? Wyatt, before I moved to Atlanta all they did was put all of their attention on you. I barely got a glance. You were always in trouble or in the hospital. They did what they did because for some reason they think you're worth saving."
"And you're saying I'm not?" He asked looking up at her.
"That's exactly what I'm saying. I'm getting out of here and don't expect me to come back. Good luck on getting clean."
Ignoring his yelling and insults, Amanda went back into his room and grabbed her purse. She tossed the gift she'd gotten him on his bed then stormed out of the room leaving the door wide open.
After dropping her uhaul off, Lainey ubered to her father's garage. It was one of two of his businesses, the other being his construction company. This is the one he was at today. While she waited in his office, a couple of his employees came to talk to her. When he walked in she was sitting on top of his desk laughing and talking with them standing near her.
"Now I know yall asses got some work to be doing." His voiced boomed making the two of them jump. "Get away from my daughter before you don't have a job or eyes anymore."
Lainey laughed as they scurried out of the office. "Pop, why you so mean to them?"
He kissed her head then pushed her off his desk and walked around to sit behind it. "First, don't be sitting on my desk. Second, cause they asses don't have no business in here talking to you. Especially when it's so much work to be done. What you doing here anyway?"
"Ew, rude, Pop." She laughed sitting in one of his chairs. "I just came to see you. I can't come see my father that I missed so much and that I love so much."
Caleb started at her with his brow raised. "Your mama put you out, didn't she?"
Lainey laughed loudly. "You know she did."
"What did you do?" He asked laughing.
"Well...I had invited her to come with me to drop the truck off and I would run errands with her. I was tryna help her and provide her with entertainment while she got ready. And do you know what she told me, Pop?"
He chuckled. "No, what?"
"She told me I get on her d-a-m-n nerves so I simply told her that she's a Christian and she not supposed to be cussing. She must ain't like that too much cause next thing I know there was a shoe coming my way and she told me to get out and leave and not to come back to later. So... here I am."
Caleb couldn't help the loud laugh that came out. He could hear his wife's voice perfectly in his head. "And I know you're proud of yourself. Want me to take you to get your car?"
"Very," she nodded. "No, Amanda is gonna pick me up. We're gonna go find her an outfit for tonight."
"Where you two going?"
"A friend of hers is hosting a party at a club tonight so we're gonna go. Might find you a son on law while I'm there."
Caleb stared at her, "Alright ... don't get nobody shot, Lainey. Why don't you invite your brother? I'm sure he'll wanna go."
"You want him to go so he can scare people off so no. But he has a date anyway," she said with an eye roll.
"Oh right with that girl from ya mama church. Something about that girl ain't right."
"Same thing I said but Mama told me hush my mouth."
Across town, Benny and Mitch day in their shared office doing paperwork and talking. They had a very busy morning that tapered off into a calm afternoon.
"How's your brothers, man?"
"They good, they good. Two more months left then they gon be home." Benny told him with a smile. "I can't wait."
Mitch looked up smiling, "That's what's up man. I know they're ready, it's been a long time coming."
"Hell yeah been six long years. I know Mama gon be shouting and praying when they get out. You know her," he laughed.
"Yeah, you know it. You ready for your date tonight?"
Benny huffed loudly and laughed. "I'm ready to get out over with. That girl is weird, something is wrong. I been turning her down politely for months then he ass turn around and go through my mama."
"Knowing Ms. Hanna not gon let you say no."
"Exactly. Ima take her to dinner then ima take my ass home. She not about to get my caught up in nothing."
Mitch frowned a little, "What you mean?"
Benny put his pen down and leaned on his desk, "Something about the way she be looking at me and looking over my shoulder, like she paranoid or something. Ion really like that shit."
"Keep your eye out when you're out with her. You picking her up?"
He nodded. "Yeah, I was gonna have her meet me there but you know."
"Yeah, Ms. Hanna wasn't having that. Just let me know when you pick her up and when you drop her off."
Later that night, Benny sat across the table with his date for the evening, Gia. He had been texting his best friend on and off to give him updates.
"You okay? You seem a little distant."
He raised a brow at her. "I'm cool just hungry. Waiting for my food."
She laughed a little nodding, "Yeah, me too. They're a little slow tonight. So how was work?"
"Work was work," he answered watching her look around for the fifth time, "Aye, what or who are you looking for?"
"Hmm? Oh nobody, nothing. Why did you ask?"
"Cause your ass keep looking around. You got a man or you running from someone. Which one?"
She shook her head laughing a little. "Neither, neither. I just like to watch my surroundings."
Benny hummed not believing her. If it's one thing he could do, it's sense when some shit wasn't right. And nothing about Gia seemed right.
"What did you say you do again?" He asked knowing she had never told him.
"You weren't listening to me?" She asked smiling.
He chuckled rubbing his hands over his beard. "I'm a lil forgetful sometimes. Tell me again, sweetheart."
Gia took a sip of her drink which Benny paid attention to. She was stalling.
"Oh I am a uh consultant for a bridal shop." She stuttered out with a smile.
"Oh really? Which one?" He asked leaning back in his chair.
"Mmm I don't wanna talk about work, Benny," she laughed, "Work is stressful and I wanna leave it where it's at. I'm gonna run to the restroom really quick."
Nodding, Benny watched her hurry off to the bathroom with her phone to her ear. He pulled out his phone to text his best friend and his father to let them know something was feeling off with her. Meanwhile, Gia was pacing back and forth talking on her phone.
"What?" The voice on the other end snapped.
"I think I messed up." Gia panicked.
A loud groan came through the receiver. "What the hell did you do?"
"He noticed me looking around a lot and I don't think he bought my excuse. And he asked me what I do and I told him at a bridal shop."
"Dammit! That is not what I told you to do! You just better hope you don't fuck this up for me! Cause if you do.."
"I know, I know. I'm sorry."
"Not as sorry as you will be if you fuck this up. Get back to that table and stop being so damn paranoid!"
Gia assured them that the rest of the evening would go according to plan and hung up. Before leaving the bathroom she fixed her make up. Benny looked up from his phone when he saw her come back to the table, giving a half smile to her wide one.
"Ooh our food came. This smells and looks good," she commented sitting in her seat. "What did you get again?"
"Steak, roasted vegetables and a loaded potato. You good?"
"Yup, I'm good," she smiled. "Would you like to taste my pasta?"
Benny looked up from his food for a moment, "Nah, I'm good. Thank you though. So the consulting thing. You like a independent contractor?"
Gia thought quickly before nodding. "Yes, that's its. They call when they need me and I go in to help on already scheduled days every 30 days."
"So you make your own schedule and all that? You always wanted to do that?"
"Be my own boss," she laughed a little, "Yes. Consulting, no. It's not the last stop but it's a stop. I love fashion and all that."
Benny hummed listening to her talk. He couldn't care less about what she was saying, he just wanted to keep her talking. Caleb taught him if you kept someone taking long enough, they tell on themselves without you having to do much.
"Cool so what's the next stop?" He asked eating some of his food.
She smiled and shrugged, "Haven't decided yet but something big. I hear your sister is back in town. You excited?"
Benny frowned, "How you hear that?"
"You know your mama told everybody at church," she laughed. "And we know some of the same people."
"Mmhm. Yeah that's my lil baby of course I'm excited."
Gia nodded. "A friend of mine wanted to know if she was dating anybody. He's been crushing on her since they were in high school."
"Nah," Benny answered cutting his steak, "She not dating nobody. At all. Whoever it is can keep crushing cause it ain't gon happen."
Gia laughed mixing her pasta a bit, "Awe you're protective. That's cute."
Lainey left her room with her clutch and phone, heels clicking down the hallway to her parents' room. She walked into the room dancing a little bit and adjusting her dress. Hanna sat in her bed against the headboard watching tv.
"Mama, come on and tell me I look good so I can go." Lainey laughed.
Hanna looked over at her and chuckled. "You missing straps and fabric at the top and bottom of your dress. Where you think you going?'
"Mama ... its a halter dress is not supposed to have straps. And it's almost mid thigh, that's long enough."
"Who told you that you could wear that?"
Lainey laughed a little, "I dunno if you know but I'm grown, Mama. Plus I'm cute and it's cute."
Hanna hummed. "Yeah okay, cute. Your daddy seen what you wearing?"
"Nope and ima leave before he does."
Just as Lainey turned to leave she bumped into Caleb. He looked her up and down then chuckled.
"You gon be late to ya party, go get dressed, Lainey."
Lainey looked down at her dress and heels then back at him. "I am dressed, Pop."
"Where you think you finna go in that?"
Again, she started to dance and laugh. "I'm about to go cut a rug, Pop. Shake what my mama gave me."
"You shake too much and you gon be showin what your mama gave you. You not wearing that."
Lainey sucked her teeth, "Pop, its cute."
"Uhuh, cute, I don't care. Go change."
Pouting, Lainey stomped out of the room back to her bedroom. She started to pick another outfit then grabbed her long sleeve jean button up shirt and put it on over her black dress. She left it unbuttoned and fixed it in her mirror then left to go back to her parents room. When she walked in they were kissing which made her frown.
"Hey, ew. Stop that. I don't wanna see that." She complained. "Is this better? Can I go now?"
They pulled away laughing.
"Much. Leave that on, don't take it off. You staying with Amanda or coming home?" Caleb asked.
"Staying with Amanda. Text yall when I get to where I'm going and when we're back at her parents."
Caleb nodded, "Alright, babygirl. We love you. Have fun but be careful."
Lainey went to kiss and hug them quickly before leaving the room. Once she was in her car, she pulled out of the driveway quickly heading for the Cryer house. Halfway there, her phone rung.
"Hey, Manda! I'll be there in like 15 minutes."
"Ugh I can't go," Amanda groaned, "My dad neglected to tell me that we're having a dinner party tonight. My mom tried to help me out but no dice."
Lainey pouted sitting at the red light. "Damn it. That sucks, I was looking forward to the party. Well call me when it's over and we can chat."
"Okay, I will. I'm so sorry about this. What are you gonna do?" She asked still sulking.
"Uuuh, I don't know," Lainey said quietly. "Probably go see my aunt or get food and go back home."
"Okay well I'll call you. And I'm sorry again."
"Girl you're good. I understand."
When they hung up, Lainey drove around for a bit trying to decide what she was going to do. While she rode around her phone ring again. She smirked seeing who it was.
"You must've known I needed something to do," she laughed.
Mitch's laughed echoed through her speakers. "I have great timing. Thought you had a party to go to."
"Plans got canceled. So now I'm all dressed up with nowhere to go."
"I'm sorry to hear that, Lainey."
She laughed a little. "This is when you ask me if I wanna come over, Mitch."
He laughed. "I was getting there. You wanna come over? I'm not doing anything, my best friend is on a date. I could use the company."
"Well good then. What's your address?" She asked happily.
Mitch gave her the address, then talked to her until she got to his house. While they talked, Mitch straightened his living room up then pulled his car out of his garage so she could park there.
Lainey looked around his living room while he went upstairs to change. He noticed pictures of him and a very familiar older woman who resembled him. She knew she had seen the woman before but couldn't remember from where. Mitch had changed into gray sweats and a black t-shirt before coming back down. He noticed her looking as he took a seat on his sofa sitting with his legs wide.
"Those shoes look nice on you but they can't be comfortable to stand in."
She turned to smile at him and went to sit at the end of the sofa. "They're not uncomfortable yet but I did want to sit down."
"Good. I don't know if I told you but you look beautiful."
"Thank you, Mitch." She smiled fixing her dress a little.
He nodded looking over at her. "How long do I have the pleasure of your company?"
She shrugged. "I'm not sure. I was supposed to be spending the night with Amanda so didn't plan on going home."
Mitch stretched his arms out on the back of his sofa, he's knees fanning a bit. "Well if you wanna stay a few hours, I'm good with that and if you wanna spend the night I'm good with that too. Up to you."
Lainey eyed him. Looking from his open legs to his face then his outstretched arms. She hadn't realized just how much of him it was until now and she was not disappointed at all.
"I um ... I'm gonna stay the night. If that's okay with you."
Mitch smiled at her. "Like I said, I'm good with what you wanna do. We can order food and watch a movie."
Realizing he was about to get up, Lainey stopped him and pulled out her phone. "Wait ... we can use my phone. You don't have to get up."
He chuckled softly taking her phone. "No problem. My uncle's restaurant delivers, I'll order that for us."
"Okay um we should ... we should talk and get to know each other while we wait."
"Wanna talk about this stuttering thing you're doing," he asked concentrating on ordering their food. "You didn't do that before."
"That was before I noticed how much of you there is." She said louder than she intended. Covering her face, she laughed nervously. "Oh my God ... I was not supposed to say that so you could hear me."
Mitch laughed looking over at her briefly, "It's okay, honesty is good. Did you not realize how big I was when we met?"
"Honestly, no. I was so tired from the drive and unpacking that I didn't realize it."
"Even when I walked up on you in the kitchen?"
She shook her head looking at the side of his face. "No. Happened so fast and I didn't want my brother to come in so I was looking at the doorway."
"Tell you what, when I'm done ordering the food I'll stand up for you so you can look again. Deal?" He asked.
"Deal."
"Good then I wanna see this outfit," he added softly, "without the shirt that's covering it."
Once the food was ordered he gave back her phone then stood from the sofa. He fixed his shirt and sweats before smiling at her. Lainey raised a brow starting at the moon in front of her. There were so many things she wanted to say and ask but nothing came out but a small, barely audible, "oh." Laughing a little, Mitch pulled her up from the sofa and looked down at her.
"I'm wearing six inch heels and I'm only at your chest. How is there so much of you?" She asked staring up at him.
"I dunno. Genetics, I guess, Lainey." He laughed and sat back down. "Your turn, beautiful."
Lainey removed the shirt she was wearing on top of her dress tossing it aside into the love seat. She adjusted her dress a bit then spun around so he could see the entire thing. Mitch had to restrain himself from reaching out to touch her when she turned her back to him. He smiled at her once she was was facing him and pulled her to stand between his legs.
"You look beautiful. This is a beautiful dress on you as well. I like it."
"Thank you, Mitch. At least you like it, my parents didn't."
Mitch chuckled grabbing her hands. "They're not supposed to. It fits you very, very well. You wanna take these off?"
Lainey raised a brow and laughed. "Wait ... take what off?"
"The heels, Lainey." He laughed. "The heels. Do you wanna take them off?"
"Oh, oh," she laughed, "Yeah, I do."
Mitch started to help Lainey take her heels off. They got one off successfully but the buckle on the other got stuck. Between both of them pulling and tugging, Lainey fell into Mitch's lap. He caught he'd around the waist, her face inches away from her as she laid her hands on his chest to catch herself. There breathing increased slightly.
"You good? I got you." He said softly searching her face.
She nodded tucking her bottom lip momentarily. "Yeah I'm good. Thank you."
Using his free hand, Mitch finally got the buckle loose and tossed the heel aside. His hand slid down her waist to her thigh keeping his eyes on her.
"You got goosebumps. You cold?"
"No," she answered shaking her head. "No, not cold. Just ... you."
A ghost of a smile graced his face. "I can take a hint."
Pulling her further into his lap then leaned up to kiss her. She fell into his rhythm putting her arms around his neck. The two of them kissed until Mitch's phone vibrated in his pocket making her jump and pull away.
"Sorry," he said softly going into his pocket for his phone, "It's Benny. He's been updating me on his date."
Lainey nodded staring at him, waiting. That was fine that they were keeping in contact with each other but she didn't care. When he tossed his phone to the side, she launched herself at him kissing him hard. While they were kissing Lainey's phone was vibrating on the other end of the sofa being ignored. She's forgotten to text her mama so she was calling.
"She probably just having fun with Amanda and forgot. You know how they are," Caleb assured his wife. "She'll text."
Hanna sighed hanging up. "She better. She knows I worry."
"She's a big girl now, she's okay, lil lady. Let's finish this movie."
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#MasksForAll
Do you want to help support our medical professionals, those at risk, and artists/designers who may need a little extra assistance?
Thankful for friends and social media, I have compiled a list of designers/artists who are sewing masks and PPE gear to donate to their local medical professionals and are providing masks to those at risk. Regulations may vary as to what medical staff will be able to accept the masks and some masks have an additional layer of protection and some do not. Check out a designer in your area and message them for details on how to support their efforts. Comment below to add to the list.
Thank you,
With love from a non-sewer who wishes she could sew. Stay safe and healthy.
WEST COAST
Rachel Appelle
Designer: Rachelle Appelle
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelleappelle
Instagram:
Area: Los Angeles, CA
About: Rachel is making masks for medical staff in the Los Angeles area. Message Rachel for information on how to contribute (Email:
[email protected])
Ginger Nichelle
Designer/Brand: L. Royalty Clothing
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ginger.n.cinnamon
Area: California
About: Ginger is making masks for medical professionals and persons at risk. Contact Ginger at
[email protected].
Ngozika Justbeingme O’keke
Designer/Brand: Ngozika Justbeingme O’keke
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ngozika.okeke
Area: Los Angeles, CA
About: “I’m making masks for the public and donating them to healthcare personnel. My masks have filters in them. https://www.ngozikaokeke.com/filtered-masks”
Julian Amaro
Designer/Brand: Julian Amaro
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.amaro.5
Area: Los Angeles, CA
About: Message Julian for more information.
Brittney M. Redfield
Designer/Brand: Brittney M. Redfield
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackenesegirl88
Area: CA
About: “I can make masks for both personal and medical use. if anyone is interested email me.
[email protected] , thank you”
Lisa N. Hoang
Designer/Brand: Lisa N. Hoang
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisanhoang/
Area: CA
About: Making masks and sharing instructions on her blog: https://lisanhoangofficial.com/blogs/news/face-mask-sewing-pattern
LA's Street Chic Boutique
Designer/Brand: LA's Street Chic Boutique
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/round2la/
Area: Los Angeles, CA
About: “So I’m making masks to help out our shop @round2la during its mandatory closure. I use all safety precautions while manufacturing and spray with Lysol before shipping. We are asking for a $20+ donation to go toward our store bills. They are not medical masks but add an extra barrier between you and the world. Let me know what print you want and I’ll make it for once we receive the donation to Venmo @round2la “
Chad Jones
Designer: Chad Jones
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witchchad/
Area: CA
About: Reach out/message for more information.
Heather Rose O'Shea
Designer: Heather Rose O'Shea
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherroshea/
Area: CA
About: Reach out/message for more information.
EAST COAST:
Caroline Baker
Designer/Brand: Maude Couture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maudecoutureclothing/
Area: South Carolina
About: Contact to find out more.
Kate McDonald
Designer/Brand: Kate McDonald Bridal/ Lula Kate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katemcdonaldbridal/
Area: Charleston, South Carolina
About: Check out Kate’s GoFundMe page for more information. https://www.gofundme.com/f/Help-Us-Help-Our-First-Responders
Evelyn DeVere
Designer/Brand: Evelyn DeVere
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ulalumelingerie/
Area: South Carolina
About: “I have created a page on my website dedicated to my Covid-19 response. If you have funds and would like to purchase masks for yourself and your family, there is a product listing where you can do that! If you are a healthcare provider, essential worker, or someone suffering financial hardship at this time, there is a form you can fill out to request a free mask. Everyone deserves to feel safe. Website:https://www.ulalumelingerie.com/covid19-response”
Jen Latimer
Designer: Jen Latimer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenlats50/
Area: South Carolina
About: Message her for more information.
Cypress Avenue Works
Designer/Brand: Cypress Avenue Works
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cypressavenueworks/
Area: USA
About: “We have altered our elastic to a flat style (using and finding supplies where we can!) If you’d like to be added to our list please either dm or comment below! These can be made using any of the fabrics in our highlights! These masks will not prevent COVID 19. These are fabric masks typically used to help with allergens or other dust. They do not include a hospital filter. They are meant to assist those who normally would purchase masks for support of chronic illness. $15 (includes shipping) for the USA and $20 for Canada.”
Heather R. Johnson
Designer: Heather R. Johnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherrjohnson/
Area: South Carolina
About: Message for more details but she is “Making 3 different kinds, child-size, adult and covers for N95 masks. 😷🧵💚.”
Natt Taylor
Designer/Brand: Natt Taylor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natttaylor/
Area: Atlanta, GA
About: “We are teaming up with @atlwomeninfashion + @grindpretty to provide masks for our essential workers! For every 1 mask you purchase, we will donate 2 masks to a local hospital, grocery store, etc.”For more information on face maks visit https://natttaylor.com/collections/face-masks
Edmond Newton
Designer: Edmond Newton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edmondnewton/
Geographical Area: Atlanta, GA
About: “For several days my team and I have made numerous attempts to get in contact with the proper contact in order to contribute mask that we have made for the healthcare workers on the frontline. If someone from Grady Hospital or other Atlanta based hospitals would please reach back out to our team, we are here eagerly waiting to help this global crisis.”
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