Two Steps Back by Britni Danielle

Author:Britni Danielle [Britni Danielle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Literature & Fiction, United States, African American, Women's Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Multicultural, Multicultural & Interracial
Amazon: B00KIZJV0C
Published: 2014-05-22T04:00:00+00:00

* * *

“Mom, dad, this is Jonathan Poku,” Jaylah said, finally introducing her parents to the man she loved. “Johnny, these are my parents, Sarah and Joe Baldwin.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin,” Johnny said, leaning in to greet them.

“Please, call me Joe,” Mr. Baldwin said, clapping Johnny on the back as the men shook hands.

Jaylah kept her gaze on her mother and tried to read her thoughts, but in these situations—welcoming someone to her home—Mrs. Baldwin rarely let her true feelings escape. Ever the perfect hostess, Mrs. Baldwin kept her smile light and her tone charming.

“Johnny, we’re happy to have you. We’ve heard so much about you.” She looked at her daughter and winked. “Can I take your jacket and get you a drink? We’ve got water, pop, wine…”

“...And beer,” Mr. Baldwin broke in before asking his wife, “Honey, can you grab me one?” He motioned toward Johnny, “What do you say, Jonathan? Want to share a cold one while the ladies gossip about us?”

Johnny laughed politely. “Sure, Sir, that would be fine.”

“Joe,” Mr. Baldwin corrected, “call me Joe, son.”

“Okay, as long as you call me Johnny.”

“You got it!”

Mr. Baldwin sat off toward the den, and Johnny quickly kissed Jaylah on the side of her head before following after him. When the men were out of earshot, Mrs. Baldwin spoke up.

“Well...” she gushed, “isn’t he just gorgeous.” Jaylah grinned; her mother was never shy about noticing, and commenting on, handsome men. Whenever they’d go to brunch Mrs. Baldwin would always point out good-looking waiters or diners. “You’re married!” Jaylah would tell her mother, playfully rolling her eyes. “Yes, and I haven’t gone blind yet,” Mrs. Baldwin would always answer.

“Help me with the drinks Jay Jay.”

Jaylah trailed behind her mother, catching a glimpse of her father and Johnny. They seemed to be getting on well, both men smiling and animated as they talked.

When they got into the expansive kitchen Jaylah grabbed two beers from the fridge and popped them open, then pulled out a bottle of San Pellegrino for herself and her mother.

“Want me to take these out now?”

“No, we’ll let them talk for a bit. You know how your father is; he’s probably already going on about the Lakers or something. Besides, it’ll give us a little time to catch up,” Mrs. Baldwin said, no doubt relishing the idea of a chinwag with her daughter.

Jaylah knew “catch up” actually meant interrogate and her stomach immediately flip-flopped. She wanted to grab the bottle of merlot that was resting in the wine cooler and pour herself a large glass, but she resisted. Jaylah didn’t need both Johnny and her mother getting on her case for having a glass of vino tonight. Instead, she cracked open the San Pellegrino and squeezed a generous amount of lime juice into the sparkling water, and took a sip to calm her nerves.

“Johnny has on a lovely suit tonight. What is that? Ralph Lauren?” she asked, placing the hors d'oeuvres on a sterling silver tray.

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