Skaydal - Hybrid's Omega

14

Amani

I couldn’t believe this was even happening. Of course, I was relieved that my parents had agreed to have dinner with Josiah, but I was still surprised. I smoothed my hands down the sides of my hips as I took a deep breath. I had only been to Josiah’s place once, and it loomed ahead of me as I glanced over at my parents.

“Place looks great,” my mother commented, and I could see that my father was proud. After all, he was the owner of the only construction place in Skaydal and, of course, he had overseen the construction of Josiah’s home. The front door opened, and Josiah came rushing out with a tense smile. My mate was nervous, and I found that oddly soothing as I felt the same way.

“Welcome,” Josiah said as he greeted the three of us. “If you would follow me,” he then said as we stepped onto the porch. My father bristled as Josiah led us around the house to his backyard. I was pleasantly surprised to see a large deck area and what looked like a brand-new barbeque setup.

“Impressive,” my father remarked, and Josiah breathed out in relief.

“Thank you, I had some help picking it up,” he admitted, and I noticed that my mother was impressed by this small, insignificant piece of information.

“Do you know how to use it?” my father then asked and I was tempted to throw him a warning look. I didn’t and the only reason I didn’t was because Josiah shook his head.

“Actually, no, I don’t. I was hoping that you would do the honors,” Josiah said, and once again, my father seemed to be bursting with confidence. “Please, make yourselves comfortable,” he then said before he hurried inside. My mother and I took a seat on the patio furniture, and I relaxed as I took in the breathtaking view. My father headed over to the barbeque and spent a good few minutes admiring the thing. Josiah soon rejoined us with a tray. A pitcher of some sort of juice and two beers. Even I was impressed. He carefully poured a drink for my mother and I before he handed over one of the beers to my father.

“Oh!” my mother exclaimed, and I glanced over at her. “It’s sweet tea,”

“Peach, I hope it is to your liking?” Josiah questioned cautiously and my mother immediately nodded. A wave of relief crossed his features before he turned his attention back to my father. The discussion of barbeque sets and all of that was up for discussion, and I found it to be rather boring. However, what wasn’t boring was seeing how my father interacted with Josiah. He was animated as he explained the different techniques he used when cooking meat.

“He certainly is trying hard,” my mother whispered softly, and I rolled my eyes.

“Well, maybe if you and Dad hadn’t been so rude, he could just be himself,” I pointed out. My mother blushed and hung her head in shame. “Sorry, but it’s the truth. Now, instead of just being himself, he is trying extra hard to impress you both,”

“I will not apologize for being protective,”

“I’m not asking you to apologize. I’m asking you the same thing I asked before…give him a chance. A real chance,” I said as I watched her closely. She gave me a small nod and I breathed out in relief. I turned my attention back to Josiah and smiled. He listened closely to whatever my father said, and I found him utterly adorable. He was willing to put himself out there for me, which warmed my heart. Josiah left my father to light up the grill and I was tempted to follow him inside. However, I didn’t want to just leave my parents out here alone, so I remained seated. Josiah returned with another tray filled will all sorts of snacks. Small various types of tartlets ranging from sweet to savory as well as a few pies that I had no doubt were delicious. My mother instantly leaned in and selected one of the tartlets.

“Oh, Josiah…you have outdone yourself,” my mother remarked. “Did you bake them yourself?” she then asked as she leaned back and took a rather big bite of the tartlet.

“I had some help,” he admitted with a sheepish smile. “Sierna was kind enough to show me how to make them,” my father came up from behind and looked down at the small spread. Josiah, however, once again hurried inside and returned with another tray. Two large bowls sat in the middle and were surrounded by crisps and pretzel sticks. “Avocado dip and this one is cream cheese with spring onion,” my father immediately moaned as he picked up one of the pretzels sticks and swiped it through the cream cheese dip. Josiah carefully set it down before he once again hurried back inside.

“Points for trying?” I asked softly as I watched both of my parents indulge in the treats. My mother nodded while my father simply shrugged. Josiah came out with a closed container but since I couldn’t see inside, I had no idea what it could be. He headed straight for the BBQ and set it down on the small side table. My father swiped his pretzel through the dip once more before he went over and joined Josiah. So far everything has been going well. All I could hope was that this was a good idea and that my parents would loosen the reigns they were holding on so tightly to.