“I asked everybody here because whether you like it or not, we are all connected,” Petal got up gradually, “through them.” Her keen almond shaped eyes landed on Heir and Harlee as they went around, examining little things in her retro living room.
“Now, Giselle made a mistake. Nobody is denying that, not even her,” Petal began. “It’s real easy for you to be mad, Henna. Heavy too. Seeing his example in all this is why I’m able to forgive and not hold onto my anger. I’ve watched him hold grudges all his life, and for the first time, he set that aside for a bigger purpose.”
“So, now we welcome her with open arms?”
“Would you rather not have a relationship with your niece and nephew?” Petal suggested.
Henna didn’t answer, and Petal nodded as her husband and son’s voices carried into the front entryway.
“The hell going on in here?” Horace questioned, looking around at all the frowned-up faces. “Who needs a whupping?”
“Nobody for now,” Petal replied. “Ladies, come set the table with me.”
“What about us?” Harlee queried.
“Viggo, take the kids back to the spare room. I got them all set up in there with a TV, toys, and somewhere to sleep,” Petal instructed.
“You good?” Heavy inched closer to Giselle, placing a hand on her waist and searching her stoic expression.
Petal nudged Henna out the door so they could go down the hall to the kitchen.
“I just don’t want to be the reason there’s any problems between your family.” Giselle glanced guiltily at the ground.
“What I tell you last night?” he asked, holding out his two fingers.
Smiling, Giselle brought hers up and tapped them against his twice.
“Locked in.”
“Don’t forget it.” Heavy kissed her forehead, and she inhaled his spellbinding cologne.
“Giselle, that means you too!” Petal called from her kitchen.
From the doorway to the kitchen, Giselle paused. Henna, Prischa, and Petal were all gathered around her big, concrete topped island, muttering and grabbing plates, napkins, and eating utensils.
“Don’t be scared, chile. Come on in here.” Petal waved for her to join them. “Now, I don’t know everything about you, so these dinners are a chance for us to get to know each other. Pri, baby, grab some cups too.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I know Remi is your auntie, and that’s a wild woman there. I love her to death, though. She can go toe to toe with the best of ’em.”
“That, she can,” Giselle agreed.
“You seem to be a little feisty too. She told me about your parents and that whole situation. I’m so sorry for your loss.” Petal’s tone shifted, laced with empathy as Giselle went taut across the counter.
Her entire face went somber as her eyes fell on the counter.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up anything painful for you.”
“No. It’s okay.” She shook her head and forced a smile on her face. “Just tell me what I can do.” She surveyed the arrangement on the counter.
“Well, I want to get to know you. You are the mother to my great-grandchildren and Remi’s niece. I read a few things, and Remi told me you are an interior designer.”
“I was. Not sure I can say that now,” Giselle muttered.
“Grab those plates and walk with me,” Petal instructed.
Giselle followed Petal, who led her through the kitchen opening and into her dining room. The long oak table could easily seat up to ten people. Obviously, they were used to hosting. Petal didn’t pry while talking to Giselle as they set the table. She asked questions and let her talk. Giselle found it easy to converse with the woman, and soon, the entire table had been set with the help of Henna and Prischa.
