Mr. Berkshire (Book 1 in the For Better Or Worst Trilogy)

Chapter 25

     A southern mother scattering around a kitchen at the last minute for unexpected guests, especially one as important as the head of Berkshire's Publish and my very own boss, is not a scene that anyone should be forced to watch.  Any gruesome clip on Animal Planet cannot compete with the mama bear trying to impress the lion, while the helpless sheep watch on. Dinner shifts from a casserole to a five star meal, brought out only during holidays and special events, shrimp and grits. Most of us fear what this change in dinner means, but the damage is done. Like in an event of a train crash that you desperately want to look away from, we sit and watch in silence. 

     Hours later, she's setting and resetting the table for the third time by the time Roman announces himself with a ring of the doorbell. Immediately, everyone darts to the dining room, but my papa who can't care less about our special guest. Actually, i'm afraid he might have a word or two to say to my boss. It's no surprise to anyone that he never wanted me to leave Maywood, especially if it meant taking up a job in Seattle under the tattooed bachelor, Roman Berkshire. However, he underestimates the passion I have for my job. If he thinks this will be an easy conquest, he will surely be disappointed. At dinner, I'm wearing a long sleeve yellow floral tiered ruffle mini dress, but on the inside i'm dressed as a knight willing to go to war to protect my job as a full time assistant at Berkshire's Publishing. 

     On a closer look of those around the table, everyone is surprisingly dressed up. Besides my brother who basically feels everything my papa tells him to and Anastasia's husband who didn't bother to show up, everyone is wearing their best dressed clothes. Did I miss church? The second papa rounds the corner to enter the dining room and take his seat at the end of the table, mama returns with a very well dressed Roman, Lucille hanging from his arm. Without meaning to, I sit a bit straighter in my seat. 

     "We're very pleased to have you, Mr Berkshire. How did you know I loved tulips?" Mama is telling him while clearly trying not to trip over her own words, while holding a bouquet of yellow tulips like her most prized possession. "My daughter has told me so much about you." She lies. Up to this moment, mama has not shown even the smallest of interest in my work, including my boss. However, I know better than to call her out on said lie. 

     "All good things I hope." He says with that charming smile of his. The women at the table all break out into nervous girls and yet again, i'm reminded of the impact this man has on the opposite sex. With Ana's encouragement, Roman takes a seat between Lucille and I. 

     "Why are you doing this?" I whisper under my breath as soon as he's sitting. 

     "Doing what? Would you have rather me turn away this offer to eat with your family?" 

     "Yes." I hiss. 

     "And what would they think of me?" He asks this as if their opinion of him actually matters. Is it really that important to him that every person he meets must love him? By the look in his eyes, I would say yes. 

     One after one, mama serves each of us a bowl of her famous shrimp and grits. Before anyone can dig in, mama decides to start with grace. Without a word, everyone follows by joining hands. Reluctantly, I give my hand to the last person I want to. Even worse, that hand brings a different kind of warm sensation through me. Mustering all the strength I possibly can, I force my eyes shut and lower my head. For a brief second, i'm transported away from the family dinner and back in Seattle with Roman. This strong, but gentle hand was roaming my very body while we shared one of the most passionate kisses that i've ever experienced. Once again, i'm left with wondering why he's here. Him coming to my home town, eating dinner with my family crossing the line of professionalism. Thankfully, grace ends before I can continue this downward spiral. However, Roman's hand lingers in mine a couple seconds too long before he uses that same hand to begin digging into dinner.