An Unexpected Gift

Chapter 4- 'Kill me now'

I WAS LATE........ As usual, that was nothing new, once Mom said that I would be late for my own funeral, the ceremony & burial. My package was supposed to arrive promptly at 8:00 am so we could make the two-hour drive across town to check in and get along with the family 'proceedings' by eleven. I placed the last of my bags in the back of my 2012 Honda and continued pacing the pavement; I was running out of time! I couldn't show up by myself! My mom would massacre me, and feed me to the huge pet parrot she called Trixie. I was going in full-scale panic mode. I jumped in the driver's seat, checked my Swiss Army wristwatch again, started the ignition, and stepped on the pedal.

I pulled into the lush driveway of the Winsley Hotel and watched as the porter pulled my bags out the back, then I got out and handed the valet my keys. I knew as soon as I walked into the lobby I would be staring into the eyes of my mom, aunts, cousins, and everybody who would scuff at my loneliness, make my liberty a joke, I was nervous as hell and must have prayed at least 20 times that I wouldn't fall on my face on entry, never the less I broadened my shoulders, took a larger than needed breath and strut on in.

The lobby was teeming with activity and buzz, with people from all over; Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Africans, and Chinese. The air was abuzz with different languages and dialects, enough to make your head spin coupled with the scent of fresh donuts, roast coffee, the sound of soft piano music, slot machines, random shouting, and alcohol. I never really realized how much activity took place here on a daily basis and it was one of my most frequently visited hotels! I continued making my way across the foyer to the front desk when I was stopped by a couple of high pitch shrills followed by a frightening hug "Kay K!! You're here!" "Hey, Lacy!" I embraced my sister with all open arms "Well thank heavens, I was beginning to think you've lost your way or changed your mind", "Well finally!" I spun to see my mom and Dom approaching, "So Kay, where is he?" Lacy asked inquisitively, "He who?" I was hopeless, "You know the guy you're in love with? The Mr. you can't get enough of!?" I watch as Lacy squealed and jumped with excitement, I was hoping she would tone down as not to draw attention but I was hoping for too much. Yes sweetheart, where is this man who is going to rescue your virginity again?" My mom jumped in. I don't know if you could tell then and there but I was shaking like a puss in my seven-inch red bottoms, I was so afraid Mom could see it in my eyes or hear it in my voice, even though everyone was so caught up in their meet and greet I was still the topic of choice now surrounded by everyone, that's when I began, "Well, Mom you see I tried to...... Well, Dom and I.... Well", "Baby I thought you were going to wait on me at the apartment".

I felt a sudden warm embrace and a feathery kiss on my neck, I was shocked out of my widths, I went completely speechless! Not at the fact that my 'DATE' had arrived but at how stunning he was with his smothering dark brown eyes, his full lips his slim but fit built, completed with his caramel-colored skin clothed in a white linen suit after I spun, I stood staring into his eyes.... Speechless! "I think I just had an orgasm" Everyone turned to stare at Mom "I need a drink" she choked out as she swiftly fanned herself; everyone except me who stood like a statue, still speechless peering into this stranger's eyes who just saved me from a weekend of misery.

"So Nastacijah! Aren't you going to introduce your hunk to the family?" Dom said with a purr, I cleared my throat as he grabbed my hand to shake me awake "Ammm everyone? This is...." "Demetri, Demetri Carter! Nice to meet you all and I am guessing you are her mom? Right?" Thankfully he jumped in before I could continue and make a complete ass of myself with Mom still fanning extending an arm she said, "I am 42, widowed, and much more fun" with an emphasis on the much and a wink "Mom!" I snapped, Blushing at the same time. "Hi I'm the bride-to-be and the little sister, it's finally nice to meet you!" And "It's a pleasure to meet you!" Patience stepped in with an edge in her voice, was I sensing an attitude? With an out stretched arm she shook his hand. It was a bit frightening when she did it but I ignored her and continued "Since we are all acquainted, shall we head up to our rooms?" With a weary smile.