CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
ELISE
brINGING NATHAN TO meet my parents was a bad idea.
Every cell in my body testified to that as Nathan and I stood outside my mother’s favorite restaurant. I was nervous not because I thought they wouldn’t like Nathan, but because Nathan was the first man since Jax to meet my parents.
I wasn’t exactly popular growing up, not to mention I was raised by very strict Haitian parents, so there was never an opportunity for me to date before I went off to college, at least not without the fear that my dad would chop the guy’s private part off.
That fear was still there, coursing through me like I was a thirteen year old girl again as I gripped the handle of the gift bag in my hand that contained my mother’s birthday present as I waited to muster up the courage to walk inside the restaurant.
Unlike me, who was a ball of nerves, Nathan stood beside me the perfect picture of ease while holding a bottle of Kremas, the creamy alcoholic beverage native to my country of Haiti.
I mentioned it earlier in the day while I showed him my old stomping grounds and by the time we arrived at Nathan’s hotel, there was a bottle waiting for us in his room.
He must have pulled some strings, which might earn him some brownie points with my mom, but I’m afraid my father would be harder to please.
The curly fries I had earlier churned in my stomach and threatened to make an appearance at the thought of their impending meet.
My father wasn’t the most welcoming man in the world; his piercing and disappointing gaze were constant friends of mine throughout my life.
It’s the same look of disappointment I envision he’ll give me when I reveal I’m dating my former boss and I quit my stable job for a dream that may or may not come true.
I suddenly wish I had a shot glass so I could pour myself some of the Kremas and have some liquid encouragement before facing my family. Hell, I’d drink from the bottle if it meant eliminating the fear, dread, and anxiety rumbling inside of me.
“How are you so calm?” I demanded. Nathan stood beside me looking as cool and collected as he did when he was dealing billion-dollar contracts. It was admirable as it was unnerving.
“Do you want me to be nervous?” Nathan arched a brow at me.
“Of course not. I just…” I struggled to find the right words.
“You just want everything to be perfect.” Nathan finished for me.
“Exactly.”
“I’ll be on my best behavior, Cupcake,” Nathan promised, pressing a kiss to my temple. “No mention of earlier, I swear.”
My cheeks heated at the memory. After our trip down memory lane, we freshened up back at Nathan’s hotel. The shower barely had time to warm before things…escalated. Let’s just say, the bathroom may never recover.
Were we running a little late because of that detour? Absolutely.
“Nathan,” I warned, earning me a light chuckle and another kiss to my temple. “Keep it up and I’ll be booking my own hotel room.”
“You wouldn’t deny me would you?” Nathan took on a boyish smile that made my earlier annoyance melt away.
“Maybe.” My bark already lost its bite before Nathan leaned in and pressed his lips against mine. I marveled at the sweet taste of his lips and the calm that chased away the nerves as I relaxed into the kiss.
Someone cleared their throat and a shot of anxiety re-entered my body.
My face heated up with an intensity that rivaled summers in Florida when I pulled away from the kiss to see my parents standing at the entrance watching us.
On some level, I knew my parents assumed I dated, but that didn’t mean I had to confirm it. I’m pretty sure my parents thought I watched romance movies and went to Bible studies in my free-time, not make out with impossibly gorgeous men in front of restaurants for all of the world to see.
My father’s face was unreadable, but the slight tick in his jaw spoke volumes. My mother? Her arched brow and pursed lips told me I was in for a very interesting dinner.
I was a full-fledged adult, but I was still embarrassed to be caught kissing a man in front of my parents.
Okay God. If you want to open a hole in the ground to swallow me up, I’d be okay with it.
My silent prayer went unanswered. No hole. Just two stunned parents and a whole lot of awkward silence.
“You must be Elise’s parents,” Nathan spoke first, shattering the silence that blanketed us. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Nathan Edge.” He held out his hand.
I’ll give credit to my mother who recovered quicker than I thought she would. “Hello. I’m Colette.” My mother shook Nathan’s hand.
“Elise told me your favorite drink to have during a celebration is Kremas?” He held up the bottle. “I hope you don’t mind that I brought you some for your birthday.”
My mother’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. “Thank you so much.” My mother took the bottle, the memory of catching her daughter kissing was already forgotten.
See. This is why I wasn’t worried about my mother. My father on the other hand…
Damien Alexandre hadn’t said a word since he arrived on the scene. He didn’t need to. His eyes said it all.
Disappointment shined through in his eyes and I mentally compiled a list of reasons why that would be.
Was it because I broke his perception of me being the sweet little girl who waited by the door for him to get out of work?
Was it because Nathan wasn’t the Haitian doctor he always imagined I’d date?
The possibilities were endless.
“Edge?” my father mused, ignoring me completely. His brow furrowed as recognition dawned. “As in your boss, Mr. Edge?” The judgment in his voice was impossible to miss.
Nathan must’ve sensed my unease because he stepped forward, extending his hand towards my father with an ease that made my father’s disapproval look ridiculous in comparison.
“Nathan Edge,” he said smoothly. “Yes sir, the same one. But tonight I’m just here as Elise’s boyfriend.
” He met my father’s eyes evenly, no apology, no nerves.
Just a calm confidence that said he wasn’t backing down. “I hope that’s not a problem.”
My father shook Nathan’s hand and I ushered all of us inside because that’s where the alcohol was.
The three of us headed inside the bustling restaurant where I was instantly engulfed by the familiar smell of deep savory spices, rich meats, and fried goodness.
The female host greeted us warmly before directing us to our seats where my older brother, Julian, was already waiting for us.
“Hey Juju.” I greeted him, barely able to contain my laughter when his jaw locked at the horrid nickname.
“What did I tell you about calling me that?” Julian glared at me as he stood up from the table, bringing me into his arms for a hug.
“You love it,” I giggled, wrapping my arms around his back and smiling at the familiar scent of his cologne. My brother and I shared many of the same features, from our dark brown complexion, dark brown eyes, sharp bridge of our nose and black hair.
“Yeah, okay.” His laughter tickled my ear before we pulled away from each other, his eyes immediately locked onto Nathan who stood idly by my side watching the exchange.
For a minute, neither of them spoke.
They sized each other up the way men do when they’re deciding what kind of threat or ally the other might be.
Julian was taller than me, though still a couple of inches shorter than Nathan.
His broad shoulders stretched the fabric of a navy button-down, his expression calm but alert.
Nathan stood just as steady beside him, posture relaxed, hands loose at his sides, his presence filling the space without him trying.
“Who’s this?” Julian was the first to break the silence.
“This is Nathan. My boyfriend.”
“Boyfriend? And why is this the first I’m hearing about this?” Julian demanded.
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because I’m twenty-four and don’t need to give you a play-by-play of my love life.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Nathan said, extending his hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Julian took it, his grip firm but not aggressive.
“All good things, I hope.”
“Of course. You know you’re my favorite brother.” I replied.
“I’m your only brother.” Julian shook his head.
***
A FEW MINUTES after we sat down, the table was practically groaning under the weight of every delicious dish I could have ever hoped for.
Crispy griot with golden-brown edges, fried plantains, and bowls of rice and beans.
Each dish was more fragrant than the last. It was a Haitian feast at its finest. And at the center of it all?
A large bowl of pikliz, the fiery, vinegary slaw that my entire family swore by.
“Everything looks delicious.” Nathan said, admiring the spread.
“And it tastes even better.” I grinned before reaching for a fried plantain. “Are you sure you want to try that?” I asked, when I saw Nathan reaching for some pikliz, trying to hide the smirk tugging at my lips.
Nathan grinned, unfazed. “I’m always up for a challenge. What’s the worst that could happen?”
I wasn’t entirely sure if he was joking, but before I could stop him, he scooped a generous amount onto a fried plantain.
“Bold move,” I muttered, but I couldn’t help but admire his enthusiasm.
Julian watched him, amused. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that,” he said.
Nathan took a bite, chewed thoughtfully, and then—nothing. No dramatic reaction, no sucking in a breath, no panic.
“That’s pretty good,” he said, a hint of surprise in his voice. He took another bite, and this time I noticed a slight twitch in his jaw, but he powered through, his eyes bright as ever.
I tried not to look too impressed, but honestly, I was. He didn’t flinch or make a sound until the heat seemed to settle in. His eyes watered just a touch, and he cleared his throat.
I leaned in slightly, catching the small signs of discomfort. Nathan kept a relaxed grin on his face, like nothing about this bothered him. I could tell he didn’t want to admit that the heat was getting to him.