“You’re really looking forward to this huh?” I smiled, nodding.
“I am. What better way to relax after a long day than having dinner with a few of your friends and loved ones.” Pulling me closer he lowered his head to my neck burying his face in my hair and neck.
“My idea of relaxation is Netflix and chilling with my girl.” He growled low in my ear. I rubbed his braided head.
“We've done that every day since we got back from Vegas. Let's switch it up a bit.” I chuckled because he actually groaned like a little boy that was being forced to go to the beauty salon with his mother.
When Kenny had called this man a hermit he wasn’t lying. Over the last few days, Gabe rarely left home. He spent most of the time in his office, going there each morning after his workout and breakfast. And normally I didn't see him again till around dinner time.
“I'm going to jump in the shower. Everyone will be here in an hour and a half and I still have to make cornbread.” He exhaled letting me go.
“Alright, go ahead and do your thing.” He grabbed the remote to the TV off the night stand and sprawled out in the bed, boots and all. I stared down at his big body as he turned it on and began clicking through the channels. He was giving off the impression that his spirit was crushed.
“Come on Gabe, you act like it's going to kill you to have dinner with people.” Goodness, the man was as my grandmother would have said, really putting on.
“It is!” He muttered, continuing to flip through the channels till he found a game he wanted to watch. I shook my head at him as I began to pull off his boots.
“I think you'll be alright!” He turned to look up at me, and lurking there behind all his putting on, was that heat he couldn't hide.
“I'll be better if you come and give me a hug really quick.” He held up his arms to me. Laughter bubbled up from my throat as I shook my head at him.
“Uhh uhh, mister. I'm not falling for your trap.” He had the nerve to look hurt.
“Baby, this ain't no trap. I just want to hold you in my arms for a minute.” The grin that he could barely suppress testified to his true intentions. I put my hand on my hip.
“No Gabriel Calhoun! I'm going to take a shower and change for our dinner party. And then you’re going to take a shower and change for our dinner party as well. Is that understood?” He exhaled long and drawn out.
“Fine!” Picking up the remote he turned and changed the channel.
“Thank you!” I purred.
* * * * *
I was just taking the cornbread out the oven when Gabrielle walked in the back door, leaning back against it as if she wasn't sure she was going to be able to go through with this.
“Don't you look beautiful.” I told her as I came to hug her. She was practically glowing in her dinner dress. It was old but I could tell it was expensive, very retro. The top of it was a cream colored. It fit her slim form to perfection. However the black skirt flared out a bit giving it that sixties feel. She even wore a beautiful string of pearls around her neck.
“I don't know Yasmin! I'm so nervous! I don't think I can do this!” I took her hand and gently pulled her into the kitchen.
“Yes, you can. Look, I don't know what happened between y’all, but I know you want to fix it. If you didn't you wouldn't come here every day to clean his house. You have to do this. This step has to be taken. It might not be easy, but you’re not alone. I'm here with you.” I gently moved one of her long curls that were still styled from the salon yesterday off her shoulder.
“We'll do it together, because it has to be done.” She looked at me for a moment, drawing strength, before nodding her head.
“Okay.” She exhaled. “Okay! We can do this!” I smiled.
“Yeah, we can! Here.” I handed her some napkins. “You carry these, and I'll carry the cornbread, everything else is on the table. The boys are already in the dining room waiting on us.” She paused for just a moment.
“You can do this mom!” I encouraged. She squared her shoulders.
“I'm ready!”
As we walked into the dining room it looked as if both Kenny and Gabe was teasing Mac about something. However, when their eyes landed on Gabrielle the smiles left all their faces. But it was Gabe's face that darkened with rage.
“What the hell is she doing here?” He growled.
I put the cornbread on the table and then I held out a chair for Gabrielle.
“Here sweetheart, sit here.”
“Sweetheart?” Gabe spat. “What the hell!”
Gabrielle eased down in the chair. She was shaking so bad I could feel it from where I still held the back of her chair, and that really angered me.
Gabe came to his feet looking down at his mother. “You’re not welcomed at my table, bounce!”
“Okay.” She muttered and attempted to stand up. I put my hand on her shoulder stopping her. Then I looked Gabe dead in his eyes.
“If she goes, I go!” He shook his head.
“Nah shorty you don't understand. Ole’ girl bogus.”
“Damn it Gabriel!” I snapped, slamming my hand down on the table.
“She is not ole’ girl! She is your mother! Don't disrespect her like that!”
“Yas, you don't know what you’re talking about. “ His eyes fell to her. “You just gon’ sit there and let her take up for you, like you’re the persecuted saint?” He looked back at me.
“She filled you in on all her sob stories huh? About her a$$hole son huh?” He looked back down at her. “But I'll bet
