Page 43 of Staging Love
"Don't worry," Frank said with a wink. "Our daughter has been singing your praises."
As Frank and Jade began unloading luggage from the taxi, Linda looped her arm through Camilla's. "Come on inside, dear. You must be freezing. I've got a pot of hot cocoa waiting, and there's a fire going in the living room."
Camilla let herself be led towards the house, grateful for Linda's easy warmth. As they walked, she took in more details of the farm. There was a serene beauty to the place. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the snow-covered yard, and icicles glittered from the eaves of the house. In the distance, she could hear the low lowing of cattle and the occasional cluck of chickens.
The farmhouse interior was just as charming as its exterior. They stepped into a mudroom filled with well-worn boots and coats, then into a cozy kitchen that smelled of cinnamon and chocolate. Warm woods, cheerful curtains, and family photos covering every available surface made the space feel lived-in and loved.
"Have a seat," Linda said, gesturing to the kitchen table. "I'll get that cocoa."
As Linda busied herself at the stove, Camilla's eyes were drawn to the refrigerator, covered in a collage of photos. Many featured Jade at various ages - a gap-toothed child holding up a fish nearly as big as herself, a teenager in a high school play costume, a young woman in a graduation cap and gown.
Linda noticed Camilla looking at the photos and smiled. "She's cute, isn't she? Always had that sparkle in her eye, even as a little one."
"She really is. I love seeing these glimpses of her growing up."
Linda came over with the hot cocoa and stood beside Camilla, pointing out a few photos. "This one's from her first school play. She was so nervous but ended upstealing the show. And here's Jade winning the county fair pie contest - she was so proud of that ribbon."
Jade and Frank came in, stamping snow from their boots. "Luggage is all inside," Frank announced. "Now, where's that cocoa you promised, Lin?"
They settled around the table with steaming mugs, and Camilla felt some of her nervousness begin to fade. There was something so genuine about Jade's parents, a down-to-earth quality that put her at ease. They asked about her flight, her first impressions of Ohio, whether she was warm enough.
"So, Camilla," Frank said, leaning back in his chair. "Jade tells us you run a pretty successful business. What exactly do you do?"
Camilla hesitated, suddenly aware of how frivolous her company's focus might sound to these practical, hardworking people. "Well, it’s not my business. It was my father’s company. I just head up the marketing department. But we specialize in romantic gifts and experiences. Things like customized jewelry, elaborate date planning, over-the-top wedding proposals, that sort of thing."
Linda's eyes lit up. "Oh, you must be such a romantic then!"
Camilla smiled sheepishly. "Honestly, I wasn't really until I met Jade. But now I understand why people want to make those grand gestures. She's opened my eyes to so much." She paused, then added sincerely, "I hope you don't blame me for stealing Jade away over Christmas. I feel terrible about that."
Frank waved his hand. "Oh, don't worry about that. We're just happy Jade's found someone special. She takes jobs when she can get them, and we support her career. We had her sister and her husband over for Christmas, unfortunately,they couldn’t make it tonight as they’re at a friend’s wedding."
"Though we do wish we saw more of Jade," Linda added with a wistful smile. "We've visited LA a couple times, but it's just not really our scene and it’s hard to get away from the farm."
Jade reached over and squeezed her mother's hand. "I know, Mom. I'll try to visit more often, I promise."
“I hope you both will,” she said, turning to Camilla. “And that this visit is just the first of many.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Camilla leaned against the kitchen counter, cradling a mug of herbal tea in her hands. The house had quieted down, with Jade's parents retiring to bed a few minutes ago. "Your mom’s cooking was delicious and your parents are so nice," she said. "I can't remember the last time I laughed so much."
"They really like you too, you know. I can tell," Jade said. “She bumped her shoulder playfully against Camilla's. "Though I could have done without Dad breaking out the photo albums. There was really no need for him to show you every embarrassing moment of my childhood."
"Are you kidding? That was the best part," Camilla teased, setting her mug down. "I particularly enjoyed the story about you trying to recreate the tornado from 'The Wizard of Oz' in the living room. Your poor mother."
Jade groaned, covering her face with her hands. "In my defense, I was only eight, and I really thought I could make it work with a fan and some confetti." She glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's late. Should we head up to bed?"
Camilla nodded, still grinning at Jade’s embarrassment.She followed Jade up the creaking wooden staircase, her fingers trailing along the smooth banister. Family photos lined the wall, chronicling Jade and her sister’s journey from gap-toothed children to radiant young women. She paused briefly to study a picture of teenage Jade in a bright yellow prom dress, her smile wide and carefree.
"Oh God, not that one," Jade groaned, noticing where Camilla had stopped. "I can't believe they still have that up."
"You look adorable," Camilla said, grinning. "Though I have to say, yellow isn't really your color."
Jade rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Tell me about it. That's what happens when your mom insists on picking out your prom dress. My sister had it worse though, hers was pink." She stopped in front of a door adorned with a faded "Jade's Room" sign decorated with glitter and stickers.
"So," Jade said, her hand on the doorknob, "full disclosure - this is my childhood bedroom. It's...well, you'll see. There's a spare room - my sister's old room - if you'd prefer. My bed is small."
Camilla raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to get rid of me already, Thompson?"
