Both Smith and Jerry get out of the SUV. Smith opens the door for us and Jerry goes to the trunk to retrieve the gifts I bought for Mekhi's mother. Mekhi helps me out of the car, then holds my hand as Smith nods to him and goes to park the SUV. Jerry hands the gift bag to Mekhi, who in turn hands it to me. Without further delay, Jerry leads us through the entrance of the hotel passed reception to an elevator that takes us to the rooftop restaurant. When we get to the restaurant Jerry gives a name and leaves us with the hostess, who leads us to a private booth. She knocks on the door before opening it. Mekhi gives me one last reassuring look before pulling me into the booth.
"Hello mom…" Mekhi tries to say but is interrupted.
"Oh my goodness, Lena! How are you," Madam Eason says walking past him straight to me with her arms wide open.
"Hello, Mrs. Eason! I'm fine, how are you," I manage to say letting her enthusiasm wash away my nervousness as she embraces me.
"I'm well dear, thank you for asking," she says letting me go and giving me a warm and sincere expression.
His mother is beautiful as I finally get to see her fully. She's about two inches taller than me with caramel complexioned skin and hazel eyes. Her hair is styled in long curls that are brown with streaks of gray. She is wearing a white pant set with a light blue and yellow top looking every bit of the family's matriarch. She smells amazing and her smile is perfect.
"Oh yes, I'm happy to see you too," Mekhi says jokingly to his mother.
"Oh stop it," she says playfully slapping his back.
"You see Lena and automatically forget you have a son," he says with a chuckle.
"Hello honey, how was the ride here," she says hugging him and kissing him on the cheek.
"I'm just kidding mom. The ride here was okay," he answers her returning her kiss.
"That's good. I'm glad to hear it. Was your shopping trip successful," she asks releasing Mekhi and grabs my hand.
"Yes, I think I've done more shopping today than I'd like to admit," I answer.
"Shopping for us girls always end up like that doesn't it," she says with a smile.
"Indeed, I have a gift for you," I say to her handing her the bag that contains her perfume and scarf.
"Darling, you didn't have to bring me anything," she says accepting the gift bag.
"We should have a seat Mom," Mekhi reminds her as we're still standing.
"Of course, you have just spent hours walking around the mall shopping. Come and sit and take a rest while we wait for our meal," she says gesturing to the table.
"Thank you, Mrs. Eason," I say walking to the table.
"You're welcome," she replies.
Mekhi pulls out a chair for each of us and takes his seat next me. He drapes his arm over the back of my chair and his mother watches his actions towards me with satisfaction in her eyes.
"So Lena, Mekhi tells me that you're a freshman at the college. What are you planning to study," she asks.
"Yes, I am. I'm studying to become a teacher," I answer her.
"Teaching is a noble career path, not many choose to take on the role of a teacher because they are often under paid and overworked. I applaud all educators, it is not an easy task to teach children, with each child coming into your life, leaving a small foot print then going on to continue their education with someone else," she says with a smile.
"Those are my exact sentiments. I find that sometimes a teacher can be all the difference that a child needs to want to do better and have a brighter future. I've been working at a daycare for the last few years after school as well as babysitting. I like the bond I've created with the children and it feels good knowing that I've made a difference in someone's life," I say to her with a smile.
"Yes, some of my favorite teachers are the ones I feel as though I've counted on the most and who has supported me the most. A very admirable career choice indeed," she says.
"Thank you," I reply.
"What about your parents' businesses? Do you have any desire to take over for them once they are too old to carry on themselves," she asks looking between me and Mekhi.
"Naturally they want me to take over for them but I have no interest in doing so. My desire is to teach however I do feel as though I should learn the ins and outs of their businesses just to have the knowledge," I answer her.
"Maybe you can pull a double major, you are an intelligent young lady. By doing that you can have both lives and lack nothing. It may be difficult but you'll be better for it in the end," she says with a smile.
"I hadn't thought about pulling a double major honestly until I got involved with Mekhi. Not just to inherit and manage my parents' businesses but to be able to help him, should our relationship last that long, cope with the dealings of the business," I answer her stealing a glance at Mekhi who is surprised by my reply.
"I do not oppose your relationship with him at all. You come from a good family background from what I've heard and you have a good head on your shoulders. However there's nothing wrong with making yourself stronger and multifaceted that way you are completely able to stand on your own," she says with a knowing look.
"Yes, I understand, Mrs. Eason," I answer her understanding the message that she's delivering without saying.
"Alright, I'll open the gifts you've given me since you've taken the time to choose them," she says smiling and pulling the box with the scarf out first.
"Yes, ma'am. I hope you like them," I say to her as she opens the box with the scarf first.
"This is beautiful darling, thank you," she says as she examines the scarf then wraps it around her then places it back into its package.
"You're welcome," I say with a beaming smile and she opens the other package.
"Ah, Mekhi did you tell her this is one of my favorite perfumes," she says excitedly.
"Yes, I helped her with this one," he says shaking his head at her girlish excitement.
"Thank you Lena, I really appreciate it," she says grabbing my hands with sincere eyes.
"You're welcome, madam. If Mekhi hadn't helped me, I don't think I would have gotten the right scent so I can't take all the credit," I say to her humbly.
"Of course you can, this son of mine certainly didn't think to bring me a gift himself," she says feigning anger.
"I did bring you a gift, does meeting Lena not count," he says jokingly.
"Of course not, I was going to meet her anyway," she says in huff.
"Fine, next time I'll bring you two gifts," he says placating her.
"We shall see," she says accepting his answer.
"Alright let's have them serve the food, we have a long drive back," Mekhi says signaling his mother's guard to carry out the task.
"You're too selfish with your time. You just arrived," his mother says surprised.
"Didn't you want to have some time alone with Lena before we leave, if we continue talking without eating how can you get that time," he asks rhetorically.
"Yes, I almost forgot in my excitement," she says nodding her head.
"Lena, I hope you don't mind. I have to join my father on a conference call shortly. Mother will keep you company," he says looking at the time on his watch.
"No, I don't mind at all," I answer with a smile.
"Okay," he says and holds my hand.
The waiters then enter with multiple dishes to serve. A large plate of Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta is placed in front of me, Mekhi has a porterhouse steak with veggies and mashed potatoes, and his mother has lamb chops with baby red potatoes and veggies. A large bowl of salad is place in the center of the table as well as a pitcher with dressing and breadsticks. There is a glass of water with lemon left at each plate. After making sure that we are okay with the dishes the waiter takes his leave and we bless our food before eating. As I eat, I think to myself that Mekhi has told his mother what to order prior to our arrival so as to save time. We begin chatting as the food fills our bellies. I'm a little nervous about being left alone with Mrs. Eason but, this time is crucial in getting to know one another without the interference of Mekhi.
"It's time for my conference call, please excuse me," Mekhi says checking the time.
"Go ahead and make your call, tell your father that we say hello," Mrs. Eason says.
"Yes mother, I'll be back shortly," Mekhi says to his mother then me leaning over to kiss my forehead before leaving.
"It's fine, take your time," I respond to him as he leaves.