8. The Greeting
628 Words
"I refuse to, Phillip. She's innocent and I must protect her," she claims dramatically, clutching me closer. I giggle hysterically as her hands run down my face repeatedly as if she's petting a wounded animal.
"Okay. Mom, I think that's enough," Troy says, chuckling.
She releases me a second later and says, "I'm Irene and this is my husband, Phillip. Welcome to our home."
I shake their outstretched hands. "Thank you for having me. It's nice to finally meet you guys," I respond.
"You have no idea, dear," Irene says, waving a hand. "Well, I hope you eat meat. We're having Troy and Axton's favorite. Why don't you come with me and I'll show you around the house?"
I nod and she takes my hand. As she guides me through the house, I take note of the five bedrooms and three bathrooms, each of them designed differently and uniquely. Afterward, we head to the living room where Troy, Phillip, and another man, who I assume to be Axton, are. Troy comes towards me and wraps an arm around my waist when he reaches me.
"Did you have fun?" He questions, kissing my forehead.
I nod. "The house is beautiful."
"Ember, Troy, dinner is being served," Irene calls from the dining room. I lift my head and notice that Troy and I are the only ones in the living room now. Troy steps away only to take my hand and lead me to the dining room. Axton decides to make an appearance and takes the seat directly across from me.
Axton is very handsome, but he's not Troy. Axton's eyes are a smoky grey where Troy's are dark blue. The only thing they share is their hair color which is their father's. Troy is also taller and more muscular than Axton.
The sound of someone chuckling brings me back to reality. I look up to see Troy and Axton both laughing at me. "What?" I ask, completely confused.
Axton laughs harder. "You were so deep in your thoughts, I could have smacked you and you wouldn't have moved," Troy finally explains.
I feel my face heat. "I'm sorry. I just...I'm sorry."
"It's perfectly fine, sweetheart. I don't think the boys are used to having women around," Irene reassures me, smiling in...adoration?
"Thank you," I tell her. I look across the table at Axton. "I don't think we've been properly introduced. I'm Ember."
He clears his throat and nods his head. "I know. I'm Axton, the big man's little brother," he says, pointing to Troy.
I smile. "I know."
"So, Ember, what do you do for a living?" Phillip asks from the head of the table.
"For the time being, I'm working in my mother's bakery downtown. I'm waiting to hear about an offer for a job at a publishing house, though, Mr. Lancaster."
"I wish you luck. And please, call me Phillip."
"What publishing house is it, dear?" Irene questions.
"Berg & Abraham, I believe."
"Oh, Phillip and I know the owners. What a coincidence."
The rest of the evening goes by quickly as we talk. After dinner, I help Irene clear the table and we head to the kitchen. She then told me how Troy had never brought a girl home before me and how relieved she was to know that he was happy. I couldn't agree more. Troy deserves to be happy. He's a good man and I'm grateful that we met the way we did.
Around eleven o'clock, I start to get tired and we decide to leave. Axton had to leave a little bit ago, so it's just us four. At the front door, Irene hugs Troy and I. When she pulls away, she says, "It was a pleasure to meet you, Ember. If you need anything at all, just ask. Okay?"
I nod. "Okay."
"You ready to go, baby?" Troy asks from behind me.
- Writer
