California Sunshine (24 page)

              "Mm about nine."

              My eyes flew open. "What?! How'd I sleep so long?!"

              He chuckled. "Oh I have no idea. Maybe because I was here? Or maybe because of last nights activities?"

              I laughed. "I'll say it's a little of both. So you made breakfast, what'd ya make?"

              He smiled. "God I love your accent. I made an omelet, with a side of fruit and whole wheat toast. I didn't realize you were such a health nut."

              "Not really a health nut, but I feel better when I eat better. With my long days I need as much energy as possible. Besides I eat junk when I want to, just not often."

              Josh moved the tray and propped himself up against the head board. "So tell me, little Miss. Sunshine, what made you really start eating like this?"

              I sat up and took the coffee from the tray. "I was born that way?"

              "Not an acceptable answer. Delve a little deeper."

              "Alright, well I was never much for candy and coke's. I always preferred fruit to sweets. I dunno. It's hard to explain. I know you're thinkin' Lance got me into this stuff, but no, he hated it. I mean he didn't go out and eat all the time, but there were times that I'd want a salad and he'd go get a burger or somethin'. Total opposite of me. It was aggrivatin' sometimes."

              "I digress then, you were born that way. Don't worry though, I won't cheat and go get a burger." Josh replied, winking at me.

              I smiled. "I ain't worried about it. I eat out a lot more than I used to, just cause I ain't got nobody to cook for. That'll change in two weeks though, you ready for that?"

              "I don't know, are you ready to feed me? I eat like a bear."

              I burst out laughing. "Well that's good. Gotta keep up that stamina somehow don't ya?"

              For a second I thought I saw a hint of blush come to Josh's cheeks. "Damn right." He replied popping a strawberry into his mouth.

              After breakfast Josh dragged me out of bed and to the living room for presents. I plopped down and crossed my legs under me. He sat my presents down in front of me and grabbed his.

              "You go first."

              I stuck my tongue out at him. "Course you'd say that. Fine, I ain't gonna argue."

              He smiled, pushing the smallest one into my hand.

              I cocked an eyebrow at him as I began peeling the paper off. Once I opened the box I almost dropped it as my eyes flew up to meet his.

              "Seriously?"

              "Seriously. I noticed you were eyeing them, so I had to."

              I smiled, as the diamonds glinted in the light of the sun outside. I pulled one of the earrings out of the box and held it up. They were intertwining ribbons of black and white diamonds that formed the infinity symbol. I had spotted them at some store we'd gone to when I was in California visiting.

              The next box I opened was another piece of jewelry I had spotted in a thrift store I had begged Josh to take me to. It was a silver cuff with a black onyx stone in the middle. I could have squeeled with joy, which I'm pretty sure I did because I got a look from him that was a mixture of amusement and pride.

              The final package was a two-in-one tablet/laptop. I giggled to myself knowing that I had gotten him the same thing, he just didn't know that yet.

              "I know, you got me the same thing." He whispered as he grabbed his first box.

I had been wrong, he did know, but I just shrugged. "You don't know that."

"Baby, it's the same shape."

              "Shut up." I replied as he pulled a black fossil watch out.

              The next present was a black and white beaded protection bracelet. Something I had been wanting to get him since I found out he was an EMT. I watched him slip it on and for once I was proud of myself for choosing the right thing.

              "So open the next one." I said.

              He laughed. "Alright, alright." He grabbed the last one and tore the wrapping paper off. "Oh, thanks! I had no idea!"

              I laughed. "Smart ass."

              "But I'm your smart ass."

              "Fair enough." I replied, gently shoving him.

              "You know I got you one, not thinking we'd be moving in. I know you've got a laptop, but it looked pretty old."

              "Ol' reliable?" I asked, smiling and winking at him.

              "Well that tells me everything I need to know right there."

              "Lance got it for me when we first got together. It's been a good computer."

              "You mean he actually got you something expensive?"

              I sighed. "Please don't. I loved him like you loved Alexis. I don't love him anymore, but he was a huge part of my life. Of my growin' up. I mean didn't Alexis teach you anything?"

              "Yeah she taught me to be more observant. I'm sorry Jo, I shouldn't have said that. I understand he was a part of your life."

              "Thank you for apologizin'. He don't mean nothin' to me, hasn't in a while. Hell yeah, I still wonder what the hell I did to end up gettin' cheated on. In the long run, though, I know I did nothin' wrong. He just wanted the thrill."

              "Does he ever come around?"

              I chewed on my bottom lip.

              "Jo."

              "Sometimes. Leaves flowers and stuff. He's still tryin' to apologize even though our friends, my friends have told him it's inexcusable."

              "Let him come by while I'm here."

              I laughed. "I cain't tell ya not to do nothin' dumb, I almost bashed Alexis' head into the wall."

              He nodded. "Yeah, that was awesome. I normally don't wish harm on ex's or anything, but she was way out of line."

              I nodded in return. "I was really seein' red that day. What did you tell Ashley on the street, though?"

              "To not overstep that line. Be gentle and if you needed your space, let you have it. She told me that that wasn't how it worked. She put me in my place."

              I rolled my eyes. "Actually, that's exactly how it works, but she don't believe that. Thank you for understandin' me though."

              "I got you beautiful," He replied, winking. I couldn't help but laugh.

              I had my head resting on Josh's chest, his arms wrapped around me as we watched 'The Grinch', and just as it was about to get to Cindy Lou Who talking the Grinch into going to the celebration my phone began to ring. I looked at the screen: Caleb. I was a little surprised, but knew I needed to answer it.

              "Hey stranger."

              "Hey Jo. Sorry I ain't called you in a while--"

              "Yeah, ass, three months."

              "I know, I know. I was out of the state, workin'."

              "You still coulda called, but I'll forgive ya."

              "Sis it's a two way street, you coulda called too."

              "Touche. So what's up?"

              "Well, Michelle and I was wonderin' if you ain't got no plans if you'd like to come have dinner with us."

              I smiled, and sat up. "Well, mind if I bring somebody with me?"

              He chuckled. "As long as it ain't Lance."

              "God no, it ain't Lance. Mamaw and Papaw gonna be there?"

              He sighed heavily. "Yeah, I'll understand if you don't wanna come--"

              "I'll be there. Five good?"

              "Perfect. Sis?"

              "Yes Caleb?"

              "I've missed you and I love you."

              "I've missed you too big brother. I love you too. Cain't wait to see ya'll. Want me to bring somethin'?"

              "We've got it covered, just bring yourself and your friend."

              I smiled brightly, not wanting this conversation to end, but knowing I would be seeing him later.

              "Okay. See y'all at five. Bye."

              "Bye."

              Nerves were playing basketball in my stomach as I finished my hair. Josh walked in, putting his hand on my shoulder, causing me to jump.

              "Whoa, you okay?"

              "No not really." I surprised myself with that admission. I never openly admitted when I wasn't doing good.

              "Nervous to see your family?"

              "Very. My Mamaw and Papaw are gonna be there, I ain't seen them since I was eighteen. What if they start givin' me hell?"

              So many different scenarios were running through my mind. The what if's were killing me silently.

              "And if they don't? What if it goes better than you think it is? Maybe they know they were wrong."

              "Yeah and maybe they know that I'm doin' good for myself. What if they just wanna worm their way in? I don't know, I'm scared they've all got a secret agenda, and I'm afraid that this night is gonna go to hell in a hand basket quick, fast and in a damn hurry."

              "Breathe baby, I'll be there with you. Think about that, look I'll even come up with a safe word for you so if you want to leave I'll know."

              I nodded vigorously. "Uh...how 'bout...shit I dunno! I cain't even think straight!"

              "Just try to calm down. Safe word's out, how about you just send me a text. That'll work right?"

              I couldn't help but laugh. "That'll work. I'm sorry I'm freakin' out."

              "I understand, more than you think I do. You ready?"

              "No, but might as well be, right?" I asked, kissing him gently on the cheek and heading towards the door.

              He grabbed my hand in his and turned me to face him. "You don't have to put on the brave face. I'm right here. I've got your back."

              "I'm sorry, it's just what I do."

              "Then let me take the lead. Be vulnerable, when we get there go in like a beast, just know that I've got your back. If they start giving you hell we'll leave, fingers in the air. I don't give a damn, first impressions are everything to me, but you mean more."

              "You have no idea how much that means to me. Thank you."

              We arrived at Caleb and Michelle's house a little before 5pm. I took a deep, calming breath before ringing the doorbell.

              "Just remember, I got you." Josh whispered in my ear.

              I nodded as I quickly pushed the button.

              "Calm down."

              I then realized how calming his voice was, but how it wasn't really making a difference. Anxiety had its nasty grip on me and it wasn't letting go anytime soon.

              "Joanna!" Michelle exclaimed, wrapping her arms around me.

              I smiled and returned the hug. "Hey Michelle, this is my fiance Josh. Josh this is Michelle."

              She gasped and looked at him. "My goodness, nice to meet ya! How long y'all been engaged?"

              "A day." He replied, smiling as she wrapped him in a hug as well.

              "Well come on in. Everybody else is already here."

              With that last sentence, my heart sank and I grabbed Josh's hand. I squeezed, feeling like I was going to pass out. I was moving through a haze as we followed Michelle into the den. There sat Caleb, Mama, Papaw, my Aunt Phyllis, Uncle Buck, their two kids Rhonda and Tyler, and then Caleb and Michelle's two kids, Hunter, and Blake.

              The room fell silent as we walked in and I felt trapped almost immediately. Caleb stood, eyeing Josh and crossed over to us. He pulled me into one of his bear hugs and I could feel my heart breaking. Breaking for the fact that like every year I wished our parents were here.

              "Hey sis, who's the guy?" He asked, in my ear.

              "Caleb, this is Joshua. Josh this is my big brother Caleb."

              They shook hands, but Caleb was watching him.

              "So who are you?" He asked Josh.

              "Her fiance."

              Caleb slapped him on the shoulder. "Well, welcome to the family."