below to break her fall.
“Come in.” Danni called out to the knocker. In walked Shaniece with a beautifully silver haired lady. “Hello.”
“Hello. I’m Rita Jones, Shaniece’s grandmother.”
“I am Danielle the counselor over Shaniece’s care since she has been here.”
“I’ve heard great things about you when I talked to Niecee over the phone.”
“Oh really?” Danni looked at Shaniece. “And here I thought you didn’t really like me.” She joked.
“…” Shaniece looked shocked that she would think that.
“I’m just kidding boo.” The two ladies laughed while Shaniece smiled.
“I gave my number to Shaniece so she could call me. Technically that is against policy but I felt compelled to keep in contact with her. I pray I didn’t step out of bounds.”
“That is very sweet of you. I really appreciate it. I am sure her father won’t mind at all.” Rita smiled. "Now her guardian will be another story all together." Rita looked at Shaniece and she looked away guiltily.
“Oh." Danni really didn't know how to respond to that. "Do you have any questions for me Mrs. Jones? Have any concerns you would like to discuss?”
“No, I just want what’s best for my grandbaby. Nothing more, nothing less.”
“Well if there is nothing else. I will see you at our next appointment Shaniece.”
“You can call me Niecee.”
“Well alright Niecee.”
“Bye Miss Danni.” Danni received another big hug.
“Bye sweetie. You be good okay?”
“I’ll try.”
“Do more than try. For me?”
“Yes ma’am.” And with that she was gone. Now it was time to face her own drama on the home front. She didn’t know whether to investigate more or let bygones be bygones. Decisions. Decisions.
****
IS YOUR BELOVED HUSBAND A WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING?
Danielle decided after receiving the current email that she would investigate on the sly. Search his office, check phone bills, and check his clothes for random scents or makeup traces. The more she searched the more frustrated she became with herself for allowing an anonymous tip put distrust in her husband. Her husband? Who she had only seen in passing since he has returned from his business trip. When he first returned Danni tried to keep up a hard front because she was still hanging on to a shred of doubt that Lamont was living foul. Anything that would answer why he had become so reserved with her.
The little things were unnoticed by him now. Nothing got his attention anymore. Something different with her hair, new perfume, new outfit, make-up, or no make-up he would just give her his signature bland kiss on the lips. No soul-melting make out sessions. Boring. Boring. Boring. Maybe it was her that he wasn’t attracted to. She had gained a few pounds. Maybe thirty pounds over the past two years when things really started to change. The gym invitation from Beejay, that she had been ignoring for so long, was what she needed. Lamont always claimed he liked her thick shape but her midsection had formed a pooch.
Danielle noticed she at least didn't have any rolls. Hips, butt, and bust is what she used to be. Now she could add bigger thighs, softer tummy, and puffy face. Although none of the flaws she recently thought about took away from her natural beauty, the thought that they could be unattractive to her husband made her want to change them. First thing was first though. She needed to apologize to her husband for how she spoke to him as well as for what he didn’t know. The fact that she doubted his loyalty over some speculations that had no merit was beyond demeaning.
“Hi honey, I was just calling to see what time you were coming home. I prepared us a nice dinner. Please call me back.” Danni worked hard on cooking one of his favorite meals. Steak and red potatoes, with a side of apple pie. The wine was chilling just waiting on her other half to make his appearance.
“Hey Lamont. I know we left things on a bad note last week. Well I left