Velvet Kisses Ch. 07

"Clever way of diverting me from the topic," Luna said as she zipped up her quilted jacket. "But I'm not going to forget, so you'd better prepare yourself for a relentless and thorough inquisition."

"Ask away, Luna. But you're not getting any answers out of me."

"That's what you think," Luna rebutted.

With a smile on her face, Jeneda opened her mouth to respond. Yet instead of allowing words to drift out, she only remained quiet and led the way with her friends following behind.

* * * *

"It's all set," Jeneda said as she hung up the phone. "We're spending Thanksgiving in Key West."

"Your mom's okay with having us there for the three-day weekend?" Dane asked.

"Yep. There's plenty of space in the house, and she's very insistent that we stay in the guest room."

"Okay, sounds good." But it wasn't good, and needing to quell the tension that was building in his stomach, Dane took a generous sip of his Bailey's spiked coffee before once again speaking. "I guess It's all set, then."

"Try not to act *too* excited, hon." With a mug of coffee in hand, Jeneda took a seat on the couch beside him. "This is only my mom we're talking about, here."

"I'm sorry. It's not that I don't want to meet her, because I definitely do. I'm just feeling a little nervous about this trip."

"She'll warm up to you, baby. So there's no reason to be worried, okay?"

"I doubt that she will, but It's not her I'm worried about. It's your dad."

"Why?" Her forehead slightly crinkled. "My dad won't even be there."

"He told me to stay away from the rest of his family, and that he didn't want me anywhere near them. He said it right to my face, at that truck stop diner."

"So because he threatened you, you want to call the whole trip off?" She shook her head, then hastily added, "It would be rude to turn down my mom's invitation."

"I'm not asking you to do that, Jeneda. I'm just letting you know, this doesn't seem like such a good idea."

"I can promise you one hundred percent that my dad will not be there. My mom just told me he already decided to spend Thanksgiving with his sister, so there's absolutely no chance of him showing up."

"Even if he doesn't, word could get back to him about our trip. And if he finds out, there's going to be trouble."

"He won't find out, Dane."

Her words were firm, and the look on her face conveyed sureness. But it did not good to ease the anxiety that he felt, because his mind kept flashing back to his fateful run-in with Jeneda's father. Sure she'd been there to see how angry Gary had gotten, but she hadn't noticed the ferocious look in his eyes.

Or if she had, she'd completely forgotten, because the look on Gary's face had not only convinced Dane that Gary was capable of delivering a thorough ass whooping, but of completely disemboweling him on the spot. No, clearly she hadn't seen Gary give him that murderous look, because if she had, she wouldn't be so calm and collected while he was a jumbled ball of nerves.

"I really want you to meet my mother, Dane. We're getting married in five months, and It'd be nice if she got to know you before the day of our wedding."

He really didn't want to do this. He didn't have a good feeling about it at all, and although he knew it was important to get in good with her mother, he just couldn't shake the terrible feeling that disaster was ahead. He hoped to God that he was wrong, though, because they'd already been through a hell of a lot of shit, and he wasn't keen on rooting around for more.

*There is no way out of this,* a voice from within told him. *Just be a man and show her you're not afraid. If you pussy out, you'll lose her respect.*

Knowing how true those words were, he could only accept what was, and come to grips with the fact that there was nothing he could do to get out of it.

"You're right, honey," Dane said. "I do need to get to know her, and I'd also like to meet your brother as well, so let's spend Thanksgiving in Key West."

A smile graced her heart shaped face, and she looked up at him with her big eyes. He leaned in to give her a soft kiss, and after pulling back to lock gazes with her, he tenderly stroked her dainty chin.

"Everything will be fine," she said. "We'll have an amazing time, you'll see."

"Yeah." He gave her a genuine smile, then pulled her closer so that he could cradle her in his arms.

* * * *

While San Francisco had been cold and rainy at the hour of their departure, Key West was pleasantly warm and exuded a laid back, no worries kind of vibe. With It's combination of Victorian, Bahamian, and New England style homes, Key West's architecture was as diverse as its residents.

Following a fifteen minute drive from the airport, Dane and Jeneda arrived at their destination, which was a charming, cream-colored house with lime green shutters. After retrieving their baggage from the back of the car, they trailed behind Jeneda's mother, Monica, who wore a green and blue tropical print dress that complemented her deep brown skin.

No sooner had they crossed the threshold to enter the house, did the scent of lemon hit them full force, and Jeneda's mouth instantly watered as she realized that her mother had been baking.

"Are those lemon bars I smell?" As if hoping for an affirmative response, Jeneda's stomach grumbled loudly.

"I always make them for you when you come visit, don't I?" Dimples graced Monica's smooth, brown face, and with a gesture of her arms, she welcomed her guests in. "For the next three days, my home is your home, so please, make yourselves comfortable."

"Thank you, Mrs. Evans." Dane unzipped his jacket, then loosened the scarf that was wrapped around his neck.

"I hope you two brought some cooler clothes," Monica said as she eyed their winter attire. "The weatherman said temperatures will reach the mid eighties by the time noon rolls around."

"We brought plenty of shorts and T-shirts. Bathing suits, too." Jeneda removed her stylish knitted hat so that her freshly straightened hair could breathe, then hung her jacket on the coat rack by the door before asking, "Where's Calvin?"

"He's picking up your brother from Shady Palms. Should be back any minute now."

"They let Riley come home for Thanksgiving?" Overly excited at the news, Jeneda's voice took on a slightly high pitched tone.

"Yes. We managed to get him cleared for a three day visit, so we get to keep him until Sunday."

"That's wonderful. Thank you, mom." She enveloped her mother in a tight hug before pulling away with an almost embarrassed look on her face. "I know you didn't do it just for me. But still, thank you."

"No need to thank me, baby. It just wouldn't feel right, us celebrating Thanksgiving here without Riley." As if suddenly remembering that Dane was also present, Monica gave him a weak smile. "We'd better get you to the bedroom so you can change. Can't be too comfortable in those winter clothes."

"Thanks," Dane said. "I am starting to get a little hot."

Monica ushered the couple through the living room, which was kept cool by an efficient ceiling fan. Along the way, they passed a sphinx cat who was sunning himself next to an open window, as well as several colorful paintings that adorned a lime green accent wall.

Once they reached the guest room, Monica pointed out a closet where they could find extra towels, and also mentioned that she'd stocked the medicine cabinet in their attached bathroom with extra toiletries, in case they had forgotten any of their own. She then headed out of the bedroom to give them some privacy, but before closing the door, she offered a few more words.

"No need to hurry, but when you two are ready, I'll have some lemon bars and iced tea waiting for you."

"Thanks mom, we'll be out in a bit," Jeneda called out to her as she closed the bedroom door.

"Your mom is nice," Dane said. "And surprisingly, she doesn't seem to hate me."

"See? I told you she would warm up to you." Eager to change into something cooler, Jeneda quickly stripped out of her jeans and sweater, then retrieved an airy sundress that was mint green and had lace trimmed spaghetti straps.

She wasn't quick enough to put it on, though, because before she knew it, Dane walked up behind her and looped an arm around her waist. And with just enough forcefulness to make her heart skip a beat, he tilted her chin upward and gave her a long, heady kiss.

When he finally unsealed his mouth from hers, she was left a little breathless, and gazed up into his dark, beautifully hooded eyes.

"Thank you for bringing me here," he said. "I feel honored to have the chance to meet your mother and brother."

"You're welcome, sweetie. I'm really happy you decided to come."

They shared one more brief kiss before changing into their clothes, and once Jeneda was clad in her sundress, and Dane in a T-shirt and pair of black jeans, they headed for the kitchen. Monica was checking out the instructions on the back of a box of stuffing, but as she noticed Jeneda and Dane enter the kitchen, she poured them both a glass of iced tea and cut them a lemon square.

"Thanks mom," Jeneda said as she accepted the cold beverage and lemony pastry.

"Looks delicious, Mrs. Evans. Thank you."

"Dinner's at six, you two," she said as they sat down at the kitchen table. "But I made some chicken and sausage gumbo to tide us over until then."

"Sounds good," Jeneda said. "Haven't had your famous gumbo in a long time."

"I've never had gumbo before," Dane said. "Is it just a really spicy soup, or what?"

With her eyes fixed intently on Jeneda, Monica asked, "You never made gumbo for Dane?"

"I've tried cooking it loads of times, mom. And it always comes out terrible."

"That's because you don't follow the recipe that I gave you. You have to do it exactly as I wrote it down."

"I do. But the sauce always comes out way too spicy."

"Then you reduce the cayenne pepper, or dilute it with lime or lemon juice."

"Tried that. It was still way too hot."

Monica pushed out a sigh, then lightly shook her head as if to convey mild frustration.

"Jeneda makes really good creamed chicken," Dane suddenly chimed in. "And she has this killer recipe for steak. I don't know what she does to it, but it tastes way better than any steakhouse I've ever been to."

Finding it sweet that he'd bragged on her cooking, Jeneda lowered her head slightly, then gave him a little smile. He returned it with one of his own, then resumed eating his half devoured lemon square. Monica, who was watching them from her spot in front of the stove, seemed pleased by Dane's boasting of her daughter's cooking, and allowed a smile to spread across her face.

The sound of keys jingling outside the front door caused Jeneda to rise to her feet, and with Dane following right behind her, she made a beeline for the living room. As soon as they reached it, the door opened to reveal Jeneda's brother, who crossed the threshold in an electric wheelchair. Directly behind him was Calvin, Monica's husband, but Jeneda hardly even noticed him, because her focus was pinned entirely on Riley.

Clearly just as excited to see her as she was him, Riley broke out into a giant smile, and let loose a noise of overjoyment as she enveloped him in a tight hug. It felt so good to be able to smell and touch her brother again, that she was tempted to just keep on hugging him. But she also wanted to get a good, close-up look at his face, so after giving him a kiss on the cheek, she pulled back to gaze at him.

"I've missed you so much," she said. It's so good to see you again."

"Good see you, too."

Although his speech was still noticeably imperfect, she was pleased to hear that he was slurring a lot less, and she also noticed that he was dropping fewer words than the last time she'd seen him.

"I see you got a haircut." She smoothed a palm against his closely shorn head, which was normally covered by short, tight black curls. "Decided it was time for a change, huh?"

"Penelope cut it short. She says I look more--" His voice sloped off, jaw tensing and fist clenching as he did his best to spit out the remaining words. "--handsome this way." "Oh, so it was nurse Penelope that did it for you." A smirk crossed her lips as she exchanged a look with her stepdad, who was standing directly behind Riley's wheelchair. "Well next time you see Penelope tell her that I want you to grow it back. Because *I* think you look just as handsome with your hair, as you do without it."

"Okay." Riley slightly lowered his head as a sheepish grin crossed his face.

Jeneda turned her head to look at Dane, and grabbing him by the hand, she coaxed him closer toward her brother. "I want you to meet someone, Riley."

As if noticing him for the very first time, Riley turned his attention on Dane, and with a somewhat wary expression, looked him in the eyes.

"This is my fiancée, Dane. Dane, this is my brother, Riley."

"Hello, Riley." Dane extended his hand. "It's great to finally meet you."

Riley jerkily shook hands with Dane, then gave a nod of acknowledgment before looking back at Jeneda. "Getting-- married?"

"Yes."

"When?"

"Six months from now. Think you'd be interested in coming to San Francisco to see your big sister tie the knot?"

"Of course coming. I'm your brother."

"Good, because I wouldn't have it any other way," Jeneda said before allowing her eyes to drift to her stepfather, who was a fiftyish man with wire rimmed glasses and a faint Jamaican accent.

"Nice to see you again, Calvin," she said. "How have you been?"

"Very good, thank you," he said before focusing his hazel eyes on Dane. "I'm Calvin, Jeneda's stepfather."

"Nice to meet you, Calvin."

"Likewise." Although his demeanor was friendly enough, there was something in his gaze that seemed almost judgmental. "Welcome to Key West, and I hope you'll enjoy your stay here."

"Thank you. I'm sure I will," Dane said as he shook hands with Calvin.

"There's my beautiful son," Monica called out as she entered the living room and made a straight line towards Riley. "It's so good to have you home for Thanksgiving." She bent over to give him a hug and kiss before saying, "Let's get you in the kitchen, and I'll make you a big bowl of chicken and sausage gumbo."

Riley patted his stomach, and with Monica following beside him, he maneuvered the joystick on his wheelchair so that it moved forward.

"It'd probably be a good idea if we all got some food in our stomachs," Calvin said to Dane and Jeneda as they entered the kitchen. "It'll be another six hours before dinner."

Upon reaching the fridge, Monica retrieved a large bowl of pasta salad, then set it beside the pot of gumbo that was sitting on the granite countertop of the kitchen island. "Help yourselves, everyone."

Along with Riley and Calvin, both Dane and Jeneda lined up to serve themselves a portion. But before Jeneda even had the chance to fill her plate, Monica gently pulled her towards the stove.

"Let the men eat," Monica said as she handed Jeneda an apron. "You and I have cooking to do."

Jeneda barely had time to tie on the apron before her mother handed her a knife, and as she saw the collection of mixing bowls, bakewear, cutlery, and various kitchen contraptions that covered the countertop, she knew that the next few hours would be spent putting her hands to good use.

"Don't just stand there, Jeneda, start chopping up those vegetables." Monica gestured to a bowl that was filled with brightly colored squash. "Once you're finished, I want you to help me make the stuffing. Then we'll start on the sautéed vegetables, and after that, the pumpkin pies...."

Monica continued to rattle off item after item, and with knife in hand, and slicing through the vegetables, Jeneda listened to her mother prattle on.

* * * *

"Great work, ladies. You really outdid yourselves," Calvin said as he helped himself to a heaping scoop of candied yams.

"Yeah, everything tastes really amazing." Dane slathered a thick slice of turkey with gravy from a ladle, then helped himself to another piece of bread. "Especially these sweet rolls."

"The recipe for those rolls have been in our family for years," Monica said. "My grandmother Addie from Louisiana is the one who taught me how to make them."

"Are you from Lousiana as well?" Dane asked.

"Born and raised."

"I didn't notice an accent," Dane said. "I never would have guessed you were from the south."

Monica smiled. "I was still a child when my parents moved to California, so unfortunately I lost it a long time ago."

"Have you gone back to Louisiana since?"

"Every summer." She took a bite of her crab dressing, then sipped some wine before asking, "What about your family? Are they originally from San Francisco?"

"Both my mom and my dad are. But my grandparents on my dad's side were born in Japan."

"When did they move to the States?"

"My grandpa arrived when he was a teenager, and my grandma came over just before starting elementary school."

"Jeneda told me that the two of you took a trip to Tokyo."

"Yeah, we were there for a whole month."

"That's quite a length of time. You must have had a lot of fun."

"It was amazing, Jeneda said. We saw and did a lot of interesting things."

*Lots of interesting things. And kinky ones, too,* she thought as the corners of her lips tugged into a faint smile.

"Well, Jeneda's always wanted to travel to another country, so I'm glad that she finally got the chance to do it," Monica said.

"I'd like to take her overseas again for our honeymoon. I was thinking Hawaii, or possibly New Zealand. But It's entirely up to her as to where we'll spend it."

"Wow, sounds like you've got quite a decision to make, Jen Jen."

Jeneda smiled at her mother, then took a sip of wine before responding. "Won't be an easy choice to make, but the good thing is, I can't go wrong with either destination."

"Well wherever you two decide to go, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time." Monica rose to her feet, and after retrieving two pies that were being kept warm in the oven, she placed them both on the dinner table. "Bourbon pecan, and pumpkin pie. Take your pick, or have some of both."

Everyone helped themselves to generous portions of both pies, and along with a cup of chicory coffee, munched on their desserts.

"So Dane," Calvin said between bites of pie, "Monica tells me you're a graphic novelist."

"Yeah, I've got a project called Odd Souls that's done pretty well, and not too long ago, I released a graphic novel called Gonzo City."

"What's it like working in that industry? You make pretty good money doing that, or are you still working to build a name?"

"Dane's already well known," Jeneda proudly chimed in. "He's got quite an impressive fanbase, and just signed a lucrative deal with a Japanese publisher who's buying foreign rights to his graphic novels."

"Congratulations." The look on Calvin's face conveyed respect for Dane's accomplishments. "It must have taken quite a bit of time and effort to build up your career and stand out from your competitors."

"Actually, It's happened fairly quickly. It's only been a year and eight months since I got my first graphic novel published."

"That *is* fast." Calvin slowly sipped his coffee, then asked, "And before getting published, what line of work were you in?"

Clearly unprepared for the question, Dane allowed a stretch of silence to precede his words. "To be honest, I wasn't doing a whole lot with my life. At least nothing respectable, that I can be proud of."

"I see." He paused to take a sip of coffee before continuing. "I remember Monica telling me you had some trouble with the law."

"Yes, I did. But that's all over now."

"So no more thieving, then. You're not going back to that way of life?"