"Hey," Mekhi says walking toward me as I stretch out my hand for his to lead him to a seat next to me at the table.
"You're sitting next to me," I say showing him to his seat as he pulls out my chair and oblige by taking my seat and wait for him take his.
"Let's say grace," my father says looking around the table and we all grab hands and bow our heads as my father bless the food and thanks the hands that prepared it.
"Amen," we all say around the table when he finishes his blessing.
"What would you like to eat," Mekhi asks grabbing my plate. As I glance around the table seeing the look of shock and surprise in almost every pair of eyes with the exception of my mother's.
"It's okay, you're the guest I'll make your plate," I say blushing with appreciation and embarrassment because I've never been with someone who puts my needs ahead of their own.
"Okay," he says with a half-smile and warmth in his eyes and I respond with my own smile. He names everything he wants to eat as I fill his plate with food.
"Is this everything," I ask before placing his plate in front of him.
"Yes love. Now let me help you," he says grabbing my plate and waiting for me to instruct him which foods to place on my plate.
"Fine thank you," I say placing his plate in front of him and tell him which foods I want on my plate.
All the while my family is getting a front row seat to his very obvious and outward affection for me while filling their own plates and attempting to make small talk with one another.
"Is this all for you," he asks me politely.
"Yes," I say as he places my food in front of me and we begin to eat our food.
"This food is delicious Mrs. True. I haven't had a home cooked meal since I last visited home," he says praising my mother with his panty busting smile.
"Thank you Mekhi, you are more than welcome to join us for meals in the future," my mother says proudly thanking him.
"Thank you, Mrs. True. I wouldn't want to impose on you guys' family meals too often," he says graciously declining her offer.
"I'm sure Mekhi is busy training and studying honey," Dad says backing Mekhi with a wink.
"Well if ever you're feeling in need of a home cooked meal don't hesitate to let me know," Mom says.
"Yes, Mrs. True. I will do that," he says placating my mother.
"How's the tournament coming along Mekhi," my father asks changing the subject.
"We moved past the first round yesterday and have an away game this Wednesday. So it's getting pretty serious," he says to my father who is clearly interested.
"That's good. I hope you guys can bring a trophy back to the city," Dad says hopeful.
"So do I, it's my junior year I hope to go further than we have the last two years," he says in response to my father.
"Are you looking to go pro? I think you can make it," Jackson asks adding to the conversation. I hadn't thought about him going pro and the effects it can have on our relationship.
"Not really, especially not before my senior year. I came to this university because it has one of the best engineering programs in the country and they offered me a full ride to play basketball and to pay if I wanted to further my studies," he answers my brother and my father is impressed with his answer.
"That's great. You're more level minded than many of your peers not many think about their future beyond the immediate happenings. You will go far in life with a mindset like that," my father says offering his praise.
"Thank you, sir. The truth is I love playing basketball however it's not something I want to spend my life doing," Mekhi responds to the amazement of Jackson.
"What if you were offered the opportunity to go pro? Would you take it," Jackson asks.
"It depends whether or not it would interfere with me furthering my education. Don't get me wrong it is an honor to even be considered to play professional basketball however when my time is done in the league I would like to have something to fall back on or to grow with me while I'm in the league. Who wouldn't want to be rich and famous beyond their wildest dreams? I'm not sure I'm ready to pay the price for what comes with it," he says answering Jackson with yet another satisfactory response for my father.
"You wouldn't need anything to fall back on if you invested your money or used it wisely," Jackson replies.
"You are correct, however going pro was never a dream of mine and if I can finish my education while playing I wouldn't mind it. I want to know what exactly is going on with my money or any company that start up and not just rely on hired help. I want to have things being built by my own hand and be able to say that 'I built that' and not my company," Mekhi answers.
"Yeah, you are different," Jackson says shaking his head in awe.
"My parents built their practice from the ground up and grew it with their own hands and I want to be able to do the same for me and my future family," he says matter of factly.
"Who are your parents Mekhi," Mom asks interested.
"Michelle and Derek Johnson," he says proudly.
"Wow, okay. I have heard of them, they're clients of one of my closest colleagues," Mom says impressed.
"That's good to hear Mrs. True," Mekhi responds.
"Building a business is no easy feat Mekhi if you have any questions or need guidance I would be more than happy to take you under my wing," Dad says genuinely.
"Thank you Mr. True. I will take that into consideration," Mekhi says nodding at him.
"Has everyone finished eating," Mom asks bringing pause to the current topic. When we all agree that we have finished eating Dad helps Mom to clear the table.
"Baby, are you alright," Mekhi asks once my parents leave grabbing my hand.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry about the third degree," I say throwing a scowl in the direction of Jackson.
"It's alright. It's rare that I don't have these conversations with people," he says trying to placate me.
"Really," I ask looking him in the eyes to try and detect any deception and I see none.
"Yes, really. There are a lot of people who don't understand my stance on becoming pro. I meant what I said," he says reassuringly.
"Okay," I say giving in to him and relaxing.
"Besides it's not like you won't be here with me through it all," he says smugly causing me to blush and I look out the corner of my eye to see Journee and Jackson's jaws drop.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. You don't know that," I say blushing having no idea how to respond to him.
"The only way I'm leaving you is if you leave me and I'm not allowing you to leave me either so we'll just be stuck together," he says smoothly and truthfully looking me in the eyes.
"Okay," I say responding to his bold statement.
"You really like my sister huh," Journee says breaking her silence.
"I do," he replies with his mega-watt smile and sincerity in his eyes and I know for sure that I'm not in this by myself for sure.
"Then I'm happy for you," she says easily. Maybe she can see that we are genuinely happy with each other and doesn't want to question it any further.
"Thank you, Journee. It means a lot to your sister to have your approval," Mekhi says in my place speaking my exact thoughts.
"It really does. I appreciate you," I say adding to Mekhi's sentiments.
"Alright who wants cake and ice cream," Mom says entering the dining room with a tub of ice cream, a scooper and plates while Dad brings in the cake.
"I'll help Mom," I offer to give myself something to do and proceed to pass out cake to accompany the ice cream Mom was scooping.
When I returned to my seat next to Mekhi again he didn't start to eat until I was sitting and eating. Comforted by his thoughtfulness I eat my dessert happily while patting myself on the back for the awesome job I did with this cake and frosting.
"Mrs. True this cake is amazing," Mekhi says praising my mother.
"Thank you Mekhi however you should give all the praise to Lena she baked this cake," Mom says winking at me to the surprise of Mekhi.
"This cake is amazing Lena," he says with eyes only for me and I blush on cue from his smoldering eyes and the audience that is my family.
"Thank you," I say fighting through my awkwardness returning his gaze.
"Alright alright enough of that. Let's get the table cleared; Lena you can take Mekhi into the family room," Dad says embarrassed and the only one who will interrupt the moment between Mekhi and I.
"Yes, Daddy," I say and grab Mekhi's hand and lead him back to the family room where we sit on the loveseat. I let out a small sigh of relief once we sit and get comfortable.
"What's the matter baby," Mekhi says rubbing small circles in my back with his thumb.
"Just a little tired after this weekend," I say with a smile.
"Hmm and what else," he says looking for more.
"It's always a little stressful introducing someone new to the family. I honestly didn't know what to expect. I think it's safe to say that you passed the test," I say answering him leaning back into the sofa.
"Would it bother you if I didn't pass the 'test'," he asks with a half-smile.
"I can't say that it wouldn't bother me but it wouldn't stop me from seeing you either," I say and he places his arm across my shoulders and I lean into him as I did the night before.
"That's good to know. I think your father likes me," he says.
"Yeah I think so too which is good for you. Truthfully Mom does too, I'll hear all about you after you've left," I say giggling.
"Well that's good to hear," he says.
"Now we have to go and meet your parents," I say smiling.
"Sure when would you like to go," Mekhi says seriously.
"Umm, I'll let you decide when we'll go," I say leaving the choice to him.
"Alright I'm holding you to it," he says with a small yawn.
"You're tired you should get ready to head home," I say looking at him to see that he is indeed tired.
"You're putting me out so soon I thought you were enjoying my company," he says with a chuckle.
"I am but you still have to drive back," I say chastising him.
"I know I know. Let me sit with you for a little while longer," he says grabbing my chin.
"Okay," I say feeling the pull to kiss him when I look him in the eyes.
"Cool," he says quickly and gently brushing my lips with his.
We sit like that for a little while making small talk. He tells me about his day of practices and workouts preparing for the upcoming game. I can only talk about cleaning and helping to cook the food. He tells me more about what he plans to do with his degree and I listen believing in his vision of building a company and brand that he could be proud of. I tell him about wanting to be that one teacher that made a positive impact on her students. Looking to give my love and compassion to those who want and need it. He listens intently and nods his head in agreement. We talk for a little while longer until I find myself unable to hold back from yawning any longer.
"Alright baby, I'm getting ready to head out," he says moving to stand.
"Now you're ready to leave when I yawn but not when you're tired," I say a little pouty.
"Of course, I'm used to late nights and early mornings but you need your rest," he says sincerely.
"Fine, let's find my parents so you can say goodnight," I say conceding to him and as if on cue my parents come into the living room.
"Thank you Mr. and Mrs. True for inviting me to your beautiful home. It's getting late so I am going to head back home," he says shaking hands with my father and kissing Mom's hand again.
"It was very nice to have you here Mekhi," Dad says.
"Please don't be afraid to come by drive safely," Mom says and with that her and my father head upstairs.
"Come on," I say grabbing his hand and leading him to the door.
"I guess this is goodnight," I say biting my lip looking up at Mekhi.
"Thank you for inviting me here Lena," Mekhi says hugging me.
"You're welcome," I reply returning his hug and inhaling his scent one last time. When we break a part I walk him out to his car.
"Goodnight baby," he says and pulls me in to a deep kiss right in front of my house all while I kiss him back. I can feel the passion and desire, but I also feel that he's restraining himself so I behave and pull away first.
"Goodnight," I say as he holds me for a moment longer before getting into his own car.
"Go inside it's chilly out here," he says as he starts his car.
"Call me when you get in," I as he points to the house so I turn and walk back in the house watching him drive away from the door. When I can no longer see him I close the door and make my way to the kitchen to help clean the dishes.
"I'll start the dishes," I announce as I make my way to the sink.
"Thank you, Did Mekhi enjoy himself," Mom says putting the food away.
"Yeah, he did. Thanks Ma," I say as I'm washing dishes.
"That's good, we enjoyed his company," Mom says genuinely.
"I think he really likes you," Journee says.
"I know for sure he does. He could hardly keep his eyes off of her," Mom says.
"Yeah I know, I was a little embarrassed," I say to them.
"For what? He's handsome, intelligent, and know what he wants. Enjoy this moment," Mom says smiling.
"I know he's handsome this is the first time someone has paid so much attention to me," I say admittedly not even in my too many years long relationship with Jay did he dote on me that way.
"And that's you know it's real. One thing for sure is that he likes you and two things for certain is that you like him too. Don't think too much about it you'll miss what's in front of you trying to analyze every little thing," Mom says wisely.
"You're right Mom. What does Dad think of him," I ask.
"You know your father. No one will ever be good enough but he likes him so far," Mom says.
"That's good to hear. We'll be going to visit his parents soon hopefully it goes just as smooth as tonight," I say.
"You'll be fine. You guys will be good together," Mom says.
"Thanks," I say finishing up the dishes and cleaning out the sink.
After we're finished cleaning the kitchen I head upstairs and plop into my chair taking a few moments to gather the strength to begin my shower routine. I pull out my phone and see that Mekhi has text me that he's home before I respond to him I text Nova and Rylie in the group chat to meet up after classes tomorrow. When they agree to meet up after classes at the cafe I text Mekhi back and bite my lip waiting for him to reply. After a few minutes of waiting I begin to gather my things for my shower routine and take down my hair when my phone starts ringing.
"Hello," I answer without bothering to see who it is.
"Hey baby," Mekhi's sleepy voice says on the other side of the line.
"Hey, were you sleeping," I say even though he was the one who called me I feel like I woke him up.
"No, I was getting ready to pass out when I saw your text," he says.
"You didn't have to call; you could've just text me back," I say to him hearing how tired he sounds.
"It's alright. I needed a reason to call and hear your voice," he says smoothly his voice even deeper than usual laced with exhaustion.
"Do you need a reason to call me," I ask boldly.
"Absolutely otherwise you might think I'm stalking you for real," he says chuckling.
"You might be right, I might be okay if you stalk me a little bit," I say biting my bottom lip.
"Well now that you're officially mine it'll definitely be more than a little bit," he says and we both laugh.
"My parents like you by the way," I say to him.
"That's good now I can take you out more often without them worrying too much," he says.
"Yeah, that's true. What do you think about my family," I ask wanting to know his real impression of them.
"They're cool and they're very protective of you. I've got to prove myself and I'm not backing down," he says confidently.
"I'm looking forward to seeing you prove yourself; you have already come so far in these last twenty four hours. How about you get some rest and we talk tomorrow," I say to him.
"Baby you kicking me off the phone," Mekhi asks a little surprised.
"Yes! As much as I'd love to talk to you all night you're nearly sleep and I'm tired and I still have to have my shower," I say to him.
"I'm wide awake now that you've mentioned a shower," Mekhi says interested.
"What does it matter, you're not here," I say challenging him.
"One of these days Lena…a man can dream," he says.
"Until then go to bed," I giggle to him.
"Alright aright I'm hanging up," he says defeated.
"Thank goodness," I say.
"Goodnight baby," he says with that voice and I nearly melt as it sends a warm feeling spreading through my body.
"Goodnight," I say softly but neither of us are willing to hang up just listening to the other breathe. After a minute I hang up just so I can finish my shower routine.
I finish moisturizing and twisting my hair before getting into the shower. As the hot water cascades over my body I think about everything that has transpired in the last two days. They have been nothing short of amazing and kind of life changing. I allowed myself to be vulnerable with someone I just met and he didn't push me away he accepted my flaws and everything else that came along with me. He acts like I'm his favorite person every time he sees me and the way he kisses me it's as though he missed me. Closing my eyes and remembering all the kissing and embracing we've done sends a shiver down my spine. Scrubbing down my body I rinse away all the worries I had and vow to embrace all that Mekhi is trying to give me.
When my shower is done, I clean and moisturize my face then moisturize my body before finding a night shirt to put on. I place my phone on the charger and sit at my desk to fill in the latest entry for my journal. Everything from my Saturday morning with the girls to Mekhi and I dancing in the park; it truly was one of the best dates I've been on. The way I feel every time Mekhi calls me baby or looks at me or uses that voice is a feeling I've only felt with him. I write about brunch and the excessive PDA we displayed and how much he was unbothered by it all. The last minute dinner with my family that turned out successful and even the phone call we just had. After I'm finished my entry I stand to stretch and finally get some much needed rest.