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Chapter Nineteen
Phillip
Even lying here in her bed, my mind was working overtime. I’d seen Lindsay just about every day, either for coffee before work, at lunchtime, or for dessert with a night of making love. Not once did I mention Sunday brunch. I’d hesitated so long that it would seem like a last-minute invitation, when in fact, it’s been on my mind all week.
“Phillip, is something wrong?” Lindsay asked, snuggling her naked body up to mine.
It was time to tell her. Pulling myself to sit up on her bed, I said, “It’s Sunday.”
She giggled. “That usually happens after Saturday night.”
I loved how she even woke with a sense of humor. For me, it took a cup of coffee. This morning, probably two. “I have to go to brunch at my parents’.”
“I know. Every Sunday. And from the expression on your face, it looks like a whole lot of fun,” she teased.
You’re not making this easy.“I wouldn’t call it fun, but Kenneth, Shanda, Andrew, and Anne are going to be there.”
“Shocking. It’s a family brunch and your family is going to be there. I never would’ve guessed,” she continued to joke.
God, you’re adorable even when you’re driving me crazy.
“I’m sure they’d love to see you,” I said, dropping a hint. Maybe she’d ask if she could come and then I could just…agree.
“I just saw Shanda and Anne the other day. I even met Reanna. They all get along so well. You’d think they’d been friends for years.”
“I’m glad you like them. I know Shanda couldn’t stop talking about you.”
Lindsay sat up beside me and asked, “How do you know? What did she say?”
Did Shanda know something that I didn’t, because Lindsay was acting as though Shanda knew a secret and it was about me. “She said you’re a wonderful person and I’d better treat you right. Is there something else you thought she might tell me?”
Lindsay blushed and shook her head. “You’d better hit the shower and get going. You don’t want to be late. Shanda told me your mother likes everyone to be punctual.”
What else did Shanda tell you about my mother?“It’s been drilled into us since birth. But her bark is a lot worse than her bite.”
“I believe that. Shanda said she and your mother have gotten close. Then again, who wouldn’t love Shanda? She’s so darn friendly and has such a positive outlook on life that it’s contagious. I’m really glad you introduced us. Did I tell you I’m going back to Just Blown for another lesson?”
“No, you didn’t. Am I invited?” I asked.
She shook her head. “Nope. Sorry. We’re going to have some girl time. You guys are going to have to find something else to entertain you.”
It made me happy that she was bonding so well with my family. But eventually, she would need to meet my mother. It wasn’t as though my mother influenced my decision to be with Lindsay, but the longer I waited on introducing the two, the more my mother would think it was Lindsay’s idea and not mine.
“Did I tell you I have five brothers?” She nodded. “They will all be there, too.”
“And if you don’t get going, you will be the one missing. You wouldn’t want your mother to send out the search party for you. Because I’m not going to take the blame for you being late.”
“Then maybe you should come with me so you can defend yourself in person,” I suggested.
She laughed. “Yeah, right. You want to bring me to your family brunch. From what you told me, your mother doesn’t like surprises. An uninvited guest is just that. But good try using me to get you off the hook.”
Nothing was working. I had one last thing to try and I was sure it wouldn’t go over well. “Lindsay, you’re expected.” I should’ve used the word invited, but when it comes to Mother, expected fit better.
“I’d better get you that coffee, because I think you’re dreaming,” she snickered, and started to get out of bed.
I grabbed hold of her arm and stopped her. “I’m serious, Lindsay. My mother invited you last Sunday.”
She looked up at me puzzled. “You mother asked you to bring me to brunch?” I nodded. “You’ve known this all week and you’re just telling me now?” Again, I nodded. “Why?”
