Chapter 22
Quaid
“You nervous?” I ask the fidgeting girl next to me in the elevator, carrying us too quickly to my grandparents’ penthouse. I hold both of her arms to her side to stop her constant shifting from one foot to the other, which makes her hold still for a couple of seconds only to start all over again once I let go.
“Duh! I mean, it is the first time I’m going to be in this house with your whole family. I think that gives me the right to be a little jittery, don’t you?” Jess spats, biting her lower lip hard enough that I’m sure she broke the skin. I bend down to reach those plump red lips and give them the care they deserve with a chaste kiss, and this seems to do the trick in calming Jess.
“It’s not my whole family. Only my parents and grandparents. You’ll only meet my cousins and Uncle Donovan later on tonight.”
“Don’t remind me. I can’t believe you sucked me into attending your grandfather’s soiree tonight, too. I mean we’re here for brunch already, isn’t that enough of an appearance?” Jess asks with pleading eyes.
I wish I could tell her we didn’t have to go, but unfortunately, my grandfather’s birthday party was non-negotiable. Every year my parents and I attended, as it was some sort of unspoken rule that we could decline all other invitations as long as we made it to this one. Anyone that was someone in my grandparents' mind attended this shindig, and it was imperative that the whole family be present as a united front, even if it was only for show. Brunch beforehand was just a way for my grandparents to inspect each and every one of us to make sure we knew how to behave tonight.
Since my grandparents learned that I was taking advantage of their empty penthouse with a guest, they insisted that Jess attend. I’m sure Jess coming with me this morning is just a way for my grandmother to size Jess up without all the other commotion from this evening to distract her. Of course, I’m not going to tell Jess this. If she’s nervous now just with the idea of meeting my family, then she would bite her nails to the bone if she knew this was more of an interview to see if she makes the cut in my dear old Gran’s eyes. I couldn’t care less either way. Even all flushed and skittish, Jess is still a wonder to behold. I’m just excited that I’ll finally be able to have my girl meet the other most important woman in my life. Mom has been calling me non-stop since I told her I was dating Carlos’s daughter. She’s probably more excited than I am to meet her face to face. Jess has nothing to worry about in impressing my parents, and those are the ones that mean something to me. My grandparents’ approval has no weight whatsoever.
“Relax, meu amor. This will all be over in an hour or so. My folks don’t want to be here any more than you do, so trust me when I say this is going to be quick. And tonight, the house will be so full of people, that I’m sure we can just make a quick appearance and leave without anyone being any wiser.”
“You having a getaway plan doesn’t comfort me in the least, Quaid. It only adds to my imagination that I’m about to meet Miranda Priestly straight out of the Devil Wears Prada movie.”
“Huh... Come to think of it, Gran does have a striking resemblance to Meryl Streep,” I tease.
“You’re killing me!” Jess exhales as she punches me lightly, grinning ear to ear. “You’re perfect. Don’t stress on whatever my grandmother says today because you’ll continue to be perfect, regardless,” I tell her and this time I kiss her conveying how perfect I think she is. I don’t even hear the elevator door open too engrossed in the way Jess is returning my kiss.
“You kids better cool it with the PDA if you don’t want Debora to have a fit. As much as I like to push that woman’s buttons, I’d rather get this show on the road and not prolong it too much,” mom quips smiling. Jess pulls away from me still blushing as if she was just caught with her hand in the cookie jar. She straightens her blue cardigan and grey skirt and takes a step forward, holding her hand out to my mom.
“Hi, Mrs. Stevens. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” her unusual sheepish voice shows just how much this little get together is daunting for her.
I place my hand on her lower back in an attempt to show moral support, but in reality, I’m just hoping Jess won’t get spooked by all this. My family is a lot to take in. Not my parents mind you. If it were only my parents, then this would go down drama- free. My grandparents though are a whole other scenario. My own anxiousness starts to breed inside me. What if this is too much for her and Jess decides I’m not worth the trouble? I mean it can get intense in this house and while I’ve had years of practice to know how to navigate every grenade thrown around during family events, Jess isn’t used to it. Her experience of family is so different than mine that I can’t fault her reluctance in being here.
When mom called saying that Gran wanted to meet my girlfriend and that she should come over this morning, I tried my best to prepare Jess for what she’d find. I think somehow, I was too efficient at drawing the picture of a dysfunctional cold family. Something Jess has little understanding of if last year’s Christmas party at her house is any indication. Her family supports and is bound together while mine plots and plots. The exception to this twisted Stevens’ tradition are my folks.
“The pleasure is mine. I’ve heard so much about you. I’m so happy you came,” my mom says forgoing Jess’s hand and hugging her instead. Jess’s eyes sparkle at the sincere embrace and I see her relax a little, finding at least one person she can relate to. Mom is like that though. She’s always been the caring kind and I’m sure she picked up on my girl’s restlessness.
“You are absolutely gorgeous. I see so much of your mother in you and Anne was a stunner at your age, too,” mom says keeping both of Jess’s hands clasped in hers.
“Thank you, Mrs. Stevens. Mom would get a kick at hearing that. Most people tend to say I favor my father.”
“Well, I’m sure you do. Carlos was a gentle soul growing up and from Quaid’s interaction with him over the years, I believe he’s still the same honorable gentle man. Any child of Carlos’ must have those same traits, I gather.”
“She does,” I confirm placing both my hands, on Jess’s shoulders facing my joyful mom. Her eyes take us both in and there is no hiding how happy she is with this new development in my life. My past has made it difficult for me to trust people, to let them in and to know me. I mean to let someone truly know me has never been an easy task. I never brought a girl home to meet my folks, nor did I ever entertain the idea that I even wanted to. Jess being here is a decision that my mom knows I did not make lightly. If she’s here, it’s because she is meant to be here next to me today and for the foreseeable future. I’m not sure if Jess has grasped that yet, but mom sure has.
“Come. Everyone is already in the dining hall, waiting,” mom says, entwining Jess’s hand in her arm.
“Great,” Jess hushes giving me a sideways look.
“Just stick with me Jessica, and follow my lead. Debora has a keen nose and can smell fear a mile away. Don’t let her and stand your ground. Trust me. If she sees you’re not intimidated in the slightest, she’ll lose interest and move to her next target,” mom explains trying to show Jess she’s got an ally in her.
“Oh my god, I really am going to meet Miranda Priestly, aren’t I?” Jess exhales nervously.
“Now that you mention it, Debora does favor Meryl Streep in that movie. Go figure. I always pegged her as ‘Cruella de Ville’ myself,” mom shrugs. Jess’s eyes grow wider and look at me begging to escape. She’s so cute all rattled up. I make a note to do something sweet for her the minute we leave. She loves it when we go aimlessly walking through Central Park, or just lying on the grass and staring at the sky for hours on end. It’s still early and the dinner is later tonight, so I’m sure I can steal her away for a couple of hours.
“So, are both of you already packed up?” mom asks, interrupting my daydream of having Jess nap on my lap, while I stroke her hair to my heart’s content.
“Yes, Mrs. Stevens. We’re all set to leave tomorrow morning,” Jess replies for me.
“Wonderful. I can’t wait to have my boy home for spring break. And please call me Taylor. Every time I hear Mrs. Stevens called out, I can’t help think we’re talking about Debora,” mom jokes.
“Mom, you’re not helping. Jess is already climbing the walls and you painting Gran as the Anti- Christ isn’t doing her any favors.”
“You’re right. My apologies, Jess. I don’t mean to scare you. Don’t think of her as the Anti-Christ,” mom says leading us into the dining room where I see my father already in his chair and my grandparents sitting in their usual seats. One on each head of the table to showcase their governance in this household. Both my grandfather and father stand to great us, but my grandmother continues to stay seated where she is scrutinizing Jess’s features.
“Anti–Christ no, but his bride, maybe,” mom silently hushes to us, moving away to take her seat next to my father.
“Merda,” I hear Jess murmur under her breath. I press on Jess’s lower back to move her to her seat and make the necessary introductions. The next hour is full of small talk from my father and grandfather while mom and Jess stare at their plates, obviously counting down the minutes for this brunch to end. Grandmother is also uncharacteristically silent throughout the whole meal. Dad knowingly doesn’t ask Jess too many personal questions, but just enough to get the sense of the girl next to me. With her every reply I beam prouder. Since grandmother continues to be mum, Jess seems to forget her presence and her witty and funny personality is able to shine through. Even my grandfather doesn’t seem to be immune and laughs at a couple of her witty remarks. Once brunch is over, we all gather in the library for some coffee and tea, but before I’m able to retreat to a corner with Jess, I’m pulled aside.
“A word Quaid,” my grandmother beckons and I silently follow her. My eyes are still on Jess as she sees my company and gives me one of her cheeky smiles.
“I have a favor to ask,” Gran continues. I just nod and wait for her to say her peace. She’s been off all morning. I’ve been waiting for any snide remark or intrusive questioning from her but none have occurred. This favor of hers might be the reason why.
“Tonight, I’m going to need you to be at your best as usual, but most importantly I’ll need the rest of the people in this room to act just as properly,” she explains.
“I see. Are you talking about anyone in particular, grandmother? As far as I can see every person here is an adult and knows their place. I’m sure you won’t have any reason to worry,” I coolly remark.
“Yes, well, I’m sure under different circumstances that would be the case. Unfortunately, there will be a guest that some members of this family might not enjoy bumping elbows with.”
“Please tell me you didn’t? Please tell me you’re not talking about Olivia?” I beg, all of a sudden imagining how this night just got a million times more complicated to endure.
“Unfortunately, I’m unable to. She’s made some influential friends who are also invited and decor prevented me from keeping her off the guest list. I hate to have her tantrum at not attending tonight’s festivities on my hands.”
“Since when are you interested in Olivia’s happiness?”
“Happiness? Dear child, don’t be absurd. Her happiness is of no consequence. I just want her content. A content Olivia is less troublesome. You know how I detest troublesome people. So be a dear and indulge her when she’s present at the house and if it all possible keep certain people clear of her once she arrives. Other than that, I’m sure you can handle this little nuisance for it not to reach my ear, can’t you?” Gran asks implying the nuisance will be how my mother will react in the presence of such a guest.
“Yes.”
“Good. I can always count on your discretion,” she looks at me thoughtfully and for a millisecond, I think I see sorrow.
“You have been discreet in all areas, haven’t you, child? I’d hate to learn you’ve been more than forthcoming to anyone outside our household.” Clear steel eyes look into mine searching to see some sort of acknowledgment to her insinuation.
“Now Gran, you taught me that even the walls have ears. Is it wise for you to be talking about past events in front of a full room?” I smirk throwing back at her the few words of wisdom she has imparted with me over the years.
“Touché, my beloved grandson. Your quick understanding of how things work has always made you stick out from the fold, making you my favorite grandchild. You know how words hold power, so they should always be spoken with purpose and secrets should always maintain in their true form as they were intended. To be kept secret.”
I just nod, not wanting to prolong this type of questioning. I understand her well enough and don’t need her to spell it out for me. Like a true Kingpin, my grandmother is making it clear that family business is just that. Family business. I should hold my tongue in regards to any secrets my grandmother feels will tarnish my family’s reputation. The thing is if I thought divulging any secret I may have would only harm my grandparents’ business, I wouldn’t care one iota. But some secrets were just a bit more twisted to their very root and good people would be looked at differently should these secrets see the light of day. For years I have put my past behind me, but ever since I moved back to New York, it seems they haunt me.
“Secrets are like people, Quaid. Some are harder to control than others,” she continues on this time fixing her eyes on mom.
“Your mother is a great example. While Olivia is manageable, even if at times inconvenient, she knows how to play the game to survive in our world as opposed to Taylor, who doesn’t care either way. All she needs is you and Craig and that makes her a wild card I didn’t expect. No money or promises of wealth will ever make her do anything I say or bow down to my will and that’s the risk I took when I let my son marry for love.”
I sincerely doubt that my grandmother had input on who my dad decided to marry. My parents were destined to be together and not even my grandmother could have torn them apart. I keep those thoughts to myself. No use in throwing what is painfully obvious in my grandmother’s face if she refuses to acknowledge it.
“I prefer gold diggers and socialites that need security for their lifestyle. Call it what you will, but women like that are easy enough to be dealt with,” she continues on looking over to where Jess and my mom are sitting, conspiringly laughing with each other.
“That one right there will only give me migraines, I’m sure of it. Her kind always does and I rather not house another non submissive family member.”
“I think you’re getting ahead of yourself, grandmother. Jess and I are just dating,” I playoff, not wanting Jess to be caught in my grandmother’s attention for too long.
“Tsk Tsk, Quaid. We’ve never lied to each other, so please don’t start now. The girl sitting next to your mother is her mirror image in all ways, as are you are your father’s. She’d have you tomorrow if you asked even if you were as dirt poor.”
“You can’t know that based on a couple of hours. And anyway, we’re still in college so you shouldn’t concern yourself,” I spat, trying hard to show some sort of callousness. I don’t like the way Gran is eyeing Jess like she’s a pesky mosquito that needs to be squashed before it can do any harm.
“Ah dear boy, there you go again. Lies are all around us as it is, do not pollute the air with your own. I’ll let you have this fling. Hopefully, this infatuation will leave your system sooner rather than later. But should it not, I’ll deal with it when the time comes,” she patronizingly pats me on the shoulder and walks away as if she didn’t just tell me that my days with Jess were already in countdown mode in her mind. My grandmother does hold power, just not over me. I’ve also learned a few things growing up as a Stevens, and even though my grandmother wishes she was the one at the head of the wheel when it came to deciding anything in her family’s lives, my dad showed me another way to deal with it. I only relinquish my individuality and my choice if I show I need their approval. I’ve learned from my dad this is something no one can achieve, therefore it shouldn’t matter if I have it or not. So, let them feel the way they feel without my nontraditional input to sway their attention to me even further. At the end of the day, I’ll do what I want. I know my cousins probably don’t have the same luxury seeing as they don’t have the same role models for dealing with my grandparents as I do. Again, I am blessed in having the parents I do. Mom and dad have shown me that the only person who can have any say in how I go on about my life is me and only me.
But that’s another lie, isn’t it?
I look over to Jess who is now not only accompanied by my mother but has also grabbed my father’s attention. They are laughing away at something dad said, and I can’t help but think that these three people have just the same influence in my life as I do. Yes, I may know where I want to go, but they also lead me. My parents, from the moment I was born, have loved and cared for me. They have made sacrifices upon sacrifices to make sure I’m a well-adjusted individual. Teaching me the difference between what’s right and wrong and embedding in me the will to follow my dream. No matter how high the jump, I knew they would always be on the ground to catch me if I fell. And now, I’ve got Jess, too. The girl who will always challenge me. The girl that will make me dance at a frat party one night and make me flash cards to study the next. While my parents molded me into the person I am today; I’m positive that Jess is going to mold me into the man I want to become.
So, let my grandmother have her illusions that she has any say about my relationship with Jess. She’s in for a rude awakening. There is nothing she can do to stop what destiny has already put in motion. If mom was put on this earth for dad, then I’m positive Jess was put in it for me.
There is only one person who can do serious harm to both relationships and apparently, she’s making an appearance tonight. I just have to make sure to keep Olivia away from both mom and Jess. During my grandmother’s rant, there was just one thing I agreed on with her. Some secrets should be kept secret. Mom is going to have a hard enough time being in the same room as that woman. Jess might also not be too happy with her presence for different and unjustifiable reasons, but it will be enough for her to keep her distance.
At least, I hope.