Cafe Mocha by Brynette L. Turner

Author:Brynette L. Turner [Turner, Brynette L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: UNKNOWN
Published: 2017-02-11T06:00:00+00:00

The next morning, Omar listened carefully before compassionately saying that none of Sherry’s objections mattered. Being intimidated shouldn’t make her stay away from his family; everyone would love her as much as he did. She deliberately didn’t comment on his subtle admission.

Instead, she asked whether she should bring gifts. Even though he’d first issued the invitation nearly a week earlier, Christmas was on Sunday. She had very little time to think about what to wear and much less time to purchase any presents—didn’t even know what was appropriate in either case.

“Don’t worry. We don’t wear jeans but otherwise are pretty casual. And most of my gifts are from both of us.” He flashed a brilliant smile at her confused expression. “I took for granted that you’d come, just don’t act surprised when the gifts opened and people are thanking you.”

Nervousness kept Sherry awake until nearly dawn on Christmas morning. She wasn’t ready when Omarion arrived at one o’clock, and he could tell she’d been crying. He held her close, assured her that the afternoon would go smoothly, wiped tears away from her golden-brown face, and rubbed her back until she was calm. He made her put a cold-pack over her swollen eyes and drink a glass of wine. Maybe later he’d tell her how much it meant that the event was so important to her.

Every ounce of anxiety had been for nothing.

Even though they arrived late, the family hadn’t begun opening presents. Rosalee and her daughters made sure drinks and snacks were circulating for at least another 30 minutes. A glass of spiked punch was pushed into Sherry’s hand with a wink and a sympathetic nod.

Omarion made the introductions first to his grandparents and then his parents, speaking quietly and respectfully in his native language before switching to English.

“I wish to introduce my grandparents Mr. Elijah and Mrs. Jamilah Makinwa.” He gave a slight bow before turning. “And these are my parents, Mr. Kamalu and Mrs. Idara Makinwa. This is my girlfriend, Sherry Malcolm.”

“We’re very pleased to meet you and happy that you could join us for the holiday celebration.” The elder Mr. Makinwa stated.

“Thank you.”

“Omar and Rose tell us that you’ve been a great help at the coffee shop,” his wife added with a smile.

“I try.”

“Oh, she’s been amazing!” Rosalee injected.

“Well, we certainly appreciate your contribution.” Idara Makinwa stepped forward to give Sherry a hug.

“Careful of the punch, Mom.” Omarion laughed and rescued the glass from Sherry’s hand for a moment until the embracing was done. “Here you go. Drink up.” He returned the glass with a smile.

After a few minutes of conversation with the parents and grandparents, Rosalee took over. She escorted Sherry from room to room to meet the uncles, aunts, and adult children—whether siblings or cousins. Always the men first, and then the women in the couple. The men first, and then the women in the group.

The young children were then permitted to open their packages, followed by the family custom of serving dinner to the adults and babies first while the teenagers watched over the excited, playing children.

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