“Kameron.” The man’s voice makes all the yearning I had disappear. Kameron’s face transforms from mischievously seductive to shocked and irritated. We both turn to see George and a tall, distinguished brunette woman standing next to him wearing a tight smile.
“We didn’t interrupt did we?” he asks and I demand my cheeks not to flush as Kam's hand slides from underneath my dress. I can’t look at George. There’s something about that man that makes me want to clear the room he’s in.
“Megan, this is my Aunt Marilyn,” Kam says, his voice slightly warmer when introducing his aunt versus his uncle. I stand after Kam does, commanding my legs not to be weak, and Marilyn surprises me by giving me a kiss on the cheek. “You remember my Uncle George.” When George leans in for a hug I stiffen as he presses his entire body against mine.
“It’s so good to see you again Megan.” His stare is knowingly smug and if there’s a question as to whether he saw what Kam was doing to me, his grin confirms it.
“We’re celebrating our anniversary,” Kameron explains, hoping they’ll take the hint for privacy.
“It hasn’t been a year has it?” George asks.
“Six months,” Kameron tells him.
“How wonderful,” Marilyn says with a kind smile.
“Yes very cute,” George adds, condescension lacing his tone.
“Well George, we should let them get back to their dinner,” Marilyn says, and my body relaxes.
“It looks like they’re finishing dessert. Let’s have a drink,” George announces, and Kam’s jaw twitches.
“Come Marilyn,” he tells her, pulling out her chair before his invitation to join our dinner is even accepted. They join us, and George orders a bottle of champagne to celebrate us. His wife Marilyn is a little uptight but perfectly nice. I make small talk with her about my major and she tells me she’s a broker.
“Megan, dear,” George says to me. “The last time we met I could have sworn I knew you from somewhere, and with how you look tonight it hit me.” My eyebrow shoots up. I don’t know what this man is talking about. I’ve never met or seen him before Kam’s parents’ brunch.
“Have you ever been to Code Black?” he asks, his eyes scrutinizing me.
“What’s Code Black?” Kam asks him, mildly irritated.
“Just a club I’m a member of. She bears a striking resemblance to one of the young ladies there.”
“I have no idea what that is,” I tell him firmly. I don’t know what kind of club he’s a part of or why he’d think I’d be there, but I have a feeling I should be insulted.
“I’m terribly sorry but we have plans for a show after this. We have to get going if you don’t mind,” Kameron says, barely able to hide his frustration.
“Oh, of course not. We’ll let you all proceed with your night. It was so good seeing you,” Marilyn gushes, probably relieved that this awkward encounter is over.
“I’ll get the check,” George says wryly.
“I appreciate it but you don’t have to do that,” Kam says, pulling out his wallet.
“Oh, but I insist. Consider it an anniversary gift,” George replies, placing a black card in the billfold, holding his eyes on me. A chill shoots down my spine.
Back in the car the mood has changed between me and Kam and I don’t know if it’s because of me or him.
“Is George your mom or dad’s brother?” I ask quietly.
“He’s my mom’s half-brother.”
“Makes sense, the half part” I through a tight laugh. Kam looks over at me with a sad smile.
“Babe what’s wrong?” I ask.
“You know you could tell me anything and I’d never judge you, not even for a second,” he says quietly. I feel my face tense.
“What are you asking me Kam?” I inquire, my voice slightly rigid. He lets out half a sigh.
“I’m just saying if you’ve ever worked there, I wouldn’t judge you, but I’d like to know.” His voice is slightly edgy.
I bite my lip, trying not to be offended or angry…I mean, it’s a legitimate question. But yeah, I’m offended.
“No, never. I’ve told you every place I’ve worked. From my first fast food job to the bookstore. I’ve never even heard of the place your uncle mentioned,” I tell him honestly. He nods and give me a smile.
“Okay,” he says, reaching over and taking my hand in his. But I let go of it and fold my arms.
I hate that tonight ended on this note. I hate that he thinks that I’d lie about where I’ve worked before. I pull out my phone and google the name of the place his uncle mentioned and nothing comes up. I want to mention that to Kam but I really don’t have much to say to him right now. When we pull in front of his place I want to tell him to take me home, but this is my home now, or will be, and though I’m upset I still want to be near him. We enter the apartment building, both of us not saying anything, just subtly glancing at each other as we make our way to his door. Once we’re in, Blue’s lying across the couch in a wifebeater and sweats. Katie’s nowhere in sight.
“What’s up guys,” he says, his attention on the TV.
“Hey Blue,” Kam says shortly before heading towards the bedroom. I head to the kitchen and grab a bottle of water.
“Damn you look hot,” Blue laughs and I roll my eyes at him. Over the past few months Blue and I have almost become friends. It only makes sense the two black sheep are married to the golden children, as he puts it.
“Thanks,” I say dryly, opening the bottle of water. He grimaces.
“Ugh, things didn’t go well tonight?” he asks, leaning on the island.
“It did, then Uncle George showed up and ruined everything,” I mumble. Blue frowns.
“That guy’s such a douche,” he groans and I nod in agreement.
“Hey, have you ever heard of a place called Code Black?” I ask him. He shakes his head.
“No, should I?”
“No, their darling uncle swears I work there,” I mutter.
“Need me to find out what it is?” he asks, and I shake my head.
“No, it’s not important,” I tell him.
“I’ll have some info for you in about a week. I just tracked down your old social worker and I have someone working her right now,” he says, and I arch my brow at him.
“Working her?” I ask, a hint of worry in my tone.
“Nothing illegal, I promise,” he says with an innocent smile.
“Great. Thank you again Blue,” I reply, heading to Kam’s room.
“Hey, did you get the key?” he asks as I’m halfway across the room.
I look at him, a little surprised. He knew. Of course he knew Kam was going to ask me.
“I did,” I say with a wide smile. He gives me two thumbs up and I chuckle. When I make it to Kam’s room he’s on the balcony, phone in hand. I grab a t-shirt out of his drawer and head to the bathroom and take a shower. There’s no use in looking sexy, that mood’s been sucked right out of the night. I’m surprised to see Kam isn’t in bed or on the balcony by the time I’m out. Is this our first fight?