Chapter 44 44
Richard's Pov
"Why you so tense bro, chill" George chuckled hanging a bottle of water to me.
"This is the first time she's meeting the family. You know how inquisitive and loud this family can be" I sighed taking the from him
I know I invited her for brunch on New Year's Eve being today. Though she assured me that she got this but I don't even trust my family members. Auntie Karen can be very blunt and I don't even know what to expect from her and the rest of the family.
Christmas and Thanksgiving ran so fast. I managed to escape Christmas as I spent it with Vanessa watching any movie that isn't really Christmas related. I cooked the African Jollof rice that she loves so much. The smile on her was face was enough to make me satisfied. However, i went back home on boxing day and stayed till Thanksgiving. I got tons of gift from my family and they did get a lot too. I feel bad for not getting Vanessa gift though, even if she didn't get me one as well. It was a hard choice.
I mean, is it wise to get a gift for someone who stopped celebrating Christmas?
Well, I decided within myself to take her out for a three days trip to see France after her brother's wedding. Around Valentine period.
"Richard, isn't she coming again? Brunch is about to begin" Auntie Karen smiled
"Are you sure she hasn't gotten missing?" My mother questioned
"I doubt" I simply said.
"Well be on our best behavior so chill the fuck out" Chelsea yelled
"Language!" Sasha my elder sister yelled at her, covering her daughter's ear
"Did Auntie Chels use the forbidden word again?" Little Daisy asked her mother
"Oh sweetie, don't mind auntie Chels, she needs to get her mouth baptized" Sasha smiled at Daisy, kissing her hair. "Go help Auntie Karen with the cups"
"Okay mama" Daisy said, running to Auntie Karen's stretched hand towards her
"Where's dad?" I asked, noticing his absence
"He went out with Ava to get drinks. I think they should be back before - Oh! There they are" My mother said, pointing at the door
"Outside is very cold. Nice time to bury you brother, don't you think?" Ava smirked evilly. "George, you came alone?"
"I had to let my girl spend her Eve with her family" George shrugged
"He decided to be less greedy" Auntie Karen yelled
"I am not greedy, ma" George groaned
"Sounds like what a greedy person would say, innit Daisy?" Auntie asked the poor clueless child
"Mhmm-Hmmm" Daisy agreed, smiling. "Mama always told me not to be greedy." She added. "Grandpa" She ran to go hug my dad.
Oh my goodness! Too much family drama.
"So.... What's left?" Ava asked, with her hands on her hips.
"I guess it's Richard's gir-"
"She's here!" Daddy yelled, cutting Chelsea off. I glared at Chelsea before hurrying to meet Vanessa.
"Stay cool" I warned for the last time before going over to get car. "You know, I'd support you if you turn back now"
"Hey you!" She smiled at me, passing 3 big bags to me. "I got this" she rolled her eyes
"You didn't have to bring all these" I said softly
"So much for first impression. Hold on" She said sarcastically, opening the backdoor to get something. "Hope no one is allergic to cake" she smiled, holding the cake to my face
Okay maybe she got this
"Absolutely no one" I smiled leading her inside. "Wait here, let me be sure they're on their best behavior"
"Nonsense!" She said, stepping in before me
"Bitch!!!" Chelsea screamed, wide eyed. I turned to look at Vanessa and she wore the same facial expression
What's going on?
"I swear, if she's one of those girls who sleeps around; in this situation, who has slept or is sleeping with your boyfriend, just say the word and she's out" Auntie Karen said loudly, earning gasps for everyone except me because I was hoping that wasn't the case.
"As if" Vanessa and Chelsea said simultaneously, hugging each other. Ava hurriedly takes the cake from Vanessa to prevent it from crashing.
"As if?" My mother asked signifying that she needed clarity.
"It's close friends thing. Okay everyone, this is my amazing boss I've been telling y'all about" Chelsea grinned, holding Vanessa's hand
"Back off! It's my guest." I intervened, earning a chuckle from everyone. "This is Vanessa Willow" I introduced, smiling at her.
Damn she looks so beautiful!
"I'm Karen. I'm sorry about what I said earlier" Auntie Karen waved
Always the active one on the table
"The Nigerian Aunt? Yeah I've heard a lot about you" Vanessa Chuckled, making Auntie Karen feel very happy for being known
"That's her son, George and that is Mrs Blackwood, my mother and Mr Blackwood, my father. These are my descendants, Ava and you know Chelsea already. I'm surprised you didn't tell me about my sister working for you" I sighed. "Lastly, that's my elder sister, Sasha and her daughter, Daisy"
They all waved her and she waved back, shyly.
"Wow!" She heaved
"Too much?" George smiled
"It's nothing I can't handle" she smiled back at him. "I heard you love scenting candles Mrs Blackwood, so I got you these. My nana used to love them a lot too. Bless her soul" Vanessa took a bag from me and handed it over to my mum who was all smiley.
"Oh my goodness! I was starting to think my son didn't talk about his own mother to his girl" Mum laughed
"A ticket to a sports race for you, Ava. I heard you love sports car race. Here's for you, Mr Blackwood; I didn't know what to get a Rich man so I settled for Wristwatch. Sasha, this is for you, well, it's mainly for Daisy to watch cartoon but yeah" she smiled and I was just standing there, being proud of my girl. "If I knew it was you, I would've gotten you a ticket to your favourite brand, Chelsea but here is a pretty gown, I heard you wear something close to my side and this is a bag to top it up." She laughed at Chelsea's facial expression at the price of the dress. "I should learn to remove label from a dress" Vanessa Chuckled.
"Jesus, Vee!" Chelsea yelled
"Rip it off girl and ignore" Vanessa rolled her eyes playfully. "Auntie Karen, I was confused as to what to get a great chef that she wouldn't have and so I got this kitchen package and a pass to an eatery here in New York, your meal there is covered. Lastly, George." She handed a game box to him. "Yours is in your apartment. I did some renovations while you were away and there's a gift on your bed" she said to me
I looked at her in awe and I bet everyone had the same look on their faces
"I told y'all my boss or rather girl is the best!" Chelsea yelled and everyone agreed saying 'yeah' or 'thankd Vanessa'
"You scored a good one, son" My father praised.
"Come! Come! Come!" Sasha said, motioning for her to sit.
"Please eat everything " my mother smiled.
I looked at George who was smiling at me and mouthed 'How did you score this one bro'
I, myself had no clue too