THE VIXEN

Chapter Thirteen

They rode the rest of the way with Daniel telling her stories about different parts of the land and all the stories of how he had spent his days here as a young boy. Vixen could picture a young Daniel running around playing cops and robbers with his brothers.

Vixen had found a black Vera Wang fit and flare sweater dress and a gold 21" multi chain necklace with a modern geo cuff bracelet and a black pair of black stiletto Mary Jane pumps. She was fixing her makeup in the mirror when she heard a knock on the door.

"Wow. Damn baby, you look good enough to eat," Daniel said as he opened the door.

"Really, you think I look okay enough to meet your mom?" Vixen was smoothing her dress nervously.

"Yes, baby, you could be wearing a pair of denim overalls and a straw hat and you would be suitable to meet my mother."

Taking her hand, Vixen and Daniel walked up a cobble stone pathway that lead from the guest house to the main house lit by landscape lights with a handsome traditional look, an ornate floral finial accent and champagne hammered decorative glass and a bronze finish.

As they reached the white French doors that went into the house from the patio, Vixen stopped short.

"Daniel, do your parents know that I am coming? Should we have called first?"

Daniel chuckled and wrapped his arm around her waist, kissed her and said,

"Baby, its fine. Trust me," he said as he opened the door and walked in to the house, hand in hand with Vixen.

"Mom, Dad. Are you home?"

Daniel's family home was everything you would think about French Chateau architecture from the opulent towers to the Porte cohere. An oversized front entry beckons your attention to the wonderful amenities inside, a raised marble vestibule with a circular stair, a formal library, a dining hall with views to the veranda and pool beyond and a family gathering hall, open to the kitchen and connected to the outdoor grill. The master suite was embellished with a nature garden, His and Hers wardrobes, a fireplace and an elegant bath. The second floor offers more living space--a media presentation room and game room. Other unique details include a wet bar in the game area, a sunset balcony and a dual-use butler's pantry with a motorized screen to hide the pass-through bar to the reception hall and herb garden.

"In here," came a feminine voice from the library.

Daniel held Vixen's hand as they walked into the library. 'Is everyone in the family beautiful?' Vixen was thinking as Daniel was greeting his parents. His mother was a small olive skinned woman with beautiful silver gray hair that was pulled into a distinct bun at the nape of her neck. She was the quintessential Italian mother. His father was tall, also olive skinned and very distinguished. His hair was still black as coal with streaks of gray hair at both temples.

"Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Vixen. Vixen, this is my mother, Antonia and my father, Dario," he turned to her smiling.

"Hello, my dear, it is nice to meet you," his mother said smiling as she shook the hand that Vixen had offered her.

"Hello," came from his father with a smile.

Vixen thought they were both looking at her in such a strange way. 'They are probably wondering what their son is doing with a fat black girl. I hope that this does not take long. And did he just call me his girlfriend? When did this happen? I am sure it will not last long once he realizes that his parents hate me.'

"It is an honor to meet the both of you. You have a beautiful home," she said smiling.

"Thank you, dear. We like it," his mother said.