by C. Soto
“Hey babe, slow down. My family will love you. You are a wonderful, sweet, and an amazing person. Don’t fret.”
“Oh John, you wouldn’t understand. First impressions are everything. You show up everywhere looking like sex on a stick. Of course, everyone loves you.”
John busted up laughing, “Yes, but I am your sex on a stick, so people will love you by default.”
She shoved past him letting out an irritated huff and went back to her bedroom to finish packing. She hadn’t had to meet anyone’s parents since her early twenties when her and her ex-boyfriend were serious when she was in college. However, after her parents’ death, they slowly drifted apart, her grief too much for him and they eventually broke up.
John looked around and her bedroom looked like a tornado passed through it. Clothes thrown around; it appeared she was telling the truth, she wasn’t ready. He would help though. He didn’t know what the big deal was, she could wear a potato sack and still outshine everyone. He walked back to the kitchen to look through menus and ordered take-out.
Then he went toward the bedroom again, fearing a little for his safety.
“Hey babe, I am here to help. I ordered us dinner and now I’m ready for the fashion show to help decide what outfits you should bring on vacation. I’m a good judge, I’ll have you know too!
She pointedly looked at him but rolled her eyes. However, she would take his help since she was nervous and knew he did have good fashion.
The food arrived and they sat down to eat, taking a break from getting her packed. John’s suitcases were by the front door. He was all packed and ready to go. They discussed where they would be going on their trip. She rented a place in La Paz, Mexico. They would have their own private pool and hot tub. She reserved tickets for activities they could do. They were looking forward to their time away, somewhere they could be adventurous and have fun doing tourist activities and that also had a romantic appeal to it.
Once they finished eating dinner, they finished packing her stuff. They would stay at his parents’ house for two days while they were visiting. His parents had a huge place. His family was well off and John was as well. He didn’t like to brag about his money. He was a trust fund baby and held stocks in his family’s business and sat on the board. He wasn’t actively engaged in the family business besides being a board member. The business wasn’t for him. His brother was an executive in the company, and his dad was still working as the CEO. His great great grandpa started the business and it passed down to the next generations.
John would have gone crazy if he worked in the family business. He was an action type guy. Thankfully, his family was supportive of his decision and only wanted him to do something he loved and that he worked his way through life. They didn’t believe in freeloading. Even as a kid, his brother and he had to work for their allowance and get summer jobs. It probably helped, knowing his brother was there to pass the business to and the family business would continue. His brother was the business type and loved his career. If they left it to be John’s responsibility he couldn’t guarantee the future success of the company.
They didn’t raise him or his brother to be spoiled kids living off their trust or them. John had stipulations in his trust that stated he had to have a career to get the money. He rarely spent the money though, mostly living off his own paychecks. He wasn’t a lavish person. Sure, he made some splurges here and there, but not to where it was outlandish. That is why he didn’t mind splurging on his and Samantha’s vacation. The cost was a bit more expensive, since it was last minute reservations, but he didn’t mind. Samantha really didn’t know the whole picture on his wealth. It wasn’t something he liked to talk about with people. There were only a few people that knew he was rich. He found from his life, once people knew that detail about you, their hands would be held out, or their friendship could be superficial.
He knew after he brought Samantha to meet his family, she would have a better idea of his financial wealth or think maybe it was his family’s wealth. He hadn’t mentioned his financial situation with her. However, at this stage in their relationship, five months in, he knew she was in it for him, especially since she had no idea. He had to convince her to allow him to pay for the vacation, it didn’t sit well with her that he paid for everything. He didn’t believe for one second that anything would change when Samantha knew about his financial wellbeing. She wasn’t that type of person. She was a beautiful person inside and out, not a person that went chasing guys for money.
The morning arrived and they got up and got ready. John put everything in the trunk while Samantha finished getting ready. He felt her nerves today since it would be the day that she would meet his family. He tried to soothe her and tell her she had nothing to worry about. However, he knew that was falling on deaf ears. His family was laid back and he knew they would love her.
All he could hope for was to hurry and get there so the first hello and introductions would be had, then she would finally be able to relax and know she had nothing to worry about.
Two and half hours later they pulled into his parents’ circle driveway. He sent them a text when they were leaving, so they knew when to expect him. They were excited since he hadn’t ever brought a woman home before. They knew this was a serious relationship for him if he was bringing a lady home. This was his mom’s dream, that he would find someone to settle down with.
Samantha glanced up at the huge house they pulled up to, thinking, Are we at the right place? This is a mansion. The lawn was perfectly manicured. There were probably ten bedrooms in this house. She looked around nervously, feeling very much out of her element. It appears John forgot to mention how well off his family was. Not that it was a big deal, but she would have dressed way nicer knowing his parents were rich. She looked down at what she was wearing, feeling very plain Jane’ ish.
His parents opened the door and rushed down the steps out into the driveway, as his mom was stalking out the window waiting for her son’s arrival.
His dad, Barrett, called out to him in his deep baritone voice, “Hey son, glad you finally arrived home.” His mom right behind him, pushing past him, grabbing her son into her arms. “Oh John, it feels like it’s been forever. Come here and let mom look at you. Just as handsome as ever.” Giving him another squeeze.
“Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend Samantha.”
His mom gushing and now pushed John away to give her a hug. “Oh sweetie, it is so nice to finally meet you. John has told us so much about you. I have been dying for this day, to finally meet you. Come now, let’s go inside. John, you and your dad bring the bags on in. I’ll bring Samantha on in and bring her to the kitchen for a drink.”
John shook his head and looked at his dad for help. There was no way he would be able to pry Samantha away from his mom now that she had her hooks in. She was way too excited about him bringing a girl home. He knew she probably already secretly planned their wedding and what their kids’ names would be, if he knew his mom.
“Son, don’t look at me like that. You know your mom. Let’s go ahead and do what she told us to do before you get us both in trouble.”
John smiled, boy was it great to be home. He really missed his parents not having been able to visit in the last few months, with everything being so hectic at home.
Kim, John’s mom, took Samantha into the kitchen. “Well dear let’s first sit down, I’m sure you want to relax for a minute and get a drink and a snack after that long car ride.”
“Yes, ma’am, that would be nice, thank you so much.”
“Oh no ma’am for me, Kim will be fine. That sounds too old for me.” She said as she laughed.
Samantha looked around the beautiful house. While it was big, you could tell it was also homey. It had a warmth to it. There were pictures of John and his brother while they were younger. Then pictures of his brother’s wedding and then their granddaughter. Around the house she could see different toys that were scattered around, showing that a toddler was there of
ten.
Surprisingly, she felt the tension and nerves leave her body by the warm welcoming that John’s parents had for her and the warmth of their house, how it was inviting and made you feel peaceful.
Even with their wealth, they were down to earth from what she could tell. They weren’t dressed fancy. Each both having on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. You wouldn’t tell from their appearance that they were well off. This made her feel more comfortable, that she wasn’t being looked down on for wearing a cute little jumper that was an off-brand outfit from their local shopping center.
They both sat down on the island and John’s mom asked, “So John tells me you teach. What grade do you teach?”
“I teach third and fourth grade. Sometimes from year to year depending on the need, I switch back and forth between the two grades or at least so far that is the grade levels I’ve been assigned.”
“Oh wow, that is an age that they are sometimes a handful, however, a lot of fun. How do you like it?”
“I really enjoy teaching. I had always wanted to be a teacher growing up, so I am glad I am fulfilling my dream of working with kids. It’s a lot of fun working with them and seeing their bright minds. Also, extremely rewarding when a student finally gets a concept they had been struggling with. I hope I am just making a difference for their life.”
“Sweetie, I’m sure you are. It sounds like a rewarding career. So where did you and John meet?”
“We met through friends of ours while out one night. We hit it off and here we are today.” Samantha said with a nervous laugh.
“Well I for one, am so happy he met you and he brought you by so we could finally meet you.”
“Thank you so much.”
“We are going to grill some hotdogs and hamburgers for lunch. Benjamin, Bailey, and Emma will be coming by as well. Is that okay, you don’t have any allergies, or anything do you?”
“Oh no, that sounds perfect. Is there anything I can do to help you?”
“No no dear, you sit and relax. You’re my guest here. We’ll wait until the next time to put you to work.” She said with a wink and a smile. “I am sure the guys have brought in the luggage. We can go find them and you can freshen up if you want and have John show you around.”
“That sounds good Kim, thank you.”
They got up and found John and his dad, Barrett, walking down the steps from having put the luggage up in John’s room.
His mom called out, “John why don’t you show Samantha where your room is and show her around the house. We’ll be having lunch in about two hours. Your brother, Bailey, and Emma will be here in about an hour. So go freshen up and then come and meet us in the kitchen, dear.”
“Yes, mom.”
John led Samantha to where his room was. They walked in and then he closed the door after her.
She looked around, feeling like she was seeing the teenage John since nothing about his room appeared like it changed since he was in highschool. He had posters on his wall, a shelf filled with trophies and awards from football. It was like a time capsule of his highschool days.
“This is a nice room, John.” She said with a giggle she couldn’t help but let escape.
“Hey, this room is badass.” He said with a fake grunt but laughing right along with her.
He pulled her down to his lap and nuzzled her neck giving her kisses up and down her neck.
“Don’t you dare, we are in your mom and dad’s house.” She pushed against him.
“Man, we need to leave right away then.” He said half joking.
“Do you feel nervous still?
“I do feel better having the introductions out of the way. It is a nervous feeling having to meet someone’s parents for the first time.”
“They weren’t aliens that bit your head off or anything. I mean it was like they were regular old parents. Nice ones at that.” He smiled against her neck, giving her a hard time.
“Yes they were great. I am excited to meet your brother, sister-in-law, and your niece.”
“Yes, I only really came to visit Emma, don’t tell the others though. However, I suspect they know. I have all her birthday gifts from when I had to miss her party. So she’ll love me even more since I come with presents.”
She laughed and then leaned against him, enjoying the quiet down time they had for a few more minutes. She didn’t know what she was expecting, but she only wanted them to like her. Since she was dating their son, it was important if they were going to have a future together.
After a few more minutes of them sitting and relaxing, John stretched then patted her thigh and said, “Okay, let’s get up before I get sleepy and don’t make it down there. Let me give you a quick tour of the house so you don’t get lost.”
“Yes, you could have mentioned your parents lived in this mansion.”
He laughed, “You mean this little ole house, it’s nothing worth mentioning.”
He took her hand and walked her out of the bedroom and gave her the grand tour. Then they made it out of the house, and he showed her the backyard where his parents had a pool and pool house and showed her where everything was in the pool house. He walked her around his mom’s garden since Samantha also loved gardening.
As they were walking around to go back into the house through the back sliding doors, he heard a squeal coming from the back door and then a scream. “Uncle John” from a tiny toddler voice. This little bundle of curls ran up to him and then dove into his arms.
John grabbed her as she jumped then tossed her into the air. “Well hey there my beautiful princess. How’s Uncle John’s favorite girl in the whole world?”
She responded by wrapping her little arms around his neck and giving him a great big hug.
Samantha stood by, watching this cute encounter, wondering if she just ovulated by watching this stunning man turn into mush by his adorable two-year old niece.
She was such a precious little girl. Had golden curls that formed a halo around her cute puffy little cheeks. Her big blue eyes shone in adoration as she looked at her Uncle John.
John’s brother, Benjamin, walked out and said, “There you are,” directed to Emma. “You can’t take off like that. You have to wait for someone.” He always got nervous when she jetted out the door by herself with having the pool in the backyard. He tried reinforcing she must always get someone before rushing out the backdoor whether at grandmas or their own house. She was two, so he felt like he repeated his rules non-stop.
Benjamin walked up to his brother while John was holding his daughter and gave him a half hug and pat on the back. “Hey glad you arrived. Even made it here before me, that’s a first.”
John looked over while carrying Emma on one of his arms and draped his other arm around Samantha, “Benjy, I want you to meet my girlfriend Samantha. Samantha this is my brother Benjamin or Benjy whatever you want to call him. He has some other nicknames, but with my angel in my arms I can’t repeat them.”
Benjamin looked at Samantha, “Nice to meet you. I’ll let you know later what we call him when he isn’t around.” He shook Samantha’s hand and then reached out his arms for his daughter. Which in turn she latched on to her Uncle John tighter.
“See she doesn’t want you, she wants me. Leave us alone and go talk to mom or something. We are hanging out.” Then John looked at his niece. “I got you some presents too, do you want to open presents later?”
Her big blue eyes got even wider and she screeched, “presents” while clapping her hands.
At that time, Bailey was out seeing where her daughter and husband ran off to. She gave a quick hug to John and then introductions were made for Samantha and her.
Bailey looking at John “Great, what we need, more toys. Maybe we can leave them here at your parents’ house. Do you think we can even fit more toys at home?” She laughed.
John also got her another present that should be arriving soon that wouldn’t fit in the trunk of his car. He was excited for her to try it out.
; Soon both Kim and Barrett came out and joined them in the backyard. Barrett had a tray with hotdogs and hamburger meat and headed towards the grill to get started on making lunch. Kim had already had the sides all cooked and ready to go.
About thirty minutes later, John received a text from the courier service dropping off his present. He texted back to leave it in the driveway, and he then received a photo of the delivery.
After lunch, he would take Emma out there and show her his first present. He was excited for it.
Once the food was ready, Samantha and Bailey helped Kim bring everything out to the patio. They all gathered around and enjoyed a great lunch together.
After lunch, John scooped Emma up and excitedly told her, “I have a surprise, are you ready?”
They all headed to the front of the house where they saw a mini pink power-wheels Chevy Camaro LT with a huge bow on it that matched John’s car.
“Look Emma, we got matching cars now.”
His brother shook his head thinking, Of course John would buy her a car to match his, he loved that dang car. He also thought, It will be him that buys her first car to match his, he just knows it. His brother may be a bad ass to some being in law enforcement and having a dangerous job, but when it came to Emma he was this soft mushy teddy bear.
The girls all thought it was cute and had John sit in his car while Emma sat in hers with the cool sunglasses that John also got her, along with a tiara, and they took pictures of them with their matching cars. Then afterwards, they let her go around the circle drive a couple of times to try out her new wheels.
They then headed in so she could open her other gifts he bought her. Afterwards, they all sat around getting to know each other better.
Chapter 33
They had a fun two days at his parents’ house. The third day, they woke up early for their flight to La Paz, Mexico. They were flying out of Tampa, so they had to get up early to get on the road back. When discussing the trip, they were going to fly out of Orlando, however, they both agreed on the way back, it wouldn’t be fun to get off a long trip, and drive from Orlando to Tampa. That it was better to do it on the way there instead of the way back. John was excited to get to Mexico and get settled in.
