The Storm

Chapter 15

Davis

Ironically enough, I arrive early at my parents' house on Thanksgiving. Daisy is driving over with Archer once he's up from his nap. Everything is coming along nicely at work. The launch is set to go off without a hitch so I feel a little more relaxed than I have in the past few weeks. 

My parents, Bill and Stella, usually have tons of people over for Thanksgiving. Cousins, aunts, and uncles; my father is one of six and my mother is the oldest of eight. Mom spends all day cooking and making sure everything is perfect. She greets me with her usual smile and a kiss on the cheek. I'm still cautious with her though. My sisters and I found out the hard way how crazy the holidays make my mother. She wants everything to be perfect. 

"Hello my darling," she says, peering around me. "Where is Archer?" 

"Daisy is bringing him over," I tell her. 

"Oh the nanny, right. Billie was telling me she's doing wonderful with Archer. What time is she dropping him off?" she asks, heading back into the kitchen. Billie is there stirring something delicious in a pot. My other sister Angelica is there, looking very pregnant, sitting on a stool. I hug and kiss both of them.

"Mom, Daisy is staying for dinner too. Billie invited her," I remind her. My mother nods absently and directs Billie to lower the heat on the gravy she's stirring. Cousins are coming in and out of the kitchen, saying hello, walking out to the back deck where my father keeps the beer in a cooler. I'm about to open my mouth to ask my mother if she needs help when she snaps her fingers. 

"I almost forgot," she says then lowers her voice. "Your cousin Ellen brought her single friend with her. She's lovely, Davis. I want you to meet her. She's a lawyer, single, never been married. I've made sure you are seated next to her at dinner. I think you two will hit it off beautifully. It's beyond the time you got back out there. Sabrina would want you to be happy." 

"Mom, I don't think that's--"

"Her name is Charlotte. She's gorgeous. You don't have to do anything but be your usual charming self. You don't want to be alone forever. Besides, Archer needs a proper mother." she insists. I open my mouth to protest when my cousin Ellen and Charlotte pop into the kitchen. 

"Charlotte, just the woman I want to see!" my mother exclaims, brushing her hands down her apron. She nudges me by the elbow, "This is my son, Davis. Davis this is Charlotte, the woman I was telling you about." 

Charlotte is lovely. She's tall with long dark hair and green eyes, dressed impeccably in a lavender pantsuit. She extends a slender hand. I automatically take it out of politeness and greet her with a smile. Billie is behind them and giving me a funny look. I make polite small talk with Charlotte and Ellen while trying to keep a lookout for Daisy and Archer's arrival. 

"Are you okay?" Ellen asks with a quizzical look. 

"I'm waiting for my son to get here," I explain. I have an uneasy feeling that I'm getting myself into a situation that is going to give Daisy the wrong impression. I'm going to have to explain to my mother, not to mention Charlotte and Ellen, that I'm not looking to 'get back out there.' I'm with Daisy now. Regardless of what my mother may or may not think, she is the one I want. 

About ten minutes later, Mom announces that dinner is ready. I sit down next to my father as Billie, Ellen and a couple of my other cousins help mom bring all the food out to the table. I hear the front door open and my sister Angelica's voice. 

"Hey, how's my favorite boy?" Angelica coos. Mom looks to the foyer as Archer and Daisy appear. 

"There is our boy!" my mom declares, opening her arms to Archer. He runs to my mom with a laugh. Daisy has him dressed in black pants and a little shirt and tie, his hair combed like mine. Archer goes to my father without hesitation and sits on his lap.