Chapter 19 Giselle
Giselle
“Who decides to have a dinner on Christmas Eve?” Giselle asked while sitting on the floor wrapping presents for her nieces
and nephews. She and Shawn would drop them off at her mother’s house before heading over to the Bradleys’ tomorrow.
“I think it’s a cool idea. Kam said she wants to make it a new tradition, and I’m all for it.” Shawn added another wrapped
gift to the box. “I don’t understand why it’s bothering you so much. She and Tariq have been married for almost a year and
a half, and you still have this chip on your shoulder when it comes to her. Did I miss something? Has Kamryn said something out of pocket to you?
Because it doesn’t make sense.” He sighed, scooted next to her, and placed an arm around her shoulders. “Look, I realize things
weren’t great for you growing up, but everyone isn’t out to make your life miserable, babe.”
“I know that,” she snapped. “And I never said she’s trying to make my life miserable.” All Giselle knew was that things changed
in the family the moment Kamryn came around. That little inner mocking voice, once again, said, It’s the jealousy thing. “We need to hurry up if we’re going to get there on time,” she said, changing the subject. She would’ve wrapped everything
tomorrow, but she planned to get to her in-laws’ house earlier in the day to help with the preparations. Unless Kamryn showed
up and started taking over everything. Again.
“This is the last one. Did Tariq and Kam say they needed us to bring anything?”
“Not when she texted earlier in the week.”
Shawn added the last piece of tape to the paper and placed the gift into the box. “I’ll send my brother a text real quick
and ask.” He pulled out his phone and started typing. A couple of minutes later, it chimed. “Tariq said they’re just doing
appetizers and mini desserts, and they’ve got it covered.”
Giselle whipped her head in his direction. “Appetizers? Are you kidding me?” She stood and added her present to the now-filled box. “I knew I should’ve cooked something. I can’t
believe she’s just going to feed everybody little snacks,” she muttered. At this point, she’d rather skip the whole ordeal
and stay home. It would be one more family gathering where everybody would be oohing and aahing over Kamryn. Maybe she should
just plan something as well. But she’d definitely be feeding everyone something more substantial.
He shook his head. “I have no idea what’s on the menu, but I’m sure it’ll be enough to keep you from starving. If not, we
can grab something on the way home.”
“Whatever.” She rolled her eyes and went to put on her shoes.
By the time they made it over to the house, everyone had already arrived. Vincent was still dating Chanel and the two seemed
to be getting serious. This year, Taylor had gone to spend Christmas with Austin, since he wouldn’t be able to come home.
“Hey, y’all. Come on in,” Kamryn said when they entered the living room.
“Hey,” Giselle replied. Kamryn reached out to hug her, and she stiffened. With the entire family looking on, Giselle gave
her a couple of quick pats on the back and stepped away.
Kamryn shook her head, shot a glare Giselle’s way, then turned to smile at and hug Shawn.
“Hey, sis. Love the decorations.”
“Thanks. Let me take your coats. I have a few snacks set up on the table over there to stave off the hunger, and because we’re
finally having weather that actually resembles winter, I made some hot apple cider, so help yourself.”
Giselle greeted the rest of the family, then she and Shawn made their way to the small table that held platters of meat, cheese
and crackers, vegetables and dip, and deviled eggs. “If this was all she planned to do, we could’ve waited until tomorrow,”
she muttered.
Shawn filled a plate and poured two cups of the cider. “She didn’t say this was all. How about you just try to enjoy yourself
for once and stop being so critical? You’re beginning to sound like your mother.” He walked away and left her standing there.
He couldn’t have said anything that would upset her more than being compared to her mother. Why was he blaming her for Kamryn’s
mess? While Giselle couldn’t call herself a gourmet cook, she definitely wouldn’t have invited the entire family over just
for some simple little snacks like the ones laid out on the table. She picked up her plate, a napkin, and the cider, then
went to sit next to Chanel.
“Are you ready for Christmas?” Chanel asked.
“Pretty much. Are you joining us tomorrow?”
“Vincent and Mama Yvonne invited my sister and me, so we’ll both be there. I’m looking forward to it. Do Kamryn and Tariq do this every year? I think it’s a cool idea.”
“This is the first time. I thought there would be a little more to eat, though.”
“Oh, there will be more. I got a peek at a couple of the dishes Kamryn and Tariq are preparing, and my mouth is already watering.
I’m thinking about asking her to teach me a few of her recipes, because the girl can cook,” she said with a laugh.
Just great. Another devoted Kamryn fan. Giselle barely stifled an eye roll. To get off the topic, she turned to Mama Yvonne and asked, “What time do you need us
to be there tomorrow to help out?”
“We’ll have appetizers starting at two, and dinner will be around four thirty or five, so anytime before then will be fine.
The desserts are already done, the turkey and prime rib have been seasoned, and I’ll take care of making the corn bread for
the dressing when I get home tonight. Everything else can be done tomorrow.”
“Do you want me to make the corn bread?”
“No, baby. I’ve got it, but if you want to take care of the green beans, that would be great.”
“Okay.” Of course she’d be assigned something simple.
“Are you making those rolls I’ve heard so much about from Vincent?” Chanel asked.
Mama Yvonne laughed. “Yes, I’m making them, but you might want to get yours before he does.”
“That’s cold, Mom,” Vincent said from his seat.
“But am I lying?” she tossed back.
He ducked his head and shoved a deviled egg into his mouth.
“Mmm-hmm. That’s what I thought.” Mama Yvonne shook her head.
The room erupted in laughter.
“Okay, everyone. Let’s head to the dining room,” Tariq said.
The family followed him to an elaborately decorated table lined with all kinds of appetizers—teriyaki ribeye steak bite skewers,
sliced hanger steak, mini crab cakes, fried chicken wingettes, a couple different kinds of bruschetta, and more.
Shawn moved close to Giselle. “So does this meet with your approval, or do you have something else negative to say?”
Giselle glared up at him. She didn’t miss the bite in his tone. “Why are you always taking up for her?” she whispered harshly.
“I’m your wife. You should be on my side.”
“I am . . . when your side has merit. This thing you have against Kamryn has no merit and has gone on for more than a year.
Again, let it go.” He lifted his head and said louder, “Everything looks good, you two.”
“Thanks, bro. There’s plenty, so enjoy.”
“I’m seriously going to hurt myself,” Chanel said. “Y’all wouldn’t happen to be offering cooking lessons? Better yet, how
about I just pay you for meals three or four times a week.”
Kamryn laughed. “Oh, girl, I got you. I can’t promise the meals, but the lessons, I can do.”
“Bless you, my sister.”
“Amen,” Vincent said. “Chanel, I’ll be available to taste-test whatever you prepare. I’ll even wash dishes afterward.”
Chanel stuck out her hand. “Deal.”
“Son, I think Chanel might be a keeper,” Papa Aaron said.
He glanced down at her. “You might be right, Dad. And you’ve never steered me wrong before.”
For a moment, Giselle thought Vincent would do the same thing as Tariq and propose right then, but he only placed a kiss on her lips, smiled, and handed her a plate.
Kamryn fanned herself. “Whew. It’s getting warm in here. I need you two to take it down a notch before you burn my dining room down. We worked too hard
on this food to see it all be reduced to ashes.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Shawn said, reaching for a skewer.
After everyone got food and drinks, they all settled around the family room. For the first few minutes, the only sounds were
moans and groans and compliments on the food’s great flavor. Giselle grudgingly agreed that it all tasted like something from
one of those upscale restaurants. And by the way her husband was devouring the food, he was in agreement. He’d never been
that eager when it came to her cooking. Taking another bite of the chicken bruschetta, she thought maybe she could ask her
mother-in-law for a few recipes and tips after the new year.
Once the meal ended, the family sat around laughing and talking, then Tariq said, “Before it gets too late, we want to start
a new tradition this year of opening one gift on Christmas Eve. Kamryn is passing out a little something for each of you.”
Giselle accepted the small, beautifully wrapped box.
“I sure wish Austin and Taylor were here,” Mama Yvonne said.
“Oh, don’t worry. I got you, Mama Yvonne,” Kamryn said, going over to the desktop computer. She pushed a few buttons, and
a minute later, Austin and Taylor appeared on the screen.
“Hey, family,” Austin and Taylor chorused. Austin said, “I wish we could be there, but I’m glad to have my wife with me this
year.” They shared a smile.
“Oh my goodness. I miss you guys.” Mama Yvonne waved at the screen.
“We miss you too,” Taylor said. “I’m really going to miss those rolls. Can you save me a couple?”
“Oh, absolutely, sweetheart. If you had mentioned it before you left, I would’ve just sent a few with you.”
“Aw, man.”
Everybody laughed at Taylor’s disgruntled expression.
“Okay, family,” Kamryn said once the laughter died down. “It’s time to open your gifts.”
Giselle tore away the paper, opened the colorful box, and took out the personalized coffee mug. One side had her name printed
in an elaborate font, and on the other was a tree with the words “Family is everything.”
Tariq wrapped his arm around Kamryn’s shoulders. “This is just a little something to remind us all how blessed we are, and
that no matter what, we’re a family and will always have each other’s backs.”
“I like this,” Austin said, holding his mug up. “You’re right, big brother, we are blessed, and I hope we never take this bond for granted.”
Murmurs of agreement flowed around the room. After Kamryn had filled everyone’s glasses with sparkling cider, Tariq lifted
his.
Giselle glanced over at the computer screen. Obviously Austin and Taylor had been privy to the information beforehand, because
both had glasses.
“To love and family.”
“Hear, hear!” and “Amen!” sounded throughout the room as everyone sipped.
“This was such a wonderful idea, Kamryn,” Papa Aaron said.
Kamryn smiled up at Tariq. “I can’t take the credit for this one. Your amazing son came up with the idea, and I just agreed and went shopping.”
“I think we should make this an annual tradition,” Mama Yvonne said. “I really like the appetizer theme.”
Chuckling, Tariq asked, “Are you volunteering us to handle it, Mama?”
Shawn lifted his glass in a mock toast. “I’d volunteer, but y’all know my skills are less than basic. You two are the best
cooks in the family, aside from Mom, so I’m all for you taking care of it. I’ll contribute however much money you need for
groceries,” he added with a grin. Everyone burst out in laughter. He shrugged. “Just being honest.”
“Okay, I’m down,” Kamryn said.
“Well, since Tariq and Kamryn will do the cooking, we should rotate who buys the gifts. Nothing too expensive—maybe ten to
fifteen dollars.”
“How about Giselle and I take care of the gifts next year?” Shawn asked.
Every eye turned Giselle’s way. Hoping her smile looked genuine and putting as much enthusiasm in her voice as she could,
she said, “That sounds great.” Now she’d have to come up with some little trinket. And who said she wanted to spend all that
money? That ten or fifteen dollars would add up fast. He could’ve at least asked her about it before volunteering them. Volunteering
her. She’d most likely be the one shopping. First she’d had to endure another Kamryn fan moment, then put up with those snide
remarks from her husband, and now she was obligated to purchase gifts for an entire family. The night couldn’t get any worse.
“I know it’s getting late on the East Coast, Austin,” Tariq started, “but before you and Taylor sign off, I wanted to share one more thing.” He reached for Kamryn’s hand and the two shared a smile. “We’re having a baby.”
There was complete silence for about ten seconds, then excited congratulations erupted around the room. Mama Yvonne started
crying. Giselle felt like she’d been punched in the gut and wanted to cry too, but for a completely different reason. She’d
thought the night couldn’t get worse, but she’d just been proven wrong in spades. Why couldn’t it be me?