“None of that here. It’s Marshall or Pops, your choice.” His grey eyes, so much like his son’s, twinkle when he smiles.
The couple lead us to a great room with an ornate fireplace, the mantel above it holding pictures I hope to take a look at later. The room is tastefully decorated but not over the top, giving the room a cozy, family feel. I can’t help but see the contrasts between my own house and this one. My parents don’t believe in having pictures ‘littering’ the home; it is far too tacky. I have one frame on my bedside of Casey, Zev, and I at a barbeque, but that’s it.
“Shall we get started on some drinks?” Olivia asks.
“I’ll give you a hand,” I offer, and she smiles at me thankfully.
“You boys meet us on the deck,” she tells them as we walk out of the room.
The kitchen is stunning. An oversized island sits in the middle of the room, fitted with gorgeous cabinetry. The numerous windows make the space light and airy.
“You have a beautiful home,” I say, looking out at the magnificent view of the ocean.
“Thank you, sweetheart.”
She pulls out two bottles of wine, a red and white, then takes down two glasses from the cupboard. “Let’s chat outside. White or Red?”
“White.” She hands me the bottle of wine and a glass. We sit on comfy loungers, and she cracks open the bottle, pouring us both a glass.
“So tell me, what my son has been up to?” She says jovially, her eyes smiling as loudly as she does.
“Well, he’s been working, a lot. Otherwise he’s been good. At least I think he is. As you probably know, he isn’t the biggest talker.” I take a sip of my wine.
“Some things don’t change then,” she tsks.
I shrug. “I guess he’s always been like that?”
“Brax is a deep thinker, prefers to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself. He’s like his dad in that regard. Marshall didn’t start to open up to me until years into our marriage, long after Bryce, our youngest, was born.” she smiles thoughtfully, more to herself than me. “Speaking of Bryce…” She picks up her phone and starts texting, I assume to tell Bryce that Brax is home.”
“So how about you? Are you originally from Los Angeles?” she asks as she sets her phone on a side table.
I nibble on my bottom lip, unsure about how much to share with her. “I’m also from San Diego, actually. My parents still live here, in La Jolla. I got a job in LA and didn’t want to commute two hours.”
“That would be insane,” she says, her eyes widening. “How long have you and Brax known each other?” I knew the question was coming, and I can’t stop the heat from spreading over my cheeks.
“Not long,” I smirk.
“I can tell he likes you though.” She teases.
“Oh, it’s nothing like that.” I shake my head.
“Brax doesn’t just bring girls home you know. Plus, a mother knows these things,” she chuckles. “But seriously, Brax hasn’t been home in five years, so if you had anything to do with that, we’re all truly grateful.”
“A broken coffee mug might have been involved,” I let out a laugh.
“That a girl,” she winks. “Broken dishes are almost always the answer.”
Brax and Marshall join us on the deck. “What lies are you feeding her about me, Momma?” Brax asks, taking a seat next to me. The two men are already halfway through their beers.
“Are you worried about tarnishing that caveman ego of yours?” I nudge him.
“Ha-ha.” He’s less serious and there’s a softness in his eyes when he talks to his mother. I decide I like this Braxton.
Voices coming from inside have us all turning around. “Mom,” Braxton eyes widen. “You already told him I’m here.” He chuckles.
“He’s the reason you’re here.” She laughs. “And it has been too long since I’ve had both my boys under one roof.”
A few seconds later, we are joined on the deck by another six-foot tall man who grabs Brax by the neck, ruffling his hair. “You made it after all.”
“Eliana, meet Bryce,” he grumbles through a chokehold.
A beautiful woman with caramel skin and matching eyes steps out from behind the men. “Hi, I’m Nadia,” she beams. “This one’s fiancée.” she rolls her eyes and points to Bryce.
“It’s great to meet you.” I say extending my hand to shake hers.
She kisses Olivia on the cheek, and Marshall stands to hug her.
Olivia tells me that Nadia’s South African. She and Bryce met a few years ago; Nadia had immigrated here, they shared a cab, and the rest, as they say, is history.
They are all so kind and warm. Looking at Brax’s family makes something ache inside my chest, and I wonder what it would be like to be a part of a normal family, one that isn’t built on superficiality and deception. I could easily see them and it is devastating to think that they are the last people I’d want to visit.
