They take a few more, but eventually back away enough for him to maneuver out of the parking space. Once we’re leaving the lot, a few more flashes go off behind us, and then they scurry to their cars to follow.
“Jesus Christ, how the fuck can you be so calm dealing with them?”
He shrugs. “I’m not always calm. I try to be cool, because I get that it’s their job, and I hope if I respect them and give them what they want, they’ll do the same for me. It doesn’t always happen that way.”
“Good lord. It’s gonna take me some time to get used to that. Why people feel like they need to know every detail of someone’s personal life, I’ll never know. Even if you are a celebrity.”
Merrick reaches over and places his hand on my thigh. “It’ll die down eventually.”
I cover his hand with my own and we continue our drive to Elijah’s house. My first time attending Sunday dinner as a significant other and not a friend.
“Sorry we couldn’t bring anything,” Merrick tells Elijah and Nova. “The hotel doesn’t have much, and the paparazzi followed us over.
Elijah makes a face. “We didn’t expect you to bring anything. How’re you two doing?” he asks, looking between us.
“Well, it’s been a crazy day,” I answer. “Never thought I’d see my name and face on gossip sites.”
Nova arranges some dishes on the island while Elijah removes a pan from the oven. “Yeah, I bet.” After removing the oven mitts and placing them in a drawer, he leans against the counter and looks at Merrick. “And you? Your label? How’s everything going?”
“I’ve been on the phone a lot, but to sum up, we’ll be getting a new manager, but staying on at K&T. I’m releasing a statement soon, and then we’re moving on.”
“So, not too bad?”
“Nah.”
Nova smiles. “That’s good. I know it wasn’t the way your label probably wanted it to play out, but I’ll tell ya, I think that was one of the most romantic declarations of love I’ve seen. It was like right out of a book.” She aims her smile at me. “And you! How did that feel? Oh my god, I would’ve burst into tears!”
“She did,” Elijah says with a smirk.
Nova makes her way over to him and playfully smacks him on the arm. “Shush. I’m a romantic.”
“It was definitely a shock,” I say. “I wasn’t expecting it at all.”
“And the song!” She brings her hands to her heart. “My god, I need that song on my playlist, ASAP!”
Merrick chuckles. “I’ll do what I can.”
Within ten minutes, Cillian, Royce, Midge, and London arrive. London and Royce place a couple of pies on the table while Midge and Cill unload two huge bottles of champagne.
“Tonight, we celebrate,” Cill announces.
“We don’t have to celebrate my coming out,” Merrick groans.
“We’re not. We’re celebrating that you’re in love. It’s different.”
Merrick grins as he shakes his head.
“Dinner’s ready,” Elijah announces. “Everybody head to the dining room and we’ll eat.”
The formal dining room holds a rectangular table that seats eight people. Nova and Elijah sit on the ends, me and Merrick sit together on one side, with Cill to his right. Midge sits across from Cillian, and Royce and London take up the other two seats next to her.
The table holds a large bowl of salad, garlic bread, and two large pans of lasagna. As everyone serves themselves, I look to the end of the table and find Elijah watching everyone with a smile on his face. Merrick notices too.
“You look happy, E.”
“I am. The table is full for the first time in a long time. My brothers are happy. I have an amazing wife.” He winks at Nova, making her smile. “This is the life.”
“To family,” Royce says, holding up his drink.
Everyone grabs their glass and raises them up. Nova takes a sip of her water before clearing her throat. “We’re gonna have to get a bigger table soon, because there’s going to be a new member of the family.”
The table is silent minus a couple gasps. Wide eyes and open mouths stare back at Nova before shifting to Elijah.
“What?”
“Oh my God!”
“You’re pregnant?” London asks.
Nova nods, looking across to Elijah who can’t stop smiling. “Seven weeks.”
Everyone gets up from the table to hug and congratulate the parents-to-be.
“A dad. Holy shit,” Cill says.
“Well, you did a really good job with us,” Merrick tells Elijah. “You’ve got this.”
Elijah grins. “Thank you. I appreciate that. I remember what it was like when you were a baby and screamed your head off, but I never had to calm you down, or feed you. So, that’ll be new.”
“And the lack of sleep, and the spit up and the exploding diapers,” Nova adds, making a face.
Everyone laughs. “You guys will be great,” London says.
“We’re excited!” Nova squeals, touching her stomach.
“Another thing worth celebrating,” Cill adds. “Glad I bought the champagne.” He pauses and glances at Nova. “Sorry you can’t have any.”
She playfully rolls her eyes and shakes her head with a smile on her face.
“We got an upcoming wedding, an upcoming baby, a new relationship. . .kinda. What’re y’all bringing to the table?” Royce asks Cill and Midge.
Midge eyes Cill before facing Royce again. “We’re gonna be parents, too.”
“Stop!”
“No way!”
“What?”
“Babe,” Cill says with a laugh. “Stop.”
“What?” she says innocently, looking around the table. “We’re getting a puppy. Jeez!”
“Midge! I’m gonna kill you!” London says, tearing off a piece of bread and throwing it at her.
Merrick looks at me and reaches under the table to touch my thigh. “What about you, huh? You wanna be parents?”
My eyes bulge. “Wh—what?” I stutter.
He chuckles. “Puppy parents.”
I smack him in the arm which only makes him laugh harder.
Our night at Elijah’s is one of the best nights I’ve had. Everyone gets along, there’s so much to celebrate and be happy about. Conversation ebbs and flows with ease, there’s no awkwardness about our new relationship. Everything feels normal and right. I was blessed with a wonderful mom, sister, and
