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And before I’m even through coming for her now, I’m already planning a repeat performance.
Inside her, with me on top of her.
Filling her with our future and claiming her as my own, for keeps.
Chapter 6
Eve
“It all looks so…”
“Beautiful, darling. Just like you.” Ike croons, finishing my mom’s gushing praise for the layout in the dining room.
A room the size of our old house, but with the twenty foot living Christmas tree, the long wooden table that looks like it was made from the same sized trees. And all laid for a silver service dinner that would put any high class restaurant to shame.
The gleaming crystal glassware and gilded plates. The sparkling silverware and candelabra with white tapers burning slow but bright. It almost hurts my eyes to take it all in.
And that tree… Pretty as anything I’ve ever seen in a movie. With most of the wrapped gifts under it with their big bows and expensive paper, most of ‘em with my name on ‘em too. On account of it being my birthday as well as Christmas Eve.
Mom’s right though. It is beautiful. Almost too beautiful, too… too much really. And I can’t help but wonder what Ezekiel would think of all this, or is this how his family do Christmas every year? I’ve already seen for myself how these folk live day to day, so I think the answer is yes.
He hasn’t come down yet and I hope he does soon. I could do with a change of scenery already after watching Ike and mama making goo goo eyes at each other.
“I just feel so bad about those two boys, Ike. I won't let it happen again.” Mama assures him, but he's back to being his usual carefree self. Looking relaxed again and sounding nothing like he did when Ezekiel arrived.
I dunno what they were talking about in his office, but it looks like Ike’s ready to put whatever it is aside and do what he’s been doing the past few weeks. Spoiling mama nd me, and maybe even Ricky and Ronnie once they wake up, with the fanciest, most memorable Christmas Eve dinner possible.
I’m not complaining mind you. Ike’s already said that tonight’s my special night too being my Eighteenth birthday and all.
“Forget it, Trinity.” Ike reassures mama, “Boys will be boys, and besides. I was a young man once… I remember what it feels like to be that age.” He remarks with a wide grin. His eyes shining before my mama jumps in her seat, blushing once his hands, feet or both under the table find just the right spot to let mama knows he's already thinking about dessert.
I’ve changed into another dress, same as mama’s. A green and red thing that feels and looks more like a festive napkin design, but it all feels and looks so expensive I haven't the heart to say anything.
I’m not sure if it's the fabric, or being sat right near the fireplace. Or maybe it's just the thought of seeing my newest step brother again, but I feel like I'm burning up.
Being a designer and having his own clothing and accessories brand, we’re all spoiled for choice when it comes to getting dressed. But Ike picked these out especially, so I couldn't hurt his feelings. And in the seat at the head of the table, it would be rude as birthday girl and newest, youngest family member to start having an opinion about how I think such an already magical looking dinner should be run.
The only time I see Ike look annoyed is when he checks the time, signaling the staff to start serving us, with or in this case, without Ezekiel at the table.
I feel a stab of hurt, but it soon turns to excitement once his sharply dressed figure fills the double doorway.
A tailored tuxedo no less.
His father, Ike looking more and more like an old man in his woven designer cardigan and slippers compared to his son.
Your step brother… Remember? Now don't forget it and do not screw this up. You can’t blame Ricky and Ronnie now.
“Sorry I’m late.” Ezekiel rasps, his eyes fixed on mine. As if I’m the only person in the room.
I feel myself blush, but it seems to be the effect he was after.
Fashionably late, dressed to kill and already looking like he's in charge of more than just his appetite by the time he sits himself nearest to me. Ike and mama already looking like they’re far away, on account of Ezekiel being so damned big.
“I think you have something to say to Trinity before anything else.” Ike announces firmly but with an insistent, you’d better do as I ask kinda smile.
I feel myself tense up, the memory of drunk Ronnie and Ricky still fresh in my mind. The knowledge they're both out cold doing little to make me trust them ever again.
But Ezekiel seems to know what his father's thinking. As if he's spent all afternoon learning his lines, he presses his hand to his heart and apologizes to mama.
