Chapter 74: Backstory (3)
"Lucy!" Seven-year old Jamal called out happily the moment Lucy came out with the rest of the Hanks to welcome Jamal and his family.
Jamal ignored everyone else, including Tom as he ran up to her.
Three-year old Dawn, who had been clinging to Lucy’s hand as they walked into the living room, quickly took a step backward to get out of Jamal’s way as he embraced Lucy.
"My dearest Jam," Lucy said with a wide smile as she crouched in front of him to embrace him, neither of them paid attention to the other adults as they conversed.
"I missed you. I’m happy I get to see you again," Jamal said and Lucy grinned.
"Me too," Lucy said, and Jamal’s gaze shifted from Lucy to Dawn who was standing behind Lucy and staring at him.
"Who is she? Do you have a daughter now?" Jamal asked, whispering into Lucy’s ears.
The little girl looked really pretty, and if she was Lucy’s daughter, that meant she was going to be his girlfriend, Jamal thought.
Lucy turned and smiled at Dawn, "Oh, this is Dawn," Lucy said as she brought Dawn forward with one arm so that she was holding them both with each of her arms.
"Jamal, this is my precious friend, Dawn. Dawn, meet Jamal, my darling cousin. I hope you both get along as my favorite little ones," Lucy said, introducing them both.
Jamal stared at Dawn with undisguised curiosity, and she hid her face in the crook of Lucy’s neck shyly, amusing all the adults.