"Do you really think she'll like me?" I bit my lip as the nauseous rose in my stomach again.
It was finally thanksgiving, and that meant I was finally going to meet Cameron's mom. From what I've heard, she had been dying to meet me. But what if she's disappointed when she finally does?
We've been together officially again for a week and a half, and all I could think about was what I'd say to her.
"Jamie she'll love you, just like I do okay? So sooth those nerves and take my hand or I'll have to lift you from this car myself." He chuckled as he offered me his hand again.
We have been in his driveway for the past five minutes, just trying to convince me to go with him. He picked me up from Alex's this morning, where we spent the next few hours 'talking' in his car. We arrived at his house at around one in the afternoon before my anxiety began.
I eyed his hand as I reluctantly allowed him to take me from the car. I gripped his hand as he led me to the entrance.
His house, as I expected, was big and beautiful. The first thing I noticed were the beautiful arched windows draped with laced inner curtains that was perfect for letting the light in. The exterior had a modern but very cozy physique, inviting me with its warm appearance.
When we stepped inside, I was in even more awe. We appeared into a foyer that looked like it was the living room itself. We stood on polished wood floors, and a graceful staircase curved up towards a soaring second floor.
But what really got me was the thick sweet aroma of food that filled the air. I could smell Nessa's famous chicken pot pie in all its glory, igniting the hunger in me even more.
She came home two days ago just for Thanksgiving as promised. She had no prior knowledge of my break-up with Cameron, so we simply went on like nothing happened. She arranged with Cameron to help his mom with the cooking this year, since we were both invited over for dinner.
It has always been the two of us for Thanksgiving since we lost mom and dad ghosted us, and though it was never a bad experience, it was refreshing to know that other people will be with us, even if anxiety was eating away at me.
Since Nessa is a chef, we thought instead of just showing up, she could actually help with dinner. It was Mrs. Riley all alone every year so she was very happy for the help.
We slowly made our way towards the kitchen, where two females bodies were swiftly moving around to prepare food. From behind, I could see that Cameron's mom was beautiful. I mean how couldn't she when Cameron himself is so gorgeous?
"Hey mom" Cameron called, making my heart race even more.
She spun around at the sound of his voice with flour covering her beautiful features and a huge smile curving on her lips. Her eyes lit up as they landed on me. and the warmth in them made me relax a whole bit.
"Oh my gosh you are even more beautiful in person" She gushed as she closed the space between us. She pulled me in a bone crushing hug, killing the orchid that I had held to my chest. "I've been wanting to meet you so long. How are you?" She asked as she pulled away.
"I'm great thank you...You have a lovely home Mrs. Riley" I offered politely.
"Thank you dear. And please call me Rosey" She waved me off casually. "Or mom if you're fine with that"
"Mom.." Cameron drawled in a low warning tone.
"It's okay Cam." I reassured him with a chuckle.
He told me about how his mom always wanted a daughter and the pain she went through when she couldn't conceive again. Whenever I feel comfortable, I wouldn't mind it. If our relationship should go that far it would indeed be nice.
"Awe look at you two" She cooed with her hand over her chest. She looked so happy that it was contagious.
"You get used to it" Vanessa said as she approached us. I gave her a quick hug before she stepped passed us to get something from the fridge. She seemed to have gotten comfortable quite easily.
"What's this?" Rosey asked as she eyed the now crumbled flower in my hand.
I bit my lip as embarrassment bathed my cheeks. "I brought it as a centerpiece gift. " I mumbled as I gazed at the purple petals.
"That is so thoughtful of you. I knew my Cameron chose the perfect gem. I hope he chooses an engagement ring as golden as your eyes. Such a beauty."
"Mom" Cameron complained again with a face palm, causing me to giggle a little. All the former anxiety was now long forgotten as I spoke to the wonderful lady in front of me. I already knew we'd get along perfectly.
"I should really let you get back to finishing up. Or I can help if you'd like " I quickly offered, not wanting to seem lazy.
"That's okay Jamie, Cameron will show you around. We'll be ready in a while" I simply nodded and looked to Cameron for confirmation. He held my hand and led me out the room after shooting another quick wave at them.
"See, there was never nothing to be afraid of" He playfully nudged my shoulder before throwing his arm around them and dropped a kiss to my forehead. "She loves you..maybe a little too much"
I giggled as I let him lead me up the winding staircase."She really does seem awesome. I hope your dad likes me too" Cameron didn't talk about his dad much, but I knew they were close enough to have conversations about us.
"He will, don't worry. He'll be home for dinner" I let out a breath as he pushed a door open, showing me a very masculine room.
I automatically knew it was his, since it screamed 'Cameron'. Like there was literally a huge sticker on the wall with a mouth screaming 'Cameron'. That is so like Cameron, I thought as I plopped down on his bed.
I took the chance to look around, appreciating how tidy he was. Everything was mainly blue and dark purple, but yet it was so bright in there.
"Woah what are you doing?" I asked with wide eyes as he pulled off his shirt and kicked off his pants.
"I'm going to shower" He chuckled as he grabbed a remote from his desk. I gulped, trying to keep my eyes on his face as he came towards me.
His mom is downstairs. His mom is downstairs. His mom is downstairs, I chanted over and over in my head as he approached me. His smile grew as he placed the remote in my hand, knowing damn well what he was doing to me. Both his hands rested on either side of my thighs as he leaned closer to me.
"Watch whatever you like babe. I'll be back soon yea?" He quickly pecked my lips before retreating and disappearing into the adjoined bathroom.
I shook my head in attempts to clear my head. He knew the effect he had on me and totally took advantage of it. I made a mental note to get him back as I scrolled through netflix for something nice to watch. I settled on a teenfic and got comfortable in Cameron's huge bed as the sound of a shower started.
Minutes later, he emerged from the bathroom soaked, sexy and with a single towel hanging from his waist. It reminded me of the time when we were in switched positions months ago. He purposely moved slowly as he grabbed clothes, and I tried really hard to keep my eyes on Elle and Noah on the TV screen.
"Uh Jamie can you grab me a shirt from that drawer over there please?" he asked from across the room, and I could hear the amusement in his voice completely.
"Cant you just get one from that huge closet that you are in front of?" I shot back, quickly meeting his gaze before looking back to the movie. I gulped, appreciating the few seconds I caught of him drying his hair.
"Nah I want the one in there. Please babe?"
With a huff, I hopped from the bed and pulled the drawers open. But when I did, there weren't any shirts at all. It was his boxers' drawer.
My mouth fell open as I looked between him and them, and he took the liberty in bursting out in laughter at my reaction. My face burnt in embarrassment that quickly changed to annoyance as he laughed wickedly.
With a huff, I grabbed one of the small clothing and chucked it in his direction, hitting him square in the face and shutting him up instantly. It was my time to laugh as he gazed at me shock, but only seconds later, I was hit in the face with a white t-shirt. I gaped at him, but he casually shrugged with a victorious smile.
"Oh it is on" I huffed as grabbed another boxer from my source and threw it at him. He gladly accepted my challenge as he grabbed more clothes from his closet to fling at me too.
It went back and forth for a while until his drawer was empty, and I simply had to resort to retrieving clothes from the ground for ammo. The competitive nature soon died out, and all that was left were two idiots playing clothes war, laughing and dodging as we go.
"Dinner is ready guys. Are you rea-" Cameron's mom suddenly appeared in the doorway now changed and cleaned with a stunned expression on her face.
Cameron and I were frozen in our spots, me having a blue boxer in my hand while Cameron held onto the towel that was still wrapped around his waist.
We waited for her to react as she looked between us, but eventually she giggled to herself before mumbling a quick 'I'll leave you to it' before closing the door behind her again.
Stunned, Cameron and I looked to each other again as we relived what just happened, before amusement bubbled in our chests and we spiraled back again into a bundle of laughing mess.
***
"Amen" We all mumbled in unison as Rosey ended her prayer.
I cleared my throat as I took a big gulp of water, my throat still parched from our previous incident. Cameron carefully spread a napkin on my lap as if I was a baby, and I quickly shot him a warning look whilst slapping his hand away.
This didn't go unnoticed by his mom as she tried to hide her giggle. She never took her amused but admiring eyes off us since we came down. It was cute.
"This all look lovely" I complimented, looking between Rosey and Vanessa.
"Well your sister is quite a talented one " She beamed, sharing a look with Nessa. I simply smiled as Cameron passed me the mashed potatoes.
My eyes quickly darted to Cameron's dad, but I quickly looked away when I saw that he was already looking at me. He had an easy look on his face, but it was like he was analyzing me from the inside out.
We exchanged initial and formal greetings when I just came down with Cameron, and he seemed fine. It was only obvious that he was a serious man by nature. I kept conversation small with everyone else as we enjoyed the scrumptious meal prepared by Rosey and Nessa.
Dessert rolled around quicker than I expected, and to say I had a wonderful time was an understatement. The whole vibe in the dining room was warm and loving, and even though Cameron's dad didn't speak directly to me, he pitched in the conversations every now and then with something humourous or easy going. He kicked it off well with Nessa, but I had a feeling he had a plan with me.
And I was right.
The moment Nessa and Rosey left to prepare the pie, he turned to Cameron and I with a easy but challenging smile on his lips. Cameron's fingers were laced with mine under the table as they rested on my thigh, and we were just at our tenth round of thumb war when he won yet again.
"Damn" I cursed lowly when his finger trapped mine, causing him to chuckle as he peered at me lovingly. His dad cleared his throat, causing both our heads to snap to him.
"So Jamelia, what to you plan to do after high school?" He asked. This was it huh? The interview that determined whether he'd like me or not.
I cleared my throat as I reciprocated his energy, but in a respectful way. "I plan to study Tourism and Hospitality at college"
"Hmm, following in your big sister's footsteps? She is quite remarkable"
"Yes she is...But I'm not entirely following her. She studied the culinary arts while I'll study management" I replied smoothly.
"I see. So what college do you want to go to?" He leaned back in his chair as he studied me. Cameron squeezed my hand comfortingly as I prepped myself to answer.
"I applied for quite a number of colleges, including the one Nessa went to and where Cameron is currently at. But if I'm being honest, where I always wanted to go to was The University of Sydney"
His eyebrows shot up as he leaned against the table, looking impressed. "Australia huh?" I nodded in confirmation.
He then looked between Cameron and I before a frown replaced his impressed look. "And how would it work between you two?"
"That's for us to work out dad. Don't worry about it" Cameron spoke up, saving me from the question I had no answer for.
Mr. Riley simply nodded as he regarded us, as I waited for the next round of questions to drop. But when it did, I wasn't ready.
"What truly are your intentions for my son, Jamelia?"
"I beg your pardon?" I questioned, utterly shocked and insulted.
"Dad that is enough" Cameron warned lowly with his threatening face. His threatening face is so sexy.
"What?" He shrugged innocently. "Someone has to ask"
Cameron made a move to reply again, but I quickly held his arm, telling him with my eyes that it was okay.
"With all due respect Mr. Riley, my intentions for your son are solely pure. Just like any other relationship and just like any other human being, I am not perfect. But one thing I know for sure is that Cameron has made me happier than I ever was in years since my mom died. And so the only intention I have is to give him that same sense of happiness that he grants me everyday. So there, that's my true intention"
I seemed to have shocked him with my answer, since he was silent with his mouth slightly agape. His eyes flashed with guilt as he looked away from me, just as Rosey and Nessa returned, completely oblivious to what happened.
"Excuse me for a second please" I quickly excused myself from the table before Cameron could stop me.
"What's wrong with Jamie?" I heard Rosey ask as I rounded the corner and entered the bathroom I learnt was on the first floor.
I leaned against the sink area as I took a deep breath. Never in my life had I expected someone to just like me right away, so I wasn't upset with Cameron's dad's behaviour. I just needed a breather.
I dabbed some water on my face and quickly fixed my hair as I got ready to head back. When I did, Cameron was glaring at his dad while Rosey whispered something harshly to him. Nessa, being Nessa, simply ate her pie with a unbothered look on her face. They all looked at me as I sat down, gladly retrieving my pie from Vanessa and avoiding eye contact at all costs.
"You okay? I was gonna come after you but I suspected that you might need a minute" I smiled at my boyfriend's concern, but simply nodded in response.
We ate in silence for a while, but the tension was as thick as Nicki Manaj's ass. Soon after, I heard a sigh coming from Mr. Riley, after which he spoke.
"Look Jameila, I'm sorry if I offended you earlier. I just knew that you were important to my son, and so I wanted to know if you felt the same way. " He looked between both of us as he continued. "I know what love looks like, and I see it whenever Cameron speaks of you. It's not not that I don't like you; Cameron speaks so highly of you and I just wanted to see for myself that you are as fantastic as he says. And I've seen that he wasn't lying"
I offered him a small but grateful smile, knowing how difficult it might've been to but his ego aside and say that. "Thank you Mr. Riley, I really appreciate it. And I also understand. Cameron is your only son, you ought to be protective of him"
"But he doesn't need my protection anymore. He needs a good woman by his side and that's what he got. Welcome to the family Jamelia"
"Please, call me Jamie" I offered just as warm, as the tense air lifted from the table. I knew it would take a while for us to become somewhat close, but this was a step and I liked it.
"Well since we're all in the mood, why don't we exchange our thoughts" Rosey beamed at each of us sweetly, seeming satisfied. "Let's all say what we are grateful for."
"I'll go first" Mr. Riley announced after downing his champaign. "I'm thankful for my family and all the years we spent together" He said as he smiled lovingly at his wife. It was the cutest thing, and since he looked like an older version of Cameron, I couldn't help but see us in them.
"I'm grateful for love, my family and everything I have, because life is all about being grateful" She replied brightly, looking at each of us like we were the most important thing in life.
"I'm grateful for my sister" Nessa voiced, staring at me. "If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have had the drive to go on with life. We aren't the closest siblings, but if there's one thing I'm grateful for, it's her" My eyes watered as I blinked away the blurriness. My heart soared at that, and I couldn't help but leave my chair to give her a hug.
"I'm grateful for you too" I told her as I pulled away. "And I'm grateful for Cameron and all the adventures he brought me on this Fall. You taught me how to live" I blew him a kiss from across the table which he playfully caught and placed it against his heart.
It was his turn, and he took a while to think before he spoke.
"I'm grateful for everyone in this room..I'm grateful for my parents, because you cared for me, grew me and taught me how to be a man... I'm grateful for you too Nessa, because you took care of the girl I fell in love with, and groomed her into the young woman she is today." He pauses to receive ' awes' as he turned to me with a simper.
"And of course, I'm grateful for you Jamie. Because everyday you make me want to be a better man than the day before. And I love you; I love all of you"
The waterworks that I tried so hard to hold back came flooding through as I made my way back to him to squeeze the life out of him for simply being such a wonderful boyfriend.
Since my mom died, my thanksgiving dinners only consisted of Vanessa and I. Though it was just as wonderful, I knew this was my favourite thus far.
And I was indeed grateful.
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Nope still not the end. We got about four chapters to go people! Four! 😪So that mean within a month, WSMP will be over.
So please stay tuned to see what comes next loves! And please vote <3