New Beginning

CHAPTER SIXTY EIGHT

THE COOKOUT 

RAYA 

Chris's house was bustling and it's been that way since this afternoon. It reminded me of the first time I came to one of his "small" game nights, but busier. Adults, children, and animals were every damn where. This scene wasn't new to me though. I guess I underestimated how involved Chris's family were in his 4th of July cookouts because I would've thought it was thanksgiving by the amount of relatives that showed up to be here for this. I mean, they really showed up and showed out. I mentally prepared to meet his dad and wind up meeting his maternal grandmother, some aunts, uncles, and cousins. My anxiety had been up the roof since I arrived, but luckily his family was very welcoming and was able to calm my nerves a little with their comforting demeanor. Despite all of that, I really have been enjoying myself. The twins have been having a blast too. There were enough children around here to keep them occupied. Plus, they hadn't come running to me to snitch or cry so I take it as they're more than great. 

"Chris who did you say made these ribs again," Naomi asked. She's been stuffing her face since she got here. I'm just happy to see her doing better. That little niece or nephew of mine has been giving my baby the blues. 

"My dad and my uncle. I told you they don't play about when it comes down to the grilling," Chris answered. Naomi nodded her head in agreement as she licked her fingers.

"And you ain't never lied. My baby may not like me after this, but right now mama getting hers. I feel like I haven't ate in forever. I can never hold shit down. I can't believe y'all tried to convince me that this was going to be a walk in the park," she fussed. 

"No. I never told you that girl. I said just vibe twin because at that point that's all you can do," Asia spoke up. 

"Bitch, I'm vibed out. Ok?"

"Well, on the bright side you're wearing your pregnancy really well boo," I said. "You're glowing."

"Y'all had enough over here? You tried some of my potato salad," Mama J came over to our little table. She rested her hand on the back of my chair to prop her weight against her hip. 

"I did mama. Fire! 10 out of 10," Naomi was the first answer. "I'm on a food tour right now and y'all are making me one happy lady."

"Aww Naomi let me see you baby. It looks like your stomach is starting to finally have a little pudge to it," Mama J went over to get a full inspection. While the attention was on Naomi, Chris took that opportunity to start caressing my hand. He always looking for an excuse to touch me in some way. Such a lover boy and I loved that so much. 

"You should spend the night tonight," he said in a more private tone.

"I can't babe. You know I got the kiddos."

He shrugged. "They can stay too. My family will be here and they could sleep in the basement with the other children. It'll be just like them big cousin sleepovers we had as kids growing up. I want you in my bed tonight. I need to feel you next to me Raya."

I sighed. He knew I couldn't refuse him when he talked to me like that. It had me clench my thighs. "Let me at least ask them if they would be comfortable with that. I wouldn't want to be anywhere but with you."

"Good. So don't tell me no," he whispered in my ear than looking back at me in my eyes. 

"Um.. are you trying to go upstairs," I asked him. Because what did he think this was?

"We can. What you want to do?"

"You."

Chris stood up and stretched. "I think we need some more plates and refreshments. Babe, you want to grab some stuff with me?"