Chapter Twenty Five
They entered the foyer and were escorted to the dining hall. Julian cleared his throat. “Fellas, we have company.”
One by one all eyes turned to them. Claudia almost cursed, and Samiyah was right there with her. Claudia was right, it was a delight to be surrounded by the gorgeous men.
“Hello ladies,” they all stated.
“Hey beautiful,” Jonas said coming up behind Samiyah; his strong arms immersing her in a tight hug. He leaned slightly placing a barrage of kisses on her cheek.
The intense warmth that took over her when he was near would never get old, and she would revel in it every time. Her face swelled into a blush. “Hey sweetheart.”
He turned her around to face him and placed a kiss soft and slow on her lips.
“You know every time I see you two, you’re hugged up like that,” Jaden said walking up beside Jonas. He turned to Claudia, “Hello, pretty girl.”
Her smile lit up. “Hello yourself.”
“You ladies are right on time. How are you doing? I’m Christopher Lee Rose,” their father said, making an entrance. He reached to pull their hands in for a kiss.
“Hello,” they said simultaneously. Heavy footsteps danced down the staircase. “That bathroom is too cute to be left alone. What kind of man decorates a bathroom anyway.”
Samiyah gawked at her mother’s entrance. Her head whipped around to Jonas, then Christopher, back to her mother. “Mom!”
“Oh, hey baby, it’s about time you got here I’m starving. You know it’s rude to eat before everybody joins the table, but you were almost one piece of cornbread too late.”
Claudia covered her mouth in shocked silence, snickering into her hand. “I had no idea you’d be here.” Samiyah didn’t know whether to be joyous or horrified.
“I know,” Martha lifted an eye to Jonas. “I was invited. Not by you, of course.”
Samiyah fumbled out her next words, “I um, had no idea you would want to come and I was also invited but it great to have you here.” She pulled her in for a hug. Martha laid kisses on her face.
“Pops, this is Samiyah Manhattan and Claudia Stevens. They own S & M Financial Advisors downtown,” Jonas said.
“Business women, I like it, please have a seat. Your mother and I have been getting better acquainted.”
Samiyah didn’t know what that meant, but she was saying a mental prayer that her mother wouldn’t embarrass her. She would decide later whether to kill Jonas or not for inviting her.
Jonas pulled out a chair and Jaden did the same allowing the ladies to sit down comfortably.
“Thank you,” Samiyah said to him.
“You’re more than welcome.”
He took his seat next to hers as the other men around the table did also. The housekeeper, Norma Rodriguez, exited the kitchen. She was a short, stocky lady with salt and pepper hair that was cut right below her ear.
“I’m going to the store, Mr. Rose. I’ll be back shortly.”
Christopher peered at her. “I haven’t been Mr. Rose in years. What has gotten into you today woman,” he said.
Jonas slipped out of his chair and went to her, pulling her in for a hug. “Hello Norma, every time I see you it looks as if you’re getting younger.”
“Sure, fifty-seven years younger,” she chuckled, and he grinned; placing a quick kiss on her cheek. “Now Mr. Rose don’t start. I’ll call you want I want to, sometimes.” She turned and went out the door.
“I hope you ladies brought your appetites because Norma cooked a big dinner like she always does when we get together for family meals. She loves cooking for me, but she really loves cooking for them.”
“That’s because she practically raised us,” Josiah said.
The other men agreed. The table was decorated with silver platters with enclosed tops, utensils, and a glass of water at each seat. Samiyah could smell the aroma of food steaming from beneath the covered china.
“Congratulations, sons,” the men turned to their father. “All of you. Each of you has excelled in your professional lives, and your mother would be proud of the men you are today, and so am I.”
“We were led by example,” Jonas said.
“Yes indeed,” Jaden agreed.
“He was alright,” Jonathon said. Christopher reached out to smack him on the back of his head. “It was just a joke,” Jonathon laughed.
“Let me show you what’s funny,” He said still swinging.
“You know pops will put you in a headlock. I still can’t figure out why you do it to yourself,” Jonas said.
“I think he likes those headlocks,” Jordan threw in.
“You might be right,” Jaden said.
They said a prayer over their food and ate, their conversation light and comical. Their playful banter amused Samiyah, and for a moment she thought about her own isolated childhood. She’d always wanted brothers but never had the chance to experience that life.
Jonas leaned to her and whispered in her ear. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Very much so,” she turned to him with an elated smile.
He leaned closer and placed a kiss on her lips.
“Baby girl, you look different today,” Martha quipped.
“Oh, I had my hair cut in the front. I like the bang, what do you think?” Samiyah took a sip of her water.
“No, that’s not it. There’s a glow. Are you pregnant?”
Water squirted out of Samiyah’s mouth, shocked by her mother’s question. She reached for a napkin and patted her mouth and hands where the water had landed.
“Oh, don’t be so dramatic,” Martha inclined. “It’s just a question.”
Samiyah’s eye averted Christopher. “No mom, I’m not.”
“Well have you taken a pregnancy test?”
“Mom, no!”
“Then how do you know you’re not?”
“Because I just do,” Samiyah huffed.
“Well, I know all too well about that glow. Either you’re pregnant or in love so which one is it?”
A heavy blush flooded Samiyah’s face. This line of questioning would’ve been okay if they were alone. But here in the midst of all these men was not the right time, in her opinion.
“You can scratch pregnancy off your list mom.” Everyone noticed she didn’t answer the second part of Martha’s question.
“Alright, I know how to take a hint.” Martha went back to her food.
Jonas had become glued to Samiyah. She did say she loved him, but he wanted to know how deep her love went. Was it as erratic and insane as his? Samiyah could feel Jonas’ eyes on her. She took another sip of water trying to pull herself together.
“So, when’s the wedding?” Christopher asked.
Jonas never took his eyes off Samiyah as he spoke to his father. “I’ll let you know.”
There was a hushed silence that fell over the table. Samiyah felt like her stomach had just done a back flip. Claudia was clutching her pearls. Martha dropped her fork. All eyes were on him; his brothers trying to make out if he was serious.
Samiyah let out a nervous laugh and rubbed his chin. “May I use your restroom,” she asked needing the reprieve.
“I’ll show you to it.”
Jonas moved from his chair and helped Samiyah out of hers, guiding her through the house.