Page 109 of Devilry

Knowing we’re here, Meghann calls out, “We’re in here.”

“Who’s here?” I hear my mom ask. “You didn’t tell me we were expecting anyone. It’s eight o’clock on a Friday night.”

I laugh to myself because my mom has always had a thing about people coming over past seven thirty. She used to say it was rude.

Leading him through the foyer, we pass the formal dining room that nobody ever uses and steer left into the next alcove that is the family room.

When we come into view, both Mom and Meghann have their eyes on the entryway, squealing in excitement. “Cole!” my mom shouts. “Why didn’t I know you were coming?”

Meanwhile, Meghann runs to Elijah and throws her arms around him. “I can’t believe my brother’s seeing someone and brought him home before even telling me he existed.”

Elijah drops his bag and stares at me while awkwardly hugging her back. Giving his hand a quick squeeze, I tip my head in my mom’s direction and he nods.

Setting my bag beside the couch, I sit next to my mom and scoop her up in my arms. “I can’t believe you’re here,” she says. “You’re really, really here.”

Grabbing my face, she kisses my cheeks over and over again. “Mom, stop,” I say with a laugh. “There’s someone I want to introduce to you.”

No longer being attacked by Meghann, Elijah stands there with apprehension and reservation written all over his face.

I hold my palm out for him and he walks toward us until he can take it. When he’s right beside us, my mom rests her hand on my shoulder and slowly pushes herself up.

“Mom,” I scold, but still help her anyway.

She waves me off. “There’s no way I’m not going to stand up and hug the first man my son has ever brought home.”

Elijah’s eyes widen when he looks at me, and I see the questions starting to pile up. I give him a quick shrug. He was going to work out how much he meant to me soon enough.

His attention shifts back to my mom, as she becomes the second woman in my family to unabashedly invade his personal space.

“Mom,” I announce a little more formally. “I’d like to introduce you to Elijah. My boyfriend.”

My heart splits into two at the sight of them hugging. They're holding on to one another like they've known each other forever. Elijah desperately needing that maternal touch, and my mother needing the confirmation that I'm doing okay away from home. It's heartbreakingly beautiful to watch my two worlds come together, how Mom and Elijah are inadvertently healing one another.

Pulling away, my mom peers up at Elijah, squeezing his shoulders. “I'm Geena. It's nice to meet you, Elijah.”

“Likewise.” As if she can’t help herself, she wraps him in her arms again, and his whole face smiles at the gesture. Like there’s nowhere else he’d rather be.

“So, big brother.” Meghann grabs my bicep and pulls me back, away from Mom and Elijah. “What’s the big secret?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I lie, while I continue to watch Mom and Elijah enjoy each other’s company. “It's been a very busy two months. Moving to a new state. New job—”

“New boyfriend,” she cuts in.

“Can we leave lawyer Megs at work tonight?”

Expecting Meghann’s smart ass rebuttal, I’m thankful when the front door opens and a relaxed Trey walks on in.

“Holy fuck!” he shouts. We pull one another into a hug. “It’s so good to see you, man.”

Elijah must’ve caught his attention, because he looks between us. “You brought someone home?”

A sarcastic retort sits on the tip of my tongue, but I let it slide. If everyone wants to make a big deal about me bringing Elijah home, then I’ll let them. Truth is, for me, he is a big deal.

“Let me introduce you.” He gives Megs a quick kiss on the cheek before following me. “Elijah.” Both he and Mom turn in my direction. “I’d like you to meet Trey. He’s my best friend, and Meghann’s boyfriend.”

“Hey,” they both say at the same time, shaking hands.

“Since I’ve got a beautiful, full house, do you guys want to eat something? I’ve got leftovers, or we can just catch up over some coffee.”

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