“Oh, I’ve ways of getting you fitter. We can start later when we get home.”
Everyone laughs at his response, and I blush. Although I am outgoing, talking about sex is not something I’m comfortable with. But I do smile when I hear everyone ribbing Myles.
“I may need to join a gym,” I say to Whitney, and she grins because she knows I hate working out.
“You could work out with Myles as he suggested and call your baby Jim after?”
Now, the room again bursts into laughter, and I whack Whitney on her shoulder, but smile as I’m doing it.
“That’s the last, Maylee,” Dan says as he gives me a smile. “You both did well because some of these boxes were heavy.”
Looking around the kitchen, I think it looks really nice. The black cabinets have a shine to them, and they have no handles. You just push and they pop open. They are sleek and modern. The counter is not on yet, so I’m not sure what color that is going to be, but so far it all looks stunning.
“Come on, everyone, let’s get to Myles' place and then we can eat,” Clem says as he throws his arm around Whitney’s neck, kissing her forehead as he leads her out of the apartment.
An hour later, I’m sitting at the kitchen table with an array of things to try. It is interesting to see that Oren has chosen a mixture of food for us to eat.
“I’ll try the ribs,” Myles says as he grabs a plate and piles on ribs, handing me those before getting his own.
Synthia is smiling. “You know it’s all homemade, don’t you, Maylee?”
“You made all this?” I ask shocked.
“I made it too, Mom,” Oren pipes up. Face covered in sauce from the ribs he is holding in both hands—yeah, both hands!
“Well, you did a good job; they are great,” I quickly say, and the huge smile I get warms my heart.
“Do you want some of the corn salad, honeybun?”
I give Myles a scowl, but reply, “Yes, please, trouble.”
We eat and enjoy, laughing, discussing and generally having an enjoyable time. Dan’s sons are great; they are quick-witted and interact with Oren as though he is a sibling. It’s lovely to see Oren glowing with the attention.
Cassian is here too, and his wife Ellen. She is quiet, but not standoffish. She is on the shy side, and yet she’s sitting among us with ease.
My phone rings, and looking at the caller I’m surprised. It’s Annabelle, and she never calls me over a weekend. “I need to take this,” I say to Myles as I step into the living room.
“What’s up, Annabelle?” I quickly ask.
“I would like a meeting with you first thing in the morning, if possible. I know it will mean you’re going to the office a little earlier, but if you would I would be grateful.”
“Okay, I’ll speak to you first thing in the morning. But are you alright?” I ask knowing something is wrong.
“I’m thinking of leaving. But I’ll explain to you in the morning. Have a good afternoon and evening, Maylee.”
Annabelle closes the call before I can ask more, but I’m shocked as she has only just been promoted to my assistant. Yeah, something is wrong, and I’m going to get to the bottom of it.
Back at the table I see Oren with his head back, laughing at something Conroy has said. He’s going to be tired out again tonight I’m sure.
“Is everything okay?” Myles asks as I retake my seat.
Shaking my head no, “No, something is not right with Annabelle. She wants a meeting with me in the morning. But she said she was thinking of leaving. It makes no sense as she has only just been promoted to my assistant, and Myles, she is damn good at it.”
When we hear a bang, both myself and Myles look around. Sitting on the floor alongside Oren is Conroy. They are both wearing a mix of corn salad, coleslaw, rib sauce and what looks like chicken nuggets. But the way they are both laughing has me side-eyeing Myles, who is smirking like a fool.
Whitney is giggling, Clem is shaking his head, but I can see he is more than a little amused. Cassian and Ellen look as shocked as I do. But Dan and Synthia carry on eating as though this is an everyday occurrence!
I have to admit to myself that this is how families act. No reason to be self-conscious because everyone accepts you for who you are. Loves you for who you are, and has yourback no matter what. I’m thinking I’m very lucky to be sitting at this table with all these incredible people.
